Cataloging Library Assistant

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes in the power of illustrated stories to connect us. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the museum will explore narrative art’s potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world.

Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeles’s Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museum’s 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized individual to support project work as a full-time Cataloging Library Assistant for a 6-month temporary project starting in 2025. The Library Assistant will report to the Director of Library and is responsible for completing various aspects of library operation supports, primarily focusing on copy cataloging, inventorying, processing, and labeling books at various museum business locations within Los Angeles. Key duties include ensuring accurate bibliographic records in the library services platform, preparing print materials for circulation by generating spine labels and applying protective treatments. This role is entirely in-person; it involves significant physical activity, including unpacking shipments, shelving books, and frequently moving boxes of books and supplies weighing up to 50 lbs. This position may require some travel between our various worksites in California. In this role, a strong commitment to prioritizing accessibility and inclusive cataloging processes that align with our mission, vision & values.

This position is a time limited 6-month opportunity.

• Cataloging and Classification: Perform inventorying and copy cataloging of various materials. Ensure accurate and consistent bibliographic records in the library's cataloging system, including inputting metadata and verifying information  
• Assist in preparing the library for opening: Shelve books and organize materials in LC format, including arranging displays and ensuring that all areas are ready for use
• Process and label books: Pack and unpack shipments, cover and affix appropriate labels, barcodes, and security devices to materials, ensuring they are ready for circulation. This includes stamping, labeling, and scanning barcodes
• Prepare print materials for circulation: Generate spine labels, apply strengthening, jacketing, and binding treatments
• Engage in physical activity: Must be able to move heavy items such as boxes of books and equipment, frequently moving boxes weighing up to 50 lbs. Must be able to move about the museum, library and other areas, ascend/descend stairs, and perform tasks that require frequent physical movement throughout the library 
• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborates closely with the Library Director and Systems and Technical Services Librarian, and other members of the library team to maintain project goals and objectives. Communicate effectively and respectfully with all team members and museum stakeholders
• Performs other duties related to the day-to-day Library operations as needed  

• Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision.

• Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.

• Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others' communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders.

• Adaptive Resilience: Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity.

• Inclusive Interaction: Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely.

• Bachelor's degree, equivalent experience, or students currently enrolled in an academic library program preferable
• 2-3 years’ experience in library, archives, and/or equivalent knowledge of museum library best practices  
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, punctual and deadline driven
• Excellent listening skills with the ability to understand and follow directions 
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as a team player, and independently  
• Ability to be responsive to any communications in a timely and professional manner 
• Demonstrated capacity to take direction effectively and contribute positively to a cooperative work environment  
• Adept computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word, Excel)  
• Must be able to lift and move boxes of books and materials weighing up to 50 lbs.  
• Requires the ability to walk frequently and ascend/descend stairs regularly throughout the workday 
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks, such as scanning barcodes, shelving books, and labeling materials
• Must be able to stand, walk, and bend for extended periods to complete various tasks within library, storage, and museum environments
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality cataloging records
• Library Services Platform and Cataloging systems familiarity 
• Familiarity with using library systems or databases and/or have an interest in learning
• Familiarity with MARC21 and reading LC call numbers  
• Familiarity or interest in library databases or systems  
• Interest and enthusiasm for narrative art welcomed

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.

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The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to the art of illustrated stories. Our mission is to inspire and connect people through the exploration of visual stories and their influences in society. 

VALUES

Our internal and external practices are shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.

People First: We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what they find emotional in works of art.

Inspired: We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.

Collaborative: We believe that nimble thinking and working together yield exponential results. 

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Narrative Art:

Amplify the social impact of storytelling and illustration. 

Community:

Connect to a broad and diverse public.

Operational Excellence:

Create a healthy and durable institution. 

All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.

Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates’ education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).

Pursuant to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the museum requires all new hires to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical and/or religious exemption. Upon hire, all new hires will receive detailed instructions on complying with this policy.  Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.