Staff Librarian

STAFF LIBRARIAN JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Artistic Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Location: Onsite

FT/PT: Full Time

Last Revision Date: June 5, 2025

How to apply: A cover letter is required for consideration of this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address:

-Your specific interest in the position and working at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra

-Outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities of the role

The Organization: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is known internationally for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep commitment to serving our community. Making its home in historic Orchestra Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, the DSO actively pursues its vision of being an inclusive and culturally relevant community where all people can experience their world through music.

The DSO is a complex organization. Operating 365 days per year in historic Orchestra Hall, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, we are a performing arts institution, an educational facility, and a community center. We are governed by an independent Board of Directors and employ both union and non-union employees as musicians, stage crew, and administrative staff. Creating a unified culture throughout the institution is an organizational imperative, and we are guided by our values of excellence, diversity, resilience, collaboration, and innovation. The DSO is also deeply invested in the city of Detroit; through our Detroit Strategy initiative, we are expanding the DSO’s participation in the growth and well-being of the city.

The DSO offers a unique, fast-paced working environment, an excellent overall compensation package, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visit www.dso.org.

Position Summary: The Staff Librarian is a position that will work closely with the DSO Principal Librarian and Orchestra Librarian, and Orchestra Manager to provide support for the day-to-day functioning of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Music Library. This position requires a high level of professionalism, tact and integrity due to the frequency of internal/external communication with contacts including musicians, staff, conductors, guest artists, and the Music Director.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Prepares music for DSO performances. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: checking markings and bowings with the conductor’s master score and principal string parts, preparing bar numbers and/or rehearsal letters, adding cuts and inserts, repairing deteriorating parts and scores, preparing extra parts as needed, and creating digital copies as required.

Assemble and prepare orchestra folders for concert programs when directed, including program sheets and cue sheets including excerpted music for education/family concerts, and prepare sign-out sheets for musicians.

Verifies content of rental music received from publishers for accuracy of packing lists and usability of materials. Packs and ships rental materials to sources on a timely basis.

Check contents of purchased music materials for accuracy compared to the score and packing list. Prepare new sets, including stamping and numbering of parts and scores. Verifies errata for new materials. Catalogues new sets and adds to OPAS. Prepare storage boxes for new sets of music added to the DSO collection.

Assist in updating the performance information/instrumentation sheets in the music storage boxes of the DSO collection as needed. Assist in updating OPAS performance history and instrumentation records.

Assist in preparing materials for DSO auditions.

Assist in maintaining the DSO music collection and catalogue, as well as the performance database.

Perform concert and rehearsal duties as assigned by Orchestra Manager in alignment with the Librarians’ Side Letter in the DSO Collective Bargaining Agreement. This includes maintaining library functionality, placement of music and conductor scores on stands, and providing assistance to the Music Director and other titled and guest conductors, musicians, and staff with Library/music needs.

Facilitate respectful working relationships within the Library, the Orchestra, staff, conductors, music publishers, and rental agencies.

Provides staff oversight of part time library staff and interns.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Minimum of two years’ experience working in a music library

Thorough knowledge of orchestra literature, musical terms/signs including bow markings and foreign terms, and contemporary notation

Ability to read/write music in different clefs and transpositions, transcribe parts, copy orchestra parts legibly and quickly using hand manuscript and computer notation software required

Proficiency with all Microsoft Office programs, music engraving software (Dorico, Sibelius, Musescore), digital editing software (Photoshop, GIMP, etc.) and Google online app suite required.

Ability to operate in a PC network environment

Exceptional communication skills to work with a vast array of personalities, including the Music Director and staff conductors, DSO musicians, vendors, members of the public, and administrative staff

Ability to act independently, take initiative, and meet changing priorities

Successful experience working in, and contributing to, a collaborative, team environment

Desired Qualifications:

Two years’ full-time experience working in a professional orchestra library

Proficiency with OPAS

Additional Information:

This is a salaried, non-union position

Successful candidates must be available to work a varying schedule, including nights and weekends, to meet the needs of the DSO’s performance schedule

All positions at the DSO require the successful completion of a background check prior to beginning employment. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates.

Physical Requirements:

This role primarily works in an office environment and frequently has prolonged periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen.

Position Reports to: Orchestra Manager

Direct Reports: Part time library assistants and/or interns

If accommodation is needed to ensure your successful participation in the application or interview process, please reach out to hr@dso.org for assistance.