Head of American Music Collection (Specialist III)

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts/Music Research Division

The Music Division of The New York Public Library is one of the world's preeminent music collections. Documenting the art of music in all its diversity - opera, spirituals, ragtime, jazz, musical theater, film, world, orchestral, rock, and pop music - its vast collection illuminates an art form that is as diverse as humanity. While the Division contains many scores and manuscripts from centuries past, its curatorial mandate is an activist one, placing major emphasis on capturing the creative output of contemporary composers.

Particularly noteworthy is the American Music Collection. From the first edition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" to Native American songs to extensive manuscript collections of American composers, the Division has made the documentation of American classical and popular music a major priority. Collection efforts bring to the Division a copy of almost every piece of classical and popular music published in the United States each year.

Under the general direction of the Chief of the Music Division, oversees the Music Division’s American Music collection of music books, scores, archival and manuscript collections and digital media.  Coordinates acquisitions of special materials, such as archival collections, rare books and manuscripts.  Assists and advises scholars, writers, performers, and researchers in the field who need specialized reference services and information.  Maintains a presence for the American Music Collection through contact with appropriate organizations, publishers, and other professionals and keeps abreast of developments in the field.  Works on collection development and maintains contact with donors and prospective donors.  Prepares archival materials for processing and supervises the processing of those materials.  Coordinates digital projects and writes grant proposals for specialized projects and supervises those projects once implemented.  Assists in the planning of exhibits.  Assists the public program coordinator in choosing American repertoire for performance and assists performers on those programs.  Works at divisional public service desk providing reference and information service.  Performs research and replies to reference letters.

Masters degree in related field, preferably in ethnomusicology or musicology.  Knowledge of American music, both classical and vernacular.  Successfully demonstrated experience working in a large music library. Successfully demonstrated computer  and related technology skills.  Good oral and written communication skills.  Working knowledge of two foreign languages: German plus one additional modern language other than English.  Specialized archival training and experience with digital projects preferred.

To apply, please email cover letter and resume to: lsresumes@nypl.org. 

Refer to job code: LM-S3M in the subject line.  Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.  E/O/E.