Job Posting: WGF Library Fellow

The Writers Guild Foundation is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented, emotionally intelligent library fellow. This is a LIMITED TERM, ONE-YEAR, FULL TIME fellowship, ideal for a recent MLS graduate. (Recent grads are highly encouraged to apply!) You will get your hands dirty, sifting through our archives for gems and helping our patrons find just the thing that’ll help them sell their script and make it big. The Writers Guild Foundation is a non-profit that serves current and aspiring members of the Writers Guild of America, West. In this role, you will facilitate access to the Writers Guild Foundation library's core collections and archival holdings by providing research assistance and information to WGA members, staff, aspiring writers, scholars, journalists, students, and the general public. As part of the Library and Archive team, the Fellow participates in: reference services; materials selection and acquisitions; cataloging; updating website resources; and promotion.

DAILY DUTIES:

  • Serve at reference desk and manage access to core collections by advising and assisting patrons with script selections via email, telephone, and on-site requests.
  • Research in-depth questions about writing resources, copyright, script collections, writers' papers, and other queries related to film, television, and media using validated primary and online sources such as UCLA LibGuides, AMPAS Scriptlist, Library of Congress NUMC, ArchiveGrid, EpGuides, and Online Archive of California.
  • Catalog manuscript and digital collections, including scripts, books, and development materials, according to established library templates.
  • Assist with curating, describing and installing on-site exhibits.
  • Research writers' biographical information and credits for oral histories.
  • Assist with set-up, display and oral presentation of research-oriented tours of the library and pop-up exhibits at outside events and festivals.
  • Depending on experience: participate in archival processing and preservation work, including inventorying; arranging and rehousing archival collections; researching and preparing descriptive collection guides; and performing basic preservation work.
  • Other duties as assigned. What can we say, this role will evolve based on our needs, your skills, and the alignment of Mars and Venus. In other words, we’re a small operation where everyone pitches in when needed, and where you’ll be able to help shape your role.

 

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

  • MLIS or MLS from an ALA-accredited Library and Information Science program or MA in Archival Administration or Moving Image Archive Studies, required
  • Undergraduate degree in Film / Television History, Screenwriting, or related coursework preferred
  • Strong familiarity with entertainment industry collections preferred
  • Enthusiasm for film, television, and media studies
  • Infectious laugh and sense of humor
  • Must be available to work evenings and at least every other Saturday (check our hours and be sure you’re ok!)
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and strong service orientation
  • Ability to prioritize and work both independently and as part of a team
  • Flexibility to work within a constantly evolving organization where responsibilities are shared across departments
  • Organized work habits; accuracy and attention to detail; comfortable multi-tasking without getting all frazzled
  • Ability to lift a 40-pound box required as well as retrieve materials from high shelving using a ladder or step stool
  • Excellent communication skills

 

ASSUMED BASIC SKILLS:

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office
  • Operation of electronic library catalog systems
  • Smart, witty, considerate
  • Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound
  • Like people. We mean really, really like people and enjoy helping them (especially writers)
  • Getting stuff DONE
  • Not raised by wolves, willing to pitch in even if it isn’t your job

 

THE BUREAUCRATIC BIT:

Interviewees will be chosen very selectively. Please be sure you meet the qualifications before you apply. Submitting a persuasive cover letter or note describing your understanding of our organization and why you are a good fit will get our attention. Getting your shining personality across will increase your odds. Thinking of a skill you have, that you know we need, but that we didn’t list above will get you serious bonus points. Referring to something specific from our website or this notice in your subject line will prove you read and understood this job posting. Submitting your cover and resume in a single convenient, combined, printable PDF makes our lives easier when screening resumes. In short, your email/cover matters. A LOT. If you have the skills and background, don’t be afraid to show a little personality and humor. And you must tell us about what you’re watching or what your favorite current TV shows are (and why).

Unfortunately, our salaries are very non-profity and we are unable to offer benefits for this one-year fellowship. However, your co-workers are super way cool, this is a one of a kind collection, and our offices are in a great part of town (across the street from the Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax – you even get free parking at the Grove!). This is a full time position.

We are an equal opportunity employer. You must be eligible to work legally in the United States without employer sponsorship. Hire is subject to the results of a background check.

SUBMIT BY EMAIL ONLY. NO CALLS. DO NOT EMAIL STAFF OR THE ED DIRECTLY. READ THE POSTING CAREFULLY. Submissions that do not follow the guidelines or meet the requirements will not be considered. We’re expecting a large volume of applications, so please be patient and give us at least three weeks.

Email your cover letter and resume by WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31 to: careers.wgf@gmail.com

 

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