Image Collections Specialist

Requisition #
2025-21124

Date Posted
2 weeks ago(1/15/2026 3:57 PM)

Department: Art and Archaeology

Category: Library

Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

Working within the Visual Resources research unit in the Department of Art and Archaeology, the Senior Image Collections Specialist supports the curriculum and scholarship of the Department and the wider Princeton University community through image acquisition and cataloging as well as collection development and management of the various media (digital, print, film) used within the department for teaching and research. Visual Resources contains the physical and digital teaching image collection as well as archaeological archives, historic photographs, and material teaching collections including stone and pottery. Core responsibilities for this position include acquiring and cataloging images for delivery into learning management systems for use in courses and faculty publications, and fulfilling requests for support from faculty and students related to finding and using images.

Reporting to the Director of Visual Resources, this position also works closely with the faculty to fulfill their image needs for teaching and research, including image permissions for publication. The Specialist uses a broad knowledge of copyright as it relates to the reproduction of art to offer individual consultations and group instruction on image permission management and image organization. This position is also involved in digitization, special collections access, and other efforts to describe, manage, publish, and promote both the physical and digital collections of the department with users. The position contributes to the development and fulfillment of strategic long-range plans for producing, managing, storing, preserving, and delivering digital and archival image resources by applying known standards and established principles in the field of visual resource management. Technical and support responsibilities include assisting with use of photography and scanning equipment and archival assessment and arrangement.

Responsibilities

• Create, improve, and document policies related to resource description projects.
• Enter original descriptive cataloging of images into systems using nationally accepted standards (DublinCore, CIDOC, CCO, VRA Core) and authorities (Getty, VIAF, LoC) and batch edit and clean metadata (Excel, OpenRefine) for upload to digital collections platform (Collective Access) and JSTOR.
• Respond to image publication requests from faculty by researching and locating image sources from print materials, open access collections, and commercial image vendors.
• Facilitate the capture of images from library resources by the department staff photographer.
• Obtain and manage permission for publication of images for individual faculty publications.
• Respond to student requests for support with individual and occasional group instruction in: finding images, image publication, and image copyright.
• Improve the physical arrangement and organization of archival collections in the department by weeding, transferring and re-housing physical materials.
• Provide support for use of image scanners, image capture (copystand photography) and image resources.
• Assist faculty, students and other researchers in use of the collections, both analog and digital.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA in Art History or equivalent with significant Art History background
• Reading ability in at least one European language
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Knowledge of digital image technology, photographic processes and ability to evaluate analog and digital image quality
• Interest in learning new technologies
• Ability to take initiative, solve problems and prioritize work effectively
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly, independently and collaboratively with colleagues, faculty, and students in a rapidly changing service-oriented environment.
• Working knowledge of cataloging schemas and authority tools such as VRA core and CCO, as well as Iconclass, Library of Congress, and Getty Institute authority files (AAT, ULAN and TGN)
• Knowledge of image cataloging standards and practices

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• MLIS degree strongly preferred or 4+ years in a library, archive or museum
• Masters degree in Art History preferred
• Experience in Visual Resources Collection or museum or related institution
• Demonstrated skill with databases
• Skill in photography

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours
36.25

Eligible for Overtime
No

Benefits Eligible
Yes

Probationary Period
180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)
No

Physical Capacity Exam Required
No

Valid Driver’s License Required
No

Experience Level
Entry Level

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Salary Range
$73,000 to $80,000