Archive Processing 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 supply project-based work as a full-time Archive Processing Assistant for a 6-month temporary project starting in 2025. The Archive Processing Assistant will report to the Archivist & Special Collections Librarian.  This position will be responsible for supporting the essential preservation, care, and accessibility activities for the library’s archive collections at various museum business locations within Los Angeles. Key duties include the physical handling, inventorying, and stabilization of the library’s archive collections. 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. In addition, approximately 25% of the Assistant’s time will be allocated toward department efforts to inventory, copy catalog, and shelve various materials. To ready the Library for the museum’s public opening, they will also contribute to general processing and labeling of books. This position may require some travel between our various worksites in California. In this role, a strong commitment to prioritizing accessibility and inclusive archiving processes that align with our mission, vision & values.

This position is a 6-month opportunity.

• Performs preservation treatment such as re-housing archives in acid-free enclosures, interleaving, and cleaning 
• Creates preliminary inventories for specific archive collections 
• Assists in conducting preliminary research on subjects related to specific archive collections 
• Enters descriptive data and container lists in the museum’s archive management system, ArchivesSpace (ASpace) 
• Provides other preservation treatments as needed 
• Assists in preparing library materials for opening, including inventorying, cataloging, processing, shelving, and preparing books for circulation 
• Collaborates closely with the Library Director, Archivist and Special Collections Librarian, and other members of the Library team to maintain project goals and objectives 
• 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
• 1-2 years' experience in library, archives, and/or equivalent knowledge of museum library best practices  
• Familiarity of library and archival systems and databases, especially MARC21, LC, and ArchivesSpace preferred 
• Detailed oriented 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, punctual and deadline driven
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as a team player, and independently  
• 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 
• Must be able to stand, walk, and bend for extended periods to complete various tasks within library, storage, and museum environments 
• 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.