Film and Media Studies Librarian

Job Description:

The Brown University Library and Department of Modern Culture and Media (MCM) seeks an experienced and expert candidate for the position of Film and Media Studies Librarian. This position is an outstanding opportunity for a candidate with an excellent skill set in film and video production and preservation, conservation, and research to contribute directly to the pedagogical goals of MCM through teaching and research.

The Film and Media Studies Librarian will assess and meet current and future information needs of faculty, students and scholars in the Department of Modern Culture and Media and define and document goals and priorities for these collections and services in consultation with faculty and students.

The Film and Media Studies Librarian has an in-depth understanding of legacy and contemporary film, video, and digital media technologies. The position manages, preserves, and makes accessible MCM’s collections of 35mm, 16mm, and 8mm celluloid films; analog video collections in a variety of formats, and born-digital media, and their related ephemera. The Librarian curates, expands, and diversifies the MCM archives to support continuing and new research/teaching interests in the department and at the University in new and emerging media fields; and evaluates collections based on records management policies, relevant laws, long-term

preservation, and efficient use of space resources.

The Film and Media Studies Librarian manages the MCM archives’ content management systems; documents, and ensures consistent practices for collection description in collaboration with the Library’s Director of Cataloging and Metadata. This position will assess, devise, and implement a long-range plan for the migration of metadata from MCM’s proprietary digital asset management systems (DAMS) to the University Library’s Library Management System (LMS) and the integration of MCM’s physical collections with the University’s Library and Special Collections storage facilities. The position will work with MCM to build a collection development policy that will prioritize the acquisition of audiovisual materials by/and or documenting marginalized groups, alongside the revision of legacy cataloging that perpetuate anti-black racism and contain oppressive terminology of all types in order to bring MCM’s archives into greater alignment with Brown University’s institution-wide collections, documentation, and access policies for materials created by or about indigenous people by correcting description, and assessing culturally sensitive information.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree or terminal degree in a field such as Archive Science; Film and Media Studies; Museum Studies; Moving Image Archiving and Preservation; or Library and Information Science

• 5 years related experience in film, video, and digital media archiving, curation, and film preservation; or the equivalent combination of skills and experience

• 7+ years of related experience managing film and media collections preferred

• In-depth theoretical, practical, and technical understanding of legacy and contemporary film, video, and digital

• Excellent knowledge and experience in audiovisual archiving.

• Strong knowledge of film and media histories and experience working with media archives, including experience in curation and media materials management, repair, and maintenance, as well as an understanding of photochemical processes for film developing, and the ability to identify different gauges, stocks, and elements of motion picture and still film.

• Proficiency with analog and digital video cameras, film cameras, audio recording and playback systems, and lighting, as well as 35mm, 16mm, 8mm, and standard definition video projection and editing systems.

• Proficiency with mechanized, electrical (non-digital) machinery for film and video inspection, repair, and transfer. The ability to make simple mechanical repairs and adjustments in order to calibrate equipment for use.

• Teaching skills capable of reaching and instructing students and faculty with vastly different levels of technical competence and theoretical knowledge.

• Research and for engaging with all modes of media to help MCM not only maintain, but expand and diversify the Archives.

• Must be able to work and think independently, anticipate facility problems, and resolve issues quickly and efficiently.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Best consideration date 12/15/2025

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

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Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.