Reading Room Assistant
Part-Time, Temporary
The Hispanic Society Museum & Library (HSM&L) invites applications for a Reading Room Assistant. This position
facilitates researcher access to the HSM&L 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 Reading Room Assistant reports to the Head of Modern Library and works closely and collaboratively with
colleagues across the Society. The temporary position is scheduled for three days a week: Thursday through
Saturday when the library is open for appointments. The duration of the assignment will be for six months.
Responsibilities:
• Perform reading room desk duty and monitor researchers’ proper handling of rare and reference materials;
assist readers with sign-in and questions related to image orders and reproductions
• Locate and deliver materials from the Department of Manuscripts & Rare Books and closed book stacks; re-
shelve rare and reference materials daily
• Instruct readers and staff on the use of online catalog, finding aids, and any other equipment
• Maintain and update reader records and track circulation and record statistics of rare and reference
materials
• Maintain Reading Room shelves by participating in shifting and other stack maintenance projects
• Other duties as assigned by department head
Qualifications:
• Some college-level coursework in the humanities (Art History, History, or Literature) desired; an ALA-
accredited Master’s degree in library science or related, a big plus
• 1–2 years previous work experience in a special collections’ library reading room or other relevant
experience desired
• Strong Spanish-language skills are required
• 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
Additional Requirements
• Ability to handle and move heavy books and boxes and wheel carts of books and other collection objects
around (25–30 lbs.), extensive walking, standing, kneeling, stooping, climbing up stairs and narrow spaces,
step ladders and stools; 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
• Comfortable dealing with members of the public
• Must be available to work Saturdays
Technology Skills:
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive)
• Familiarity with Integrated Library Systems
Compensation & Benefits:
• $25 per hour (approximately 24 hours per week)
o Based on skills and experience
• Not eligible for any benefits, unless required by federal, state or NYC law.
Application Instructions
Send resume with a brief statement about your interest in the Reading Room Attendant. Email materials to
jobs@hispanicsociety.org. Please write “Reading Room Attendant” in the subject line of email.
About the Hispanic Society Museum & Library
The Hispanic Society Museum & Library was founded in New York City in 1904 by Archer M. Huntington with the
purpose of advancing the study and appreciation of the art, literature, and culture of Spain, Portugal, Latin America,
and the Philippines. Today, the museum and library collections from antiquity through the early 20th century are
widely recognized as the most comprehensive in scope and quality outside of Spain. Museum highlights include
numerous masterworks by El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, and Sorolla; sculpture by Pedro de Mena and Luisa Roldán;
Latin American paintings by Vázquez, López de Arteaga, Rodríguez Juárez, Arrieta and Campeche; as well as
masterpieces in all areas of the decorative arts. Recent additions include works by Jose Clement Orozco and Pablo
Picasso.
EEO Statement
The HSM&L is an equal opportunity employer. The HSM&L does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, partnership status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment
