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Job Summary
The Getty Research Institute (GRI) seeks a Library Assistant II for a twelve-month, limited-term position. Located at the Getty Center in Los Angeles, the Getty Research Institute is dedicated to furthering knowledge and advancing understanding of the visual arts and their histories. Serving an international community of scholars, the Research Library is one of the largest art and architecture libraries in the world, with holdings of more than one and one-half million volumes. Special Collections include rare books and journals; rare photographs, prints, and drawings dating from the 15th century to the present; architectural drawings and models; art multiples, film, audio, and video recordings; digital content; and extensive archives and manuscript collections.
The Library Assistant will work both in partnership and under the supervision of the Project Archivist, in processing the papers of Richard Hunt, acclaimed fine art sculptor and creator of public art who was born and based in Chicago. Executed in welded and cast steel, aluminum, copper, and bronze, Hunt’s abstract creations make frequent references to plant, human, and animal forms as well as classical music, traditional African American spirituals, and African and African American history and mythology.
The archive, estimated at approximately 765 linear feet, contains notes and correspondence, notebooks, sketchbooks, photographic documentation, financial records, research, ephemera, blueprints, posters, prints, and a selection of wax models for public sculptures. At the heart of the archive are Hunt’s project files relating to his commissions, projects, exhibitions, and bodies of work.
The Library Assistant’s duties will include physical processing, description, and re-housing of collection materials according to archival standards and best practices. The position will be based at the Getty Center, with occasional work at a warehouse thirty miles north of the Getty Center. We expect onboarding for this role to begin in August 2026.
Major Job Responsibilities
- Archival physical processing tasks such as: foldering, labeling, sleeving slides, cleaning, and re-housing of delegated series within the Richard Hunt Papers
- Ensures proper handling, care, storage, preservation, and tracking of collection items
- Contributes to the development of a DACS-compliant finding aid and bibliographic record for the collection based on current standards, best practices, research, and analysis
- May identify conservation concerns and liaise with conservation staff
- May retrieve, assess, and track collection materials for digitization
Qualifications
Please note: This position is not eligible for employer-based immigration sponsorship. Applicants must have authorization to work for Getty in the United States without the need for sponsorship, currently or in the future.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong organizational skills, ability to work with a wide variety of audiences, and attention to detail
- Knowledge of archival standards such as DACS, EAD, LCSH, AAT helpful
- Experience handling rare and unique materials with care
- Introductory knowledge of bibliographic metadata structure and standards
- Experience with information and/or collection management systems preferred, knowledge of ArchivesSpace and Airtable helpful
- Interest in art history and African American art helpful
- Demonstrated experience working on team-based projects
- Ability to meet deadlines and apply policies and procedures consistently
- Ability to lift boxes and push book trucks up to 40 pounds
- Ability to climb ladders
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks for a long period of time
- Must have means of transportation to work sites at both the Getty Center in Brentwood and Getty’s off-site facility approximately 30 miles to the north of the Center
Benefits and Perks
Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected
- 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan – with up to 5% Getty Match
- Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
- Educational Assistance and professional development
- Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Many positions have bi-weekly off-Fridays
- On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
- Community service opportunities
To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR
