The Morgan Library & Museum invites applications for a full-time Reading Room Assistant. This position facilitates researcher access to the Morgan's special and reference collections while maintaining the security and safety of the collections. Among other duties, the Reading Room Assistant is responsible for retrieving and organizing materials for readers and staff and performs reference desk duties as required. This position reports to the Head of Reader Services and works closely and collaboratively with colleagues across the Library and Museum.
- Perform reading room desk duty and invigilate researchers’ proper handling of rare and reference materials; assist readers with sign-in and questions related to image orders and reproductions
- Locate, charge, and deliver materials from the vault and closed book stacks; re-shelve rare and reference materials daily
- Instruct readers and staff on the use of online catalog, finding aids, microfilm scanners and other electronic databases and equipment
- Maintain and update reader records and files using various internal databases and library systems
- Track circulation and record statistics of rare and reference materials, and maintain Reading Room shelves by participating in shifting and other stack maintenance projects
- Other duties as assigned by department head
- Bachelor’s degree required; a strong background in the humanities (Art History, History, or Literature) with a focus on rare books and manuscripts desired; ALA-accredited Master’s degree in library, archival or information studies or equivalent, a plus
- 2–3 years previous work experience in a special collections library reading room or other relevant experience desired
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to sustain close attention to detail; strong oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate with diverse library users and staff
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive)
- Familiarity with Integrated Library Systems (i.e.: Voyager)
- Familiarity with a major Western foreign language desired (i.e.: French, German, Italian, or Spanish)
- Ability to handle and move heavy books and boxes and wheel carts of books and other collection objects around campus (25–30 lbs.), extensive walking, standing, kneeling, stooping, climbing up stairs and narrow spaces; ability to work for extended periods on a computer, and tolerate moderate levels of dust and odor generated during normal collection management activities, movement of objects, and cleaning
$44,000-$46,000, commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits plan.
Interested applicants should email a cover letter with salary requirements and resume to Human Resources at rrjob@themorgan.org.
Please note that due to the high volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those candidates whose skills and background best fit our needs.
Important to Note:
Vaccination Requirement
The Morgan Library & Museum complies with New York City Executive Order 225 and requires that all employees be fully vaccinated and have received booster vaccines against the virus that causes COVID-19, absent qualifying exemptions for medical, religious, or other reasons in accordance with applicable laws.
EEO Statement
The Morgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws. The Morgan provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
