Reference Librarian

JOB TITLE: Reference Librarian

DEPARTMENT: Library

REPORTS TO: Director of Library Curatorial Affairs & Research

ABOUT THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL

New York's first museum, The New York Historical is a leading cultural institution documenting over 400 years of American history through a peerless collection of art, documents, and artifacts. Our offerings span groundbreaking exhibitions; acclaimed educational programs for teachers and students nationwide; and thought-provoking conversations among leading scholars, journalists, and thinkers about the past, present, and future of the American experiment. The New York Historical is a museum of museums and a collection of collections. We are home to the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, the Center for Women's History, the Reiss Family Graduate Institute for Constitutional History, the Dorothy Tapper Goldman Center for Teaching Democracy, the DiMenna Children's History Museum, and the future American LGBTQ+ Museum. We elevate the perspectives and scholarship that define the United States' democratic heritage and challenge us all to shape our ongoing history for the better.

The Patricia D. Klingenstein Library at the New York Historical is one of the oldest independent research libraries in the United States. Its extensive collections, dating from the sixteenth century to the present, offer unique insights into the history of New York and the nation. Researchers access the Library's manuscripts and archival collections; books, newspapers, maps, and broadsides; prints, photographs, and architectural drawings, onsite and remotely.

JOB SUMMARY

Working in a collaborative, team environment, the Reference Librarian provides in-depth assistance onsite and remotely to The New York Historical staff, research fellows, and external researchers: conducts virtual reference interviews and sets up research appointments; retrieves, tracks, and reshelves collections. The Reference Librarian also introduces groups to the library's collections and services through presentations and classes; describes and promotes collections through blog posts, social media, and small displays in the reading room; works closely with colleagues in the education, communications, and curatorial departments; contributes to library and institutional initiatives and projects; and will engage in other duties as assigned. This is a full-time position under the collective bargaining agreement with UAW, Local 2110 union position; candidates must belong to union or be willing to join.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Provides in-depth research assistance on-site and remotely to New York Historical staff, research fellows, external researchers, and visiting groups;
• Conducts reference interviews and sets up research appointments;
• Retrieves, tracks, and reshelves collections;
• Introduces groups to the library's collections and services through presentations and classes;
• Describes and promotes collections through blog posts, social media, and small displays in the reading room;
• Works closely with colleagues in the education, communications, and curatorial departments;
• Contributes to library and institutional initiatives and projects;
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• M.L.S. from an A.L.A.-accredited program required; B.A. in the humanities preferred;
• At least two years working in a busy reference setting with multiple responsibilities;
• Ability to gracefully adapt and be flexible in a rapidly changing, service-oriented environment;
• Commitment to library public service, including a keen interest in promoting the use and appreciation of special collections to the widest possible audience;
• Enthusiastic embrace of presenting to groups;
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively on projects and initiatives;
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills;
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and other trends in the field;
• Experience working with Atlas System's Aeon or similar collections tracking software preferred
• Basic knowledge of New York and American history preferred;
• Previous work in a special collections library preferred.

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 all collections except for small and lightweight items which are carried by hand. The employee will walk and climbs steps throughout the day.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The expected salary for this position is $70,063.47 per year. Pay and benefits for this position are governed by the collective bargaining agreement between The New York Historical and UAW, Local 2110.

The New York Historical provides a generous benefits package for eligible employees to support their health and wellbeing, which includes:

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick and personal days, and holidays observed by the Museum;
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance;
• Short and long-term disability coverage options;
• 403(b) retirement plan with eligibility for employer contributions following one year of full-time service;
• Flexible spending accounts for health-related expenses, dependent care, and parking and transit expenses;
• Employee Assistance Program for all employees and their families;
• 20% discount at the NYHistory Store, Café Clara and Clara restaurant, located within the Museum;
• Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions across the city.

The New York Historical is an Equal Opportunity Employer.