Library Page - Conservation Lab

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Overview

 
Do you love libraries and love helping people? For more than 125 years, The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of books, information, ideas, and education. With collections numbering more than 56 million items and serving more than 16 million patrons in person each year and millions more online, NYPL’s reach is both local and global. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.

At our world-class Research Centers–including the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Library at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the Library for the Performing Arts, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture–expert staff facilitate the work of our diverse communities, offering inspiring reading rooms, programs, exhibitions, fellowships, and a dynamic range of research services. Their work is supported by dedicated staff on the Collections and Research Services teams, which includes Conservation. 

This Library Page position in the Conservation Division is located in the Library Services Center in Long Island City, Queens. The position provides the opportunity to work in a large and busy conservation department staffed by conservators and technicians specializing in bound, flat, and photographic materials. 

As a Library Page at NYPL, you will be immersed in that and much more.  A Page position is meant to provide you with an opportunity to learn  what it means to work in a library system and professional environment. You will have access to a wealth of knowledge and gain experience that will serve you well in any future endeavors or that you may decide to continue to build a career on at the Library.  We are looking for candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic, are reliable, and possess excellent written and verbal communications skills. You will be expected to be an ambassador for the library, so a friendly demeanor goes a long way. 

The library page position is scheduled for 19 hours per week, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Schedules are variable based on library needs and may be subject to change.

 
Key Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Collections Care Supervisor, the Library Page:

• Prepares and constructs housing materials for collections
• Rehouses collections
• Performs basic stabilization of collections
• Performs batch repair treatments on general collection books
• Helps maintain conservation materials and supplies in order
• Assists Conservation staff with basic lab and conservation tasks
• Learns about the daily operations of a library conservation lab 
• Performs other related tasks as needed

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

• Current enrollment in a  high school or college or degree-granting program 
• Proper employment certificate for minors under 18 as required by NYS law
• Interest in cultural heritage 

Required Skills

• Demonstrated manual dexterity and hand skills
• Computer fluency, especially with Google Suite and Microsoft Office
• Sound organizational skills and ability to follow instructions in a detailed-oriented environment
• Demonstrated flexibility, reliability, and professionalism
• Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain and foster cooperative and courteous working relationships

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CAD software
• Knowledge of history, art history, and/or art techniques

More...

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:

• Conservation lab and office setting

Physical Duties

• Lifting -- perhaps up to 30 lbs 
• Working with machines (computerized mat cutter, ultrasonic and edge polyester welders) 
• Work under fume or dust extraction equipment
• Work at a workbench (as opposed to a desk)
• Moving book carts

Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Non Union

FLSA Status
Non Exempt

Schedule
Up to 19 hours per week within the business hours Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 pm.