Ref Librarian, NY Historical Soc (NY)

Reference Librarian, Manuscript Department

The Patricia D. Klingenstein Library

JOB TITLE: Manuscript Reference Librarian
DEPARTMENT: Library
REPORTS TO: Curator and Head of the Manuscript Department

New-York Historical Society, a preeminent educational and research institution, is home to both New York City’s oldest museum and to one of the nation’s most distinguished independent research libraries. N-YHS is dedicated to presenting exhibitions and public programs, and fostering research that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. Founded in 1804, its holdings cover four centuries of American history, and include one of the world’s greatest collections of books, manuscripts, graphic materials, historical artifacts, and American art documenting the history of the United States as seen through the prism of New York.

The collections of the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library are particularly strong in local history of New York City and State; colonial history; the Revolutionary War; American military and naval history; religion and religious movements; the Anglo-American slave trade and slavery in the United States; the Civil War; records of benevolent and charitable organizations; American biography and genealogy; American art and art patronage; American architecture from the late 18th century to the present; and 19th and 20th century portraiture and documentary photographs of New York City. The collections include 20,000 linear feet of manuscripts, 500,000 photographs, 400,000 prints, 350,000 books and pamphlets, 150,000 architectural drawings, 20,000 broadsides, 15,000 printed maps, 10,000 newspapers, 10,000 dining menus, and vast collections of other ephemera.

Job Summary:

The New-York Historical Society Library seeks an experienced library professional to join its public service staff as Manuscript Reference Librarian. Reporting to the Curator and Head of the Manuscript Department, the successful candidate will be responsible for meeting the reference needs of its substantial and heavily consulted manuscript and archival holdings.

Compensation:

Salary: $50,000. Attractive benefits package.

Responsibilities:

• provide reference assistance to a diverse group of researchers on-site, via phone and email  
• retrieve and re-shelve library collections
• ensure accurate tracking of collections through the Aeon special collections management system
• monitor handling and use of collections according to library policy
• manage requests for offsite collections
• introduce a wide range of visiting groups to the Library’s collections and services
• contribute to the library’s blog and reading room displays
• attend library and institution-wide meetings
• Other responsibilities and duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• M.L.S. from an A.L.A.-accredited program, or M.A. in History with Archival

Certificate; B.A. in the humanities preferred

• knowledge of New York or American history preferred

• minimum of two-to-three years professional experience in a library with special collection holdings
• strong public service orientation
• ability to thrive in a busy department with multiple responsibilities, projects, and deadlines
• initiative, flexibility and the ability to work cooperatively in a team-based, user-centered environment
• outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
• familiarity with historical documents and the ability to read older forms of handwriting
• knowledge of emerging library technologies, electronic reference sources, and traditional print resources
• must be able to work Saturdays, September through May

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 position requires the ability to lift and carry for short distances storage boxes weighing up to 20 lbs.

To apply:

Send cover letter and resume to resumes@nyhistory.org. In the subject line please reference the specific job title to ensure your resume is forwarded properly.

The New-York Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.