The Getty Research Institute (GRI) Collections & Discovery division seeks a knowledgeable, collaborative, and forward-thinking candidate to fill the role of Associate Bibliographer (Collection Development Librarian III) for the GRI's Library. Responsible for most of the ongoing development of the GRI’s renowned and distinctive general library collections, the ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in art history, a knowledge of current trends in the field, and a passion for the intricacies involved in the bibliographic work of selection and assessment. The GRI Library is among the world’s most comprehensive art research libraries, consisting of over 1.7 million volumes of published materials, including books, serials, auction sales catalogs, and myriad electronic resources, all available for use by researchers from around the world. It includes titles in over 50 languages published in 127 countries, focusing primarily on the arts, architecture, and visual culture. Reporting to the Manager of Library Collection Development & Acquisitions, the Associate Bibliographer works with the Collection Development unit staff, a cross-departmental Bibliography team, and in close collaboration with GRI librarians, curators, and other stakeholders across Getty. Externally, the position nurtures and evaluates existing relationships while developing new ones with professional peers, donors, and vendors locally and around the world, contributing directly to the GRI’s mission of cultivating advanced knowledge of art and its varied histories.
Major Job Responsibilities- Serves as an overall subject expert in determining the ongoing bibliographic scope and coverage for a wide range of art-related topics, consulting with stakeholders as appropriate
- Reviews incoming material from approval plans to ensure relevance
- Regularly reviews existing approval plans for gaps in coverage and proposes refinements to profiles, working with others as needed
- Collaborates on establishing new approval plans or other methods of acquisitions based on geographic coverage
- Assists in tracking expenditures and maximizing the library acquisitions budget
- Collaborates on establishing and cultivating new vendor and donor relationships globally
- Selects individual titles that are outside of the scope and budget of current approval plans
- Reviews notifications from vendors and submits ordering selections according to evolving criteria and budgetary guidelines
- Notes gaps (lacunae) and considers future collecting goals both for antiquarian and newly published material
- Revises the Library Collection Development policy in accordance with evolving GRI priorities and budget
- Supplies content for the GRI communication channels and other Getty social media outlets
- Actively participates in relevant professional organizations and considers new models for potential coordinated collection development
- May conduct research, present, exhibit, and publish in areas of responsibility and expertise
- Promotes Getty’s principles of having a welcoming and inclusive environment
Master’s or PhD in Art History and/or MLIS preferred
Minimum 5 years relevant professional experience
Requires special subject knowledge, foreign languages, and/or technical expertise
May require related supervisory experience and/or project management experience
Please note: This position is not eligible for employer-based immigration sponsorship. Applicants must have authorization to work for Getty in the United States without the need for sponsorship, currently or in the future.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities- Reading/bibliographic knowledge of at least 2 foreign languages
- Current knowledge of relevant discipline and research methods
- Knowledge of library management systems
- Solid understanding of bibliographic metadata structure and principles
- Project management skills
- Advanced specialized knowledge of the art book and/or electronic resource trade preferred
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail
- Ability to meet deadlines, apply policies and procedures consistently, conduct research, and present recommendations
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
- 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan – with up to 5% Getty Match
- Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
- Educational Assistance and professional development
- Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Many positions have bi-weekly off-Fridays
- On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
- Community service opportunities
To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.
Skills Required
- Master's or PhD in Art History and/or MLIS
- Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience
- Special subject knowledge, foreign languages, and/or technical expertise
- Reading or bibliographic knowledge of at least two foreign languages
- Current knowledge of the relevant discipline and research methods
- Knowledge of library management systems
- Solid understanding of bibliographic metadata structure and principles
- Project management skills
- Advanced specialized knowledge of the art book and/or electronic resource trade
- Related supervisory experience
- Related project management experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and attention-to-detail skills
- Ability to meet deadlines, apply policies and procedures consistently, conduct research, and present recommendations
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, currently or in the future
Getty Images Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Getty Images and has not been reviewed or approved by Getty Images.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, including medical, dental, and vision plans with EAP/mental‑health resources and employer‑supported HSA/FSA options. Job materials also note early eligibility for full‑time staff and above‑market plan options in some postings.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan with a company match and immediate vesting is consistently highlighted, alongside programs such as charitable‑giving match. These components are positioned as reliable pillars of the total rewards package.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave for all parents, with additional time for primary caregivers, is called out along with adoption, surrogacy, and family‑building support. Family medical leave and related resources reinforce a pro‑family benefits approach.
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