Specialist II/Librarian II (Temporary) at The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library · New York, United States Of America · Onsite
- Professional
- Office in New York
Overview
Founded in 1925 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2017, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of materials focused on African American, African, and African Diaspora experiences, featuring diverse programming and a collection of over 11 million items that illuminates the richness of global Black history and culture. A research library of The New York Public Library and seeded by the collection of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, the Schomburg Center provides free access to materials documenting Black life locally, nationally, and internationally.
Founded in 1925 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2017, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of materials focused on African American, African, and African Diaspora experiences, featuring diverse programming and a collection of over 11 million items that illuminates the richness of global Black history and culture. A research library of The New York Public Library and seeded by the collection of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, the Schomburg Center provides free access to materials documenting Black life locally, nationally, and internationally.
The Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books (MARB) Division collects, preserves, and makes available for research purposes rare, unique, and primary materials that document the history and culture of people of African descent throughout the world, with a concentration on the Americas and the Caribbean.
The Librarian II/Specialist II is responsible for assisting with reference and collection support in the Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books (MARB) Division. The librarian/specialist interfaces with the public and the research community while offering support to other divisions at the Schomburg Center. In addition to the public facing services, the Librarian II/Specialist II will provide collection maintenance support to the division and assist its Curator and Assistant Curator with exhibitions at the Schomburg Center, New York Public Library, and other venues. This is a donor-funded 2.5 year temporary position.
Responsibilities
- Provide public service and collection support for MARB Division and respond to reference questions via email, phone, and in-person from researchers, scholars, and staff
- Participate in outreach activities such as class visits and group presentations
- Provide support to the division with updating collection materials and reference services including policies and procedures, special projects, exhibitions, and related programming
- Update and create content for web pages, LibGuides, and training materials
- Serve on relevant committees, tasks forces, and working groups that are related to professional responsibilities
- Collaborate with public and technical services units within the Research Libraries at the New York Public Library to create a unified patron experience
- Maintain a personal program of continuous education and professional development
- Support the Schomburg Center’s research divisions to ensure patron access to collection materials held throughout the various reading rooms
- Perform other related duties as required
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Certifications
ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies or Master’s degree in liberal arts or humanities and successful completion of archival training
Required Experience
- Experience providing reference service and collection support in a research setting, such as a library, special collection, university, or archive
- Strong experience and demonstrated knowledge of online catalogs, databases, and library and archive reference and information resources.
- Subject area expertise of any of the following: African American History/Studies/Literature, Africana Studies, Diaspora or Cultural Studies
Required Skills
- Ability to both work independently and collaboratively, establishing and maintaining working relationships with staff, researchers, other organizations and professionals in the field
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Knowledge of cataloging standards (DACS, MARC, RDA, LCSH, LCCN)
- Familiarity with Aeon or other special collections workflow management software
- Strong attention to detail with ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment to meet planned goals
- Demonstrated digital literacy skills
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
N/A
More...
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
- Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
- Be Resourceful in solving problems
- Be Curious in all aspects of your work
- Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
- Research Library
- Office Setting
Physical Duties
- Lifting up to 40 lbs. required
- May require travel within NYC
- Must be able to position oneself to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and use step ladder or climb tall ladders
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
No
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
- 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
- 35 hours per week to be scheduled during regular building hours
- Evenings and alternating Saturdays are required
- Schedule subject to change
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).
