Reference Librarian (Reference and African Studies)

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Overview

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture located in Harlem, New York, is a research unit of The New York Public Library system.  It is recognized as one of the leading institutions focusing exclusively on African-American, African Diaspora, and African experiences. Begun with the collections of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg more than 85 years ago, the Schomburg has collected, preserved, and provided access to materials documenting black life in America and worldwide.  Today, the Schomburg continues to serve the community not just as a center and a library, but also as a space that encourages lifelong education and exploration.

The Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division seeks a collaborative and enthusiastic Reference and African Studies Librarian ( Librarian II) to provide excellent public service in the form of reference work, collection development, library instruction, and works with colleagues across the Schomburg Center to assure an optimal experience for all visitors to the Library. 

Librarians start at $55,027 per year and are eligible in 12 months for an increased salary of $60,574 based on successful job performance.

Key Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Associate Chief Librarian, specific responsibilities include:

• Provide onsite and remote reference services, using print and electronic resources
• Participate in outreach activities such as class instructions, group presentations and tours
• Teach and develop public classes, in-person and through remote platforms such as GoogleMeet and Zoom
• Update and create content for web pages, research guides and training materials using software such as Drupal, LibGuides and Google Suite
• Promote the collections through blogs, social media and small exhibitions
• Participate in collection development in the area of African Studies by helping to select new materials, and working with vendors providing African materials
• Perform original and copy cataloging for the library’s collections from across the African diaspora in multiple formats and multiple languages
• Maintain a personal program of continuous education and professional development. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Experience

• ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies
• Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York
• Subject area expertise or educational background in any of the following: Africana Studies or African American Studies. 

Required Skills

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies
• Knowledge of the history, politics, economics, literatures and cultures of Sub-Saharan Africa
• Strong public service ethic
• Experience providing reference and research services including use of online catalogs, databases and internet information sources
• Demonstrated ability in standard cataloging practices
• Must be collaborative, service-oriented, and interested in the application of new technologies to library services
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to communicate with a diverse community
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Highly flexible with ability to thrive in a fast-paced and continually changing environment.
• Strong computer and other related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google applications, and PCs

More...

Please Note: Effective August 2, 2021, absent a qualifying exception for medical or religious reasons, newly hired employees of the New York Public Library must present proof of receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination and may not begin employment at the Library until 14 days after their receipt of their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or 14 days after their first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  Newly hired employees who need additional time to receive their vaccination prior to their start date may request an adjournment of their start date with their hiring manager.  The Library will consider such requests on a case by case basis, depending upon the Library’s operational needs, among other factors.  The Library will further consider exemptions for prospective employees who cannot become vaccinated due to a qualifying medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief or practice.  Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment and who seek a medical or religious exemption to the Library’s vaccination policy should contact View email address on ziprecruiter.com for instructions on how to submit the required information for the evaluation of their exemption request.

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

Physical Duties

• Limited physical effort is required
• Light lifting up to 15lbs required
• May require travel within NYC
• Sitting and standing for periods of time
• Daily use of a computer

Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Union 1930

Schedule

• 35 hours per week to be scheduled during regular building hours
• Evenings and alternating Saturdays are required
• Schedule subject to change