Library Assistant Collections

Job Details Description Responsibilities Gift Processing Assists cataloging team with copy cataloging of incoming gift and purchase materials not requiring original cataloging and processing. Completes labeling, barcoding, and holdings creation of incoming materials. Searches incoming gift and exchange materials as needed. Administrative Duties Drafts gift letters on behalf of the department and maintains correspondence files. Coordinates Libraries & Archives Committee meetings and special events, including contacting members, selecting menus, gathering documents, and taking minutes. Maintains the Department's office supplies by organizing, inventorying and ordering as needed. Volunteer Coordination Serves as the primary contact for all Library volunteers, including recruitment, assignment of jobs, training, supervision and orientations to the Library. Serves as the primary liaison between the Department and the Volunteer Services Department. Stack and Vertical File Maintenance Oversees the shelving, order, and general condition of the book stacks and vertical files. Contributes to the expansion of ephemera files for significant Houston artists, donors, organizations, and patrons of the arts. Preservation Performs in-house repairs on damaged books. Provides reference services to the staff and public.

Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities Must be able to work effectively in a team-centered environment and exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills. Able to prioritize, work with minimal supervision and deal with both public and staff in a professional manner. Must be extremely organized, accurate, and attentive to detail. Familiarity with the functionality of a library catalog and knowledge of cataloging principles desired. Strong knowledge of art history preferred. Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office) Heavy lifting and reliable transportation necessary. Education And Experience B.A. Degree preferred. Public service or customer relations experience preferred. Previous employment in a library or museum desired. Working Conditions and Physical Demands Work Will Primarily Be Performed In a Library And Office Environment. In Addition To The Other Demands Mentioned, The Demands Of The Job May Or Will Include Extensive computer usage. Frequent sitting, standing and walking, which may be required for extended periods of time. Ability to lift up to 10 lbs. Ability to climb tall ladders About The MFAH The MFAH is an organization comprised of 600+ employees and 1,000+ docents and volunteers. The museum is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance, with 1M visitors annually. Our multifaceted institution includes multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, three eateries and two house museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 70,000 works of art in a wide range of media.
As an employer, MFAH offers a supportive, collegial and inclusive work environment and a competitive benefits package. Position Available Title: Library Assistant, Collections
Reports to: Chief of Library and Archives
Classification: Non-Exempt/Hourly
Schedule: 40-hour work week – 9 am to 5 pm May include some weekend work Pay Rate: Please see "Compensation" below
Work Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Working Conditions and Physical Demands Work Will Primarily Be Performed In a Library And Office Environment. Work Will Involve Extended Sitting And Computer Use. With Or Without Reasonable Accommodation, The Individual Selected Must Have The Capacity To Perform Effectively All Essential Functions. In Addition To The Other Demands Mentioned, The Demands Of The Job May Or Will Include Must undergo and meet company standards for background and reference checks. Required ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently. Extensive computer usage. Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly in order to communicate with staff, guests and others. Frequent sitting, standing and walking, which may be required for extended periods of time. Good vision or corrected by use of glasses and/or contacts for reading and viewing abilities. Ability to lift up to 10 lbs. Ability to climb ladders Equal Opportunities for All At the MFAH, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.
Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all. Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role. The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: Benefits The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers an excellent benefits package that includes: Medical Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a choice of managed health care programs Dental Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through two plan choices Vision Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a vision program Group health, dental and vision insurance coverage available and effective the first of the month following employment with the MFAH for this role. Life Insurance & AD&D: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee Long Term Disability: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee The MFAH provides a generous schedule for time off under the following benefit categories: Paid Time Off - Used for absences from work such as vacation, illness of short duration, and personal reasons. Hours are accrued biweekly, based on employment status, length of service, and hours worked Reserve Time Off - Used for extended illnesses. Employees accrue up to 6 days per year, up to a maximum of 120 days Holidays - Full-time employees receive ten paid holidays per year Volunteer Time Off - The MFAH supports activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work. Employees receive up to 40 hours of paid time off annually to give back and volunteer. Other Benefits Staff may contribute to the MFAH Retirement Savings Plan. Eligible staff contributing to the plan may receive up to a 5% matching contribution from the MFAH after one year of service. (We also recognize prior nonprofit service which will provide for an accelerated employer match!) MFAH Membership – Staff receive a free Family-level membership Discounts – Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and courses for you or your family at the Glassell School of Art. Metro commuter subsidy available upon request Compensation Salary will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and the needs and requirements expressed in the job description. The MFAH has set the pay range for this job and level as a general guideline and not a guarantee of the compensation amount or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, the needs and requirements expressed in the job description, as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data, and any related regulations or other laws.