The New-York Historical Society is seeking an experienced reference librarian with a strong public service orientation to join the Library’s department of printed collections, an interrelated set of rare and historical resources—books and pamphlets, newspapers, maps and atlases, broadsides, dining menus and other ephemera collections—that spans from the 16th century to the present.
Researchers frequently use the printed collections in tandem with the library’s collections of manuscripts and graphic materials, all of which are consulted in the central reading room, an active, integrated, research environment. Among the 10,000 researchers who use the library’s collections each year, on-site and remotely, are scholars, college and graduate students, K-12 teachers, curators from other institutions, journalists and creative writers, architects and engineers, real estate developers and building renovators, genealogists, media fact checkers, and curious New Yorkers.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Reference Librarian for the Printed Collections provides in-depth research assistance on-site and remotely; introduces a wide range of visiting groups to the Library’s collections and services; describes and promotes the printed collections through blog posts, online research guides, and displays in the reading room; helps to build and increase access to the printed collections; works with the IT department to ensure uninterrupted on-site access to the library’s electronic research databases; works with the library’s cataloging department to implement updates and upgrades to the library’s online registration system; contributes to library and institutional initiatives and projects.
EDUCATION:
M.L.S. from an A.L.A.-accredited program required; B.A. in the humanities preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
• Minimum of 2 years working in a busy reference setting with multiple responsibilities
• Commitment to library public service, including a keen interest in promoting the use and appreciation of special collections
• Experience presenting to groups
• Proficiency in the use of both electronic research tools and relevant print sources
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and other trends in the field
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
• Initiative, flexibility, and the ability to work cooperatively in a team-based, user-centered environment
• Must be able to work Saturdays, September through May.
Previous experience working in a special collections library and knowledge of New York and American history is preferred.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
• Provides in-depth research assistance on-site and remotely
• Introduces a wide range of visiting groups to the Library’s collections and services
• Describes and promotes the printed collections through blog posts, online research guides, and displays in the reading room
• Helps to build and increase access to the printed collections
• Works with the IT department to ensure uninterrupted on-site access to the library’s electronic research databases
• Works with the library’s cataloging department to implement updates and upgrades to the library’s online registration system
• Contributes to library and institutional initiatives and projects.
• Additional duties as requested.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee with or without accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
The employee will retrieve, transport, and re-shelve library collections of varying size and weight, alone and in conjunction with co-workers. Library carts and special carriers are used to transport most all collections except for small and lightweight items which are carried by hand. The employee will walk and climbs steps throughout the day.
For consideration please send a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: resumes@nyhistory.org Please reference the job title in the subject line.
The New-York Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer
