Visual Resources Librarian for Islamic Art and Architecture

Job Summary Although the position will remain posted until filled, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by end of day on July 8, 2022.The Fine Arts Library (FAL) seeks an innovative, collaborative, and user-centered Visual Resources Librarian for Islamic Art and Architecture for its Digital Images and Slides Collection. Reporting to the Visual Resources Librarian, the incumbent will develop and manage the Fine Art Library's collection of visual materials related to the art, architecture, and visual culture of the Islamic world in all formats, including digital images, 35 mm and glass lantern slides, historic photographs and albums, illustrated publications, postcards, and ephemera. Working in a patron-oriented service environment, this position provides assistance to faculty, students, and researchers in all aspects of research, teaching, and learning with Islamic visual materials held in the Fine Arts Library, as well as with related online resources. Additional responsibilities include the implementation of appropriate and forward-looking image metadata schemas, enhancing digital access to collections, and assisting in the development and promotion of Fine Arts Library resources and services. The incumbent works closely with the Librarian for Islamic Art and Architecture and the Photographic Resources Librarian in the Fine Arts Library, as well as the faculty, students, fellows, and staff affiliated with the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture (AKPIA) at Harvard University, as well as the broader community at Harvard. Position Description Collection Management, Development, and AccessAcquires, evaluates, and identifies visual resources in all formats for FAL's teaching and research collections in Islamic art and architecture, setting collection priorities to meet research and curricular needs and to ensure that diverse perspectives, underrepresented artists and artistic traditions, and at-risk cultural heritage within the Islamic world are meaningfully represented.Manages digitization, access, and physical arrangement of relevant materials in FAL’s 35 mm slide collection, including the Stuart Cary Welch Islamic and South Asian Photograph Collection, and promotes the collections as a resource for research, teaching, and learning.Together with the Visual Resources Librarian, coordinates and prioritizes the production (e.g., scanning, uploading, cataloging, etc.) of different digital products to ensure timely service to users.Coordinates workflow and quality control for digitization of Islamic visual materials in conjunction with Harvard Library Imaging Services staff or designated outside vendors, as directed.Provides intellectual control for Islamic visual materials using JSTOR Forum and other tools, collaborates with colleagues to establish best practices and authority control, and applies innovative methodologies for efficiency in metadata creation.Together with the Visual Resources Librarian, develops, coordinates, and executes plans for effective arrangement and physical storage of collections of Islamic visual resources, both on- and off-site.Together with the Visual Resources Librarian and the Librarian for Islamic Art and Architecture, develops long-range objectives for Islamic visual collections, including planning and implementing projects involving digitization, exhibition, and/or dissemination.Together with the Librarian for Islamic Art and Architecture and the Photographic Resources Librarian, assists in the assessment and selection of historic photographs and other visual materials in the FAL for digitization, preservation, or special projects.Outreach and EngagementProvides subject-specific reference, research, and instruction services for visual materials in Islamic art and architecture for faculty, students, and researchers throughout the University community.Promotes services and sets collection priorities based on research and curricular needs of faculty, students, fellows, and staff affiliated with the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University, as well as the Department of History of Art and Architecture, The Aga Khan Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, The Center for Middle East Studies, The Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Islamic Studies Program, Department of Art, Film, and Visual Studies, and The Harvard Art Museums, among others.Selects and provides images in appropriate formats for use in teaching, and assists faculty and students in integrating visual and presentation technologies in lectures, course websites, etc.Prepares online research guides, reference tools, and finding aids for Islamic visual materials.PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR MORE DUTIES Basic Qualifications Master's degree in library and/or information science or equivalent experienceAdvanced degree or equivalent experience in the history of art and architecture of Islamic cultures, or the equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or background, etc.2+ years related professional experienceExpertise in image cataloging and applying metadata standardsKnowledge of at least one language relevant to the collection (e.g., Arabic, Turkish, Farsi, Urdu, etc.) Additional Qualifications and Skills 4+ years related professional experience preferredKnowledge of the historic and contemporary fields of Islamic art and architecture and historical study and their constituent disciplinesWorking knowledge of more than one language relevant to the collection (e.g., Arabic, Turkish, Farsi, Urdu, etc.)Working knowledge of Western European languages (e.g., French, German, Spanish, Italian, etc.)Experience working with visual resources, photographic, or special collections in an academic settingExcellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with culturally diverse library users and colleaguesStrong technology skills and enthusiasm for adopting innovative approaches that expand access to collections and to facilitate their use in research, teaching, and learningDemonstrated knowledge of image collections and digital projects related to visual culture and history of the Islamic worldRecord of engagement with professional groups and activities and/or contributions to professional or scholarly literatureDemonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and anti-racism Physical Requirements Ability to use a desktop (keyboard, monitor, and mouse) and mobile computing tools, such as laptops and tablets.Ability to lift, carry, and position books and other materials weighing up to 15 lbs.