Assistant Librarian

Job Title: Assistant Librarian
Department: Artistic
Reports to: Principal Librarian
Status: Regular, full-time, exempt from overtime

Summary:
The Assistant Librarian assists the Principal Librarian with music procurement and preparation, concert and rehearsal duties, orchestra library maintenance, and other administrative tasks.

Essential Job Functions:
•Coordinate with music director and guest conductors for procuring desired editions of repertoire.
•  Arrange for the purchase and/or rental of materials to meet program needs.
•  Maintain a timeline for ordering music, with attention to preparation time required and distribution of music within the guidelines of the master agreement.
•  Check all incoming and outgoing music for condition and completeness.
•  Ensure prompt return of rented or borrowed materials and adherence to copyright laws.
•  Work with conductor and/or artist to prepare materials according to specific requirements.
•  Coordinate bowings with string principals and other markings from principal players as needed.
•  Review incoming materials to determine if they meet acceptable standards: legible parts, adequate rehearsal figures and page turns, coordinated bowings, etc.
•  Prepare music for rehearsals and performances, including: bowing string parts; correcting errata and proofreading when required; adding an adequate rehearsal system; adding necessary cuts, edits, and inserts; and repairing deteriorating materials.
•  Create program pages and update as required. Provide program information, instrumentation requirements, and other information to staff and musicians.
•  Assemble and disassemble orchestra folders.
•  Coordinate music transport and special music placement with stage manager.
•  Distribute and collect music at concerts and rehearsals.
•  Set conductor’s scores and/or baton at concerts.
•  Assist conductor and musicians with changes and/or problems encountered during rehearsals.
•  Maintain the orchestra library’s collection; repair and maintain music and folders.
•  Order and keep track of specific library office supplies.
•  Catalogue and file music purchased for the library; maintain accurate OPAS records.
•  Track all items borrowed from the library and ensure their timely return.
•  Maintain accurate instrumentation records in OPAS.
•  Add repertoire information to planned dates in OPAS for operational planning and historical purposes.
•  Research availability and cost of music for artistic planning as assigned.
•  Prepare materials for orchestra auditions as assigned, including coordinating with music publishers on works under copyright.
•  Secure licenses for livestreaming and other enhanced use of rental and/or copyrighted material as assigned.
•  Foster a friendly and positive environment within the department throughout the process of developing artistic plans and in communicating artistic ideas and vision to other departments.
•  Perform additional duties as required by the Houston Symphony Society.
 

•  Four-year degree in music or equivalent.
•  At least one year of library experience at a performing arts organization.
•  Availability to work nights and weekends as needed.
•  Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate and work well with diverse personalities.
•  Ability to deal effectively with large amounts of detail and handle multiple tasks at once in a fast-paced environment.
•  Proficiency in MS Office applications, Photoshop, and knowledge of music notation soft-ware.
•  Experience working with and/or knowledge of OPAS (or other database software) preferred.
•  Flexibility, adaptability, and a sense of humor.
•  Excellent attention to detail and organization skills.
•  Strong sense of responsibility and ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision.
•  Ability to take direction with a positive attitude.
•  Regular and reliable attendance. 

Please include a resume and cover letter when applying.