Archivist

L.A. Louver seeks a project-based, limited term Archivist to work in its active Archive and Library, which is distinguished by records and materials that document the Gallery’s activities since 1975. On September 16, 2025 during the 50th anniversary of the founding of L.A. Louver, it was publicly announced that the L.A. Louver Archive and Library will be received as a promised gift by The Huntington.

This is a unique opportunity for an Archivist with demonstrated professional experience and expertise to appraise, accession, process, arrange, describe, and preserve historical and contemporary archival records, including digitized and digital-born materials. L.A. Louver Archive and Library will be physically transferred to The Huntington Library by July 2029. The Archivist will work collaboratively with Archive and Library staff including the Assistant Archivist and Digital Asset Coordinator and the Head Archivist, Librarian, and Research Specialist, as well as with Gallery colleagues including the Directors, Assistant Director, Preparators, Communications and Research Assistant, and Gallery Receptionist.

Founded in Venice, California in 1975, L.A. Louver is a private commercial contemporary art gallery that has exhibited the work of over 430 artists, mounted more than 660 exhibitions, and helped to organize over 125 museum shows. L.A. Louver has long been recognized for its role as being among the first cultural organizations to build dialogue between Southern California and the global art world, having represented local and international artists such as David Hockney, Edward Kienholz and Nancy Reddin Kienholz, R.

B. Kitaj, Leon Kossoff, Gajin Fujita, and Alison Saar, among many others. In September 2025, L.A. Louver announced a major shift to a new model that embraces private art dealing, artist support, consulting, and special projects. For more information, please visit the Gallery website:

• Lead the development of an appraisal and processing plan for digital records according to professional standards, best practices, and internal workflows. Collaborate in implementing the plan to appraise, accession, process, arrange, describe, and preserve digital records
• Lead digital preservation of the L.A. Louver website with Archive-It
• Collaborate to appraise, accession, process, arrange, describe, and preserve physical archival records according to professional standards, best practices, and internal workflows
• Collaborate to write and enhance the finding aid in Archives Space according to Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)
• Collaborate to maintain processing metrics and project documentation
• Collaborate to identify high-risk information, third party intellectual property rights, and other sensitive data in archival records using various tools and standards. Collaborate to develop recommendations for appropriate handling, restrictions, and eventual future access of archival records
• Collaborate to identify physical conservation concerns and perform basic preservation practices
• Collaborate to refine internal standards, procedures, and policies

• Undertake special independent and collaborative projects as assigned
• Collaborate with Archive and Library colleagues to:
  • Acquire and process books into the Library; write and maintain book cataloging records in the collection management system (Art Base)
  • Document and maintain the saleable catalogue and merchandise inventory (on-site as well as at off-site storage)
  • Write and maintain artist CVs and bibliographies in the Digital Archive Database system
  • Write and maintain artwork cataloging records including provenance, literature, and exhibition history information in Art Base
  • Conduct art historical and archival research as needed

• Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Library Science (MLS), or Archives and Records Administration (MARA) from an ALA-accredited institution
• Bachelor of Art (B.A.) in library and information science, art history, history, museum studies, or related field
• Mid-career specialist with at least five years of professional experience (post MLIS degree) in appraising, accessioning, processing, arranging, describing, and preserving archival records, and managing projects with multiple deadlines
• Demonstrated experience with professional standards and best practices that govern the arrangement, description, and use of archival records such as DACS, Encoded Archival Description (EAD), and Resource Description and Access (RDA)
• Demonstrated experience with Digital Preservation Systems and Digital Asset Management Systems, including current toolkits and processes used in web, email, and social media archiving
• Ability to develop, refine, and implement internal policies, procedures, and workflows
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced work environment
• Knowledge of modern and contemporary art and art history
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Skills:
  
  Archives Space,…