Photographic Collection Cataloger

DALLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL FOUNDATION

Dallas, TX Job Details Full-time 8 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Archival material cataloging Historical research Writing skills Museum experience Archival research services Records management Bachelor's degree Metadata tagging Descriptive cataloging Bibliographic research services Controlled vocabularies Metadata management Full Job Description The Photographic Collection Cataloger supports the Museum's stewardship, documentation and public access to its photographic collections, with primary responsibility for research, cataloging and metadata development associated with the Bob Jackson Collection Preservation and Access Project, a two-year initiative supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Bob Jackson Collection represents one of the most significant photographic donations in the Museum's history. Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Bob Jackson, a longtime staff photographer for the Dallas Times Herald, documented Dallas and major national events from 1960 through 1978. His photograph of Jack Ruby shooting Lee Harvey Oswald inside Dallas police headquarters on November 24, 1963, won the 1964 Pulitzer Prize in News Photography and became one of the most recognizable images associated with the assassination weekend. The recently donated collection includes more than 22,000 photographic images and related materials, including negatives, slides, prints, publications, equipment and ephemera. Together, these materials provide a rich visual record of Dallas during a period of significant growth and transformation. Working within the Collections department, the Cataloger will create and enhance comprehensive catalog records for the Bob Jackson Collection in TMS, conduct in-depth research to identify people, places, events and subjects represented in photographs and document publication and use history. The position will establish consistent descriptive metadata and authority control while documenting copyright and rights information to support research, exhibitions, education, licensing and future public access. The Cataloger will work closely with the Photographic Preservation & Digitization Specialist to ensure physical materials, catalog records and digital assets remain accurately linked throughout the project.

Essential Responsibilities:

Create and enhance detailed catalog records for photographic negatives, slides, prints and related materials in TMS according to professional museum standards and established project guidelines. Research and identify individuals, locations, events, dates and subjects represented in photographs using newspapers, archival resources, publications, institutional records and other reliable sources. Research and document the publication history of photographs, including appearances in newspapers, magazines and other publications. Develop consistent descriptive metadata, subject terms, keywords and authority records for names, places, events and subject to improve discovery and access. Research copyright, rights and reproduction information associated with individual photographs and document known publication and use history. Develop and apply standardized cataloging conventions and metadata structures in collaboration with Museum staff. Coordinate with the Photographic Preservation & Digitization Specialist to ensure physical objects, TMS records and corresponding digital assets are accurately linked and appropriately documented. Collaborate with the Registrar and other Collections staff as needed to support metadata consistency and workflows. Review existing documentation and previously created records, correcting or enhancing information as additional research becomes available. Work with curatorial staff and other Museum colleagues to contextualize historically significant images and identify potential connections to exhibitions, education, research and public access. Prepare collection metadata and documentation to support online publication through the Museum's website and digital collection platforms. Maintain detailed research documentation and source citations to support the accuracy and reliability of catalog records. Carry out activities according to the approved IMLS project work plan, timeline, performance measures and professional standards. Track cataloging and research outputs and maintain production documentation necessary for grant monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Participate in project meetings and provide regular updates regarding progress, research findings, workflow challenges and project milestones. Perform other related duties and projects as assigned. Bachelor's degree in history, public history, museum studies, library science, archival studies, or a related field. Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in museum collections, archives, libraries, photographic collections, historical research or a related cultural heritage setting. Demonstrated experience conducting detailed historical, biographical and/or photographic research using primary and secondary sources. Experience creating or maintaining museum, archival or library catalog records and descriptive metadata. Familiarity with cataloging standards, controlled vocabularies, authority control and collections documentation practices. Ability to identify, evaluate and reconcile information from multiple sources while maintaining clear documentation of research findings. Strong research, writing, organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills. Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and consistency while working with large quantities of collection materials. Ability to manage production goals and priorities within an established project schedule while working independently and collaboratively. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Qualifications (Optional): Master's degree in history, public history, museum studies, library and information science, archival studies or a related field. Professional experience researching or cataloging photographic or photojournalism collections. Experience with TMS or a comparable collection management system. Knowledge of Dallas, Texas and/or twentieth-century American history. Experience working on grant-funded cataloging, collections access or digitization projects.

Compensation and Benefits:

This position is full-time and exempt. Compensation is commensurate with experience and aligned with internal compensation structure. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plan and paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The Sixth Floor Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.