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.
