Librarian II - Dorot Jewish Division
Overview
The Dorot Jewish Division of the New York Public Library administers, develops and promotes one of the world’s great collections of Hebraica and Judaica. The collection contains a comprehensive and balanced chronicle of the religious and secular history of the Jewish people in over a quarter of a million books, microforms, manuscripts, newspapers, periodicals, and ephemera from all over the world. Reference and research services are available in a dedicated Jewish studies reading room on the first floor of the Library’s landmark Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. The Division welcomes hundreds of researchers each month, and fields inquiries from researchers investigating a variety of topics, as well as general readers looking for research assistance.
The Librarian II position in the Dorot Jewish Division provides excellent public service in the form of reference work, writing, instruction, outreach, and works with colleagues across the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building to assure an optimal experience for all visitors to the Library.
Principal Responsibilities
Reporting to the Managing Research Librarian, the Librarian II:
- Provides excellent reference service based on specialized subject knowledge of the collections, key resources and trends in scholarship.
- Regularly creates and updates online content, including blog posts, research guides, and assorted educational materials.
- Provides reference and research assistance at service points in multiple locations.
- Develops and teaches classes for the public and educational and cultural institutions, and participates in the Library’s outreach and instruction strategy.
- Supports and participates in strategic initiatives related to outreach, programming, and collection description and maintenance activities.
- Maintains a personal program of continuous education and professional development.
- Performs related duties as required.
Key Competencies:
- Accountability and Professionalism
- Customer Service
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Job-Specific Knowledge and Skills
- Support of the Library’s Core Values.
Required Education & Experience
- ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Studies
- Undergraduate degree in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Religious Studies, Jewish Studies or related field.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Jewish Studies and related topics through academic background or equivalent training or expertise.
- One or more years of research library experience or relevant internship experience.
Minimum Qualifications
- Successfully demonstrated excellent public service skills and the ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal effectively and tactfully with patrons and staff.
- Successfully demonstrated knowledge of authoritative humanities resources.
- Familiarity with Hebrew alphabet.
- Demonstrated experience using online catalogs, electronic databases, and internet sources in reference work.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate and express ideas clearly in presentations and in writing.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated computer and word processing skills, including Google office products, MS Word and Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of language(s) relative to the Jewish diaspora.
- At ease with public speaking and instruction.
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 required
- Lifting up to 15 lbs. Required
- May require travel within NYC
Starting Salary
Hours
Evenings and weekends as necessary
Schedule subject to change
