Picture Library Assistant
Picture Library Assistants help with the day to day running of a picture library. Work typically includes the receiving, scanning, captioning, keywording and the meta-tagging of images so they can be digitally archived and catalogued for easy retrieval by Researchers or Image Sales Executives (see Skillset profiles for these roles).
Depending on the nature of the Picture Library and their level of experience and seniority, Assistants may also be asked to assist with customer sales, picture research, digital imaging, archive duties, general office administration and the maintenance and updating of company websites. They may also be involved with the physical archiving and restoration of original images or be asked to liaise with curators or staff from other areas of the organisation. The role of Picture Library Assistant is an entry level job, so while it is not particularly well paid it is varied and interesting work offering good career prospects.
What is the job?
The precise nature and title of the Picture Library Assistant's role will depend on the size of the picture library and whether the library is attached to a museum, gallery, publication, government agency, large corporation, professional body, university, or picture agency. That said the Picture Library Assistant is likely to be asked to perform many of the following duties:
- Receiving, scanning and labelling photographic images
- Correct captioning and detailed keywording of images to place them accurately and effectively in the archive, catalogue and database
- Maintaining a good working knowledge of the images available in the image bank
- Responding to requests for images from a sales team or other internal colleagues
- Responding to telephone, written and email enquires from the public and external organisations looking to source and license images
- Locating the required digital images (or originals) in response to these requests
- Taking payment for images where required
- Assessing the quality of images, ensuring colour balance, composition and exposures are correct
- Assisting with the physical upkeep of the archives and general clerical and administrative duties.
In larger organisations precise responsibilities are likely to be assigned according to the Assistant's particular aptitudes. There is usually a hierarchy of positions, and more senior Assistants may also be asked to coordinate the commissioning of new photography and take a more active role in sales.
A Picture Library Assistant usually enjoys regular employment, holiday pay, a pension scheme and other advantages. Pay varies greatly depending on the type and size of picture library, the precise nature of the duties, and the Assistant's level of experience. The work may be part-time and some previous work experience in a Picture Library is usually preferred. Depending on where the library is located, Picture Library Assistants may be expected to work unusual shift hours and patterns, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
Typical career routes
Picture Library Assistant is a key entry-level role into the world of picture libraries and image sales. It is possible to secure a position fresh from college or university though competition for places is strong.
Employers typically prefer to hire experienced personnel based upon their knowledge of photography or the particular subject area that the library specialises in. For this reason a short period of work experience, voluntary work, temp work or an internship may help secure the first paid position. It may also be possible to find work in this sector by first working in Image Sales for a Picture Agency (see the Skillset Job Profile for this role) as sales skills are highly prized.
From the Picture Library Assistant role it is possible to move into a more senior archival role within the library (or umbrella organisation) or become a specialist Picture Researcher (see Skillset profile for this role) or member of the library sales team. It is also possible to transfer some of these skills to other areas such as picture Agencies, the Picture Desk of a publication, Digital Imaging (see Skillset profile for this role), library management or more general museum work.
Essential knowledge and skills
Applicants for this role should be friendly and diligent. They should enjoy taking on a wide range of tasks, have a passion for pictures and some knowledge and enthusiasm for the areas the library specialises in e.g. science, geography or history. A good general knowledge, interest in current affairs and awareness of world issues would also be an advantage in order to effectively place images in context.
Good spelling is vital. Images need to be accurately captioned, key worded and meta-tagged according to a variety of descriptors. Any careless mistake can mean that the picture will be lost to future searches.
Knowledge and interest in the visual arts are highly prized as are computer skills in Photoshop, Word and Excel. Experience in scanning, databasing and imaging software would also be an advantage.
Picture Library Assistants should show self-discipline and have a logical approach to record management. They need to be able to manage many projects simultaneously so the ability to prioritise tasks is important. Assistants should have good communication skills as they will come into regular contact with customers, photographers, other staff and members of the general public. They should also be good team players and show a high level of initiative.
Training and qualifications
There are no specific qualifications for this role; however, most successful applicants will have a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject.
Once in post, Picture Library Assistants can improve their promotion prospects, by taking a post-graduate courses in archiving or records management (some of which are available through distance learning) or by training in some specialist area of photo restoration or digital imaging.
For more information about post-graduate courses in archiving, visit the Society of Archivists website: Society of Archivists
The British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies (BAPLA) often run short courses in digital imaging and regularly list job vacancies on their website: BAPLA Vacancies
For this information and more, please view the attached PDF.
Picture Library Assistant
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