The Division of Libraries at New York University (NYU) seeks a Reference Associate in the Special Collections Department. This role will report to the Special Collections Librarian for Public Services, Instruction, & Outreach. We are hoping to fill this position before the next academic year. 

Position Summary 

Provide reference and public services to on-site and remote library patrons; respond to appointment requests via online systems; assist patrons in the use of appointment request and reproduction request systems; staff the reference desk(s) and monitor the operations of the reading room; provide general research support to users, assist in library outreach activities. 

Primary Duties 

● Supervise operations for public services functions including being the primary respondent to appointment requests; routing reference queries; staffing the reference desk(s); managing patron reading room and reproduction requests; providing support and instruction for users on searching collections including general research guidance. 

● Monitor the operations of the reading room including implementing policies, managing registration procedures, and ensuring proper handling of archival, manuscript, and rare materials. Instruct researchers on the use of the appointment and request system (Aeon) for both print and archival materials. 

● Hire and supervise student workers in conjunction with other Special Collections staff. Manage student schedules and work flows for public and in-house operations, including updating relevant training documentation. Identify and prioritize assignments and review work for accuracy. 

● Work with students, curatorial and other staff to maintain the library’s stacks and other storage areas to ensure that collections are shelved efficiently and properly, and that materials have appropriate housing. 

● Compile and analyze data from public services and reference statistics and make recommendations for improvement in practice based on data. Create and assess workflows used by student staff regarding circulation of materials, and maintain up-to-date documentation on these processes. 

● Assist with the development of outreach services, including preparation of exhibits, providing content for the website and social media, and providing support for public programming and events.

Qualifications 

Required Education: 

● Bachelor's Degree Bachelor’s degree in literature, history, or other branches of the humanities relevant to the holdings and focus of the Special Collections. 

Preferred Education: 

● Progress towards MLS, MLIS in Library or Information Science with an archives or public history concentration preferred. 

Required Experience: 

● Minimum two years experience in special collections, archives, academic libraries, or other related institutions. 

● Experience with ILS systems and other related databases, including Aeon or other scheduling software systems. 

Preferred Experience: 

● Familiarity with variety of project management software. 

● Ability to supportively and efficiently supervise student workers. 

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: 

● Strong public service orientation and analytical skills, including the demonstrated ability to analyze information requests and to identify appropriate information sources in response to a broad range of queries and the ability to manage several reference inquiries or projects at once. 

● Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and an aptitude for detail, accuracy, and efficiency. Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people from different ethnic, educational, and economic backgrounds in physical and virtual environments. 

● Good organizational and time management skills, ability to complete tasks in a reasonable amount of time, follow-through on tasks to completion, ability to manage time and tasks, and complete projects in a timely manner. 

● Ease with learning new systems and databases, including experience with running reports.

● Knowledge of general MS Office/Google Suite applications. 

● Familiarity and comfort with archival and bibliographic descriptions and systems. 

● Knowledge of basic preservation and conservation issues as they relate to library and archival collections. 

In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is USD $58,500.00 to USD $71,500.00. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, clinical compensation, or other items. 

NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more at nyu.edu/nyugreen. 

EOE/AA/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity 

Apply here: 

https://uscareers-nyu.icims.com/jobs/12197/reference-associate%2c-special-collections/job ?hub=10

Apply online here

Submit specified application materials to libraries.careers@nyu.edu.