• Job Description

  Req#: 494765

  Under the direction of the Head of Image Licensing and Digital Archives, the Digital Archivist is responsible for the recording, cataloging and maintenance of visual collection information and serving as a liaison to the MFA Imaging Studio.

  Essential Functions:

  Provide intellectual access to new MFA photography and video :

  • Archive all new digital and analog images and video created by the MFA Imaging Studio using the web based platform. Verify object information with curators to confirm media views. Catalog all information in The Museum System (“TMS”) to provide the museum with access to the visual collection for research and ordering purposes. Archive all digital images produced from new photography and special projects, as assigned, to be burned to back up media and moved to servers for preservation of the image and proof images in TMS.
  • Develop, implement, and oversee policies and workflows for archiving, description, access, and preservation of the visual collection. Continuously improves policies and procedures for management and preservation of digital materials.
  • Create and maintain controlled vocabularies and ensures proper application. Review legacy metadata to ensure compliance with current standards.
  • Enter records for events, sites and constituents into TMS. Catalog Life & Times digital files, and archive them to back up media and servers.
  • Proof digital images in TMS for Museum objects and life and times photography by contacting the department regarding incorrect images, researching and correcting any problems.
  • Work with MFA photography staff to archive life and times photography related to installation, events, constituents and site documentation.
  • Supervise and train work-study students and interns for projects including long term scanning of MFA collections and documentation projects involving MFA history, life, and times. Supervise in the daily pulling and filing of photographic materials.

  Provide intellectual access to existing MFA photography and video :

  • Improve integrity of existing information imported from past database conversions. Upgrade object records to include all analog and digital Visual Archives holdings. Perform research for Division of Rights and Licensing regarding client requests and identification information.
  • Develop and maintain system for organizing, cataloging and archiving digital image backlog of Museum events, life and times images in the non-object modules of TMS. Retro-catalog all life and times photography in TMS.

  Provide intellectual access to images of non-MFA photography :

  • Catalog external photography of objects and life & times used for curatorial and educational research, exhibition planning, public relations and publications.

  Maintenance of the collection

  • Work with Digital Systems Manager to assess needs for management and long-term preservation of digitized and born- digital materials in the visual collections. Remain current with evolving digitization standards and best practices, and research development for expansion into additional formats.
  • Monitor and track climate levels in archive storage. Research better archival storage and materials and upgrade as needed.
  • Maintains an awareness of current trends in archives and digital preservation

  Coordination with MFA Imaging Studio:

  • Work with MFA Imaging Studio and Manager of Digital Images to monitor the studio schedule for the timely completion of photographic orders. Assist the Photo Studio in preparing all MFA photography as well as exhibition photography.
  • Be familiar with the essential functions of the Manager of Digital Images position and be able to assist MFA staff and Division of Rights and Licensing as necessary.

  Rights and Licensing

  • Work with clients requesting images for study, Coursepack, thesis or website use.
  • Maintain computer records of requests and process orders for photographic material. Act as a liaison between clients and MFA Images and advise clients and partners (in writing, by e-mail, by telephone or in person) regarding availability of visual materials and their use in all media in accordance with policies and the costs involved.
  • Clear image uses through curatorial department and artists representatives.
  • Process all licensing agency requests.

  Requirements:

  • BA in Art History or Library Science
  • 3-5 years of related experience
  • Knowledge of digital file formats, video formats and data base systems
  • Superb organizational skills
  • Ability multitask while sustaining high level of accuracy
  • Must be adept at working on PC and Mac platforms
  • Strong relationship management skills

  Salary:

  Full-time Salary, 35 hours per week.

  Salary: $46,000 to $49,000 commensurate with experience
  

  The Museum reserves the right to change job descriptions. While this job description is intended to include essential duties, it is conceivable that job duties may change before the job description is officially revised.

  This position is affiliated with the UAW Union.

  The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

• About the company

  The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts, is the 14th-largest art museum in the world, measured by public gallery area.

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