Library Assistant
The role and functions of Library Assistants working in Post Production facilities companies vary according to the size of each company, but always involve filing and storing media and paperwork, and keeping accurate and consistent records. Post Production Facilities Houses provide complete end to end services for off-line, on-line and non-linear editing, visual effects, and DVD production to the independent, corporate and broadcast media sectors.
Post Production involves creatively weaving together visual and audio materials shot or created during the production process, and combining them with other media, graphics, effects, subtitles, archive footage, etc., to create a variety of final products including broadcast programmes, DVD titles, corporate productions, etc.
Library Assistants monitor and record the movements of all tapes and media for productions. They are part of the team that supports the work of senior Post Production personnel and clients. Libraries may also be managed by Edit Assistants, Reception staff, Runners, or by those working in the Despatch department. Library Assistants are usually employees of the company.
What is the job?
Library Assistants handle all tapes and media coming into and out of facilities companies, and know the location of all media relating to specific jobs in hand. They log new tapes and other media into and out of the library. They check that all media are labelled accurately and unambiguously. They must be able to read, understand and generate, to industry standards, the labels and documentation which accompany tapes and media. Library Assistants ensure that all relevant media are distributed to the appropriate personnel, at the correct time, and in suitable formats. They generate, update and maintain up to date written and/or electronic records and databases of all media. They may be required to research the availability of archive footage, and order and monitor the delivery of relevant media from external sources. They monitor and order appropriate tape stock, and ensure that quantities of striped stock are available.
Typical career routes
Library Assistants may begin their careers as Runners. They may progress to become Edit Assistants, and ultimately to more senior roles, e.g., Editor. The average expected job span for Library Assistants is a maximum of two years.
Essential knowledge and skills
Library Assistants must understand the principles and importance of unambiguous labelling of every frame of each project, using roll numbers and time-codes that conform to recognized industry practices. They should understand different media activities and formats, and be familiar with each facility, and with the contents of each of the edit suites. They should also be aware of the principles of metadata, ftp, ingest, database use, etc.
Key Skills include:
- excellent communication skills;
- a high level of organisational skills;
- precise attention to detail;
- effective team working skills;
- good IT skills;
- knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
Training and qualifications
Although no specific educational or training qualifications are required for the Library Assistant role, qualifications relevant to future roles, e.g., relevant Media degrees, may provide useful background knowledge. Relevant archiving and IT skills are essential. Personality and communication skills are also important at entry levels.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.
Websites
- UK Screen Association is the trade body for Post Production;
- BECTU, the trade union represents Post Production personnel;
- British Film Institute publishes Sight and Sound;
- BKSTS (The Moving Image Society) publishes Image Technology;
Publications
- Broadcast, weekly newspaper for the UK TV and Radio industry;
- Televisual, monthly business magazine for the broadcast industry;
- Audio Post Production for Television and Film - Wyatt & Amyes - ISBN 0-240-51947-7
- How Video Works - Weynand & Weise ISBN 0-240-80614-X
- Nonlinear Editing Basics - Steven Browne - ISBN 0-240-80282-9
All books available from: http://www.focalpress.com/
Glossary
Linear : Editing in formats where it is not possible to move sections around within edited material, e.g., VHS, u-matic or BETA, etc.
Non-Linear : Editing in formats where it is possible to move sections around within edited material, e.g., film, AVID, Edit Pro, etc.
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Library Assistant - Post Production
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