Overview

The New York Public Library has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas and education for all New Yorkers for more than 100 years.
The Center for Research in the Humanities, located on the second floor of the NYPL’s flagship location, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is dedicated to furthering the Library’s mission to engage, inspire, support, and connect a growing community of scholars worldwide with each other and with the Library’s world-class collections. The Center encompasses four admission-by-application research study rooms, and programming space. The Center is home to public classes, workshop series, class visits that provide researcher orientation and instruction, as well as events that foster engagement with the Library’s collections and research services.

Reporting to the Manager of the Center for Research in the Humanities, the Research Experience Associate supports the day to day operations of the Center, including staffing the Center’s welcome desk, greeting incoming researchers, office support, and working with staff to assist the public in their use of the Center.

We are seeking enthusiastic candidates interested in careers in librarianship who demonstrate a strong work ethic, commitment to inclusivity, possess excellent written and verbal communications skills, and have a friendly and helpful demeanor. These positions serve as ambassadors for the Library, and work with library staff to help ensure that a welcoming and productive research environment is preserved for researchers, fellows and staff working in the Center's spaces.
 
The Research Experience Associate position is scheduled for 19 hours per week, including evenings and must be able to work Saturdays. Schedules are variable based on library needs and may be subject to change.

 

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Manager of the Center for Research in the Humanities, the Research Experience Associate:

• Research Experience Associates staff the Center’s welcome desk, projecting a positive and courteous attitude while providing exceptional public service and assistance to researchers and the general public
• Provides general information and directions to researchers, answers basic questions about library operations and procedures, and make referrals to the appropriate place or person for assistance
• Supports the maintenance of the Center for Research in the Humanities office: keeps the study room roster up to date, manages files, newsletter templates and edits, and Library fellowship support.
• Works with colleagues to ensure the Center for Research in the Humanities maintains an environment conducive to research and public services
• Helps set up public and programming spaces for daily use, events, and programs
• Assists with opening and closing procedures in the Center's spaces
• Assists with collection delivery and returns as needed
• Provides routine communications to researchers affiliated with the Center’s admission by application study rooms and Library fellowship recipients
• Assists with the set-up of events in the Center and staff them
• Performs other related tasks as needed 

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

• Current enrollment in a graduate degree program at an accredited school
• Proper employment certificate for minors under 18 as required by NYS law 

 

Required Skills

• Excellent public service skills and the ability to work with a diverse patronage
• Strong organizational skills and ability to follow detailed instructions in a fast-paced environment
• Superb interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• Demonstrated reliability and professionalism
• Basic computer and basic technology skills such as Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications

Preferred Qualifications

• A demonstrated interest in research and libraries preferred
• Experience with library technologies preferred
• Currently enrolled in an ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies program

 

More...

Core Values
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
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

• Research Library

Physical Duties

• Moderate lifting required (up to 25 lbs)
• Pushing book trucks

Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Non-Union

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

Schedule

• The Research Experience Associate position is scheduled for 19 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.  Schedules are variable based on library needs and may be subject to change.

Apply online here