Overview

Founded in 1925 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2017, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the collection, preservation, and study of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences. The Schomburg Center, featuring diverse programming and collections spanning over 10 million items, has for over nine decades illuminated the richness of black history, arts, and experience worldwide. As a key part of one of the largest public library systems in the world, the Schomburg Center is committed to maximizing free and public access to its collections, exhibitions, educational activities, and much of its programming. 

The Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division enables researchers to work directly with original, rare, and unique source materials. Beginning with rare treasures from Arturo Alfonso Schomburg’s personal holdings, the collection has grown since Arturo Schomburg’s collection was acquired in 1926. Today, the Division holds more than 5,000 rare books, nearly 1,000 manuscript collections, and 15,000 pieces of sheet music and rare printed material, with more added annually.

The Librarian II/Specialist II is responsible for providing reference services in the Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division. The reference librarian interfaces with the public and the research community, performing an important public service function within the Schomburg Center and the field itself. The reference librarian will work 35 hours per week to be scheduled between Monday and Saturday, 10:00am-6:00pm, and some evenings and weekends as required. Schedule is subject to change.

Librarians start at $55,027 per year and are eligible in 12 months for an increased salary of $60,574 based on successful job performance.

Key Responsibilities
Reporting to Curator of Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books, the Reference Librarian will:

• Provide onsite reference and referral services, written and remote reference assistance, and subject expertise in the Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division of the Schomburg Center 
• Provide in-depth research assistance to users via one-on-one consultations
• Participate in outreach activities such as class visits, group presentations, and donor and membership tours
• Update and create content for Web pages, user guides and training materials
• Oversee the division’s reference reproduction services
• Supervise Library Pages
• Maintain a personal program of continuous education and professional development
• Perform other duties as required

 

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Experience

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in library, archival or information studies, or Master’s degree in liberal arts or humanities and successful completion of archival training

Required Skills

• Knowledge of African American, African and African diaspora history
• Demonstrated experience providing reference service in a library or archival repository
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Successfully demonstrated initiative, accuracy, attention to detail, judgment, and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Demonstrated digital literacy skills

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of archival theory, practice, and national and international standards and best practices.
• Advanced degree in any of the following: African American History/Studies/Literature, Africana Studies, or cultural studies
• Familiarity with reading room management software

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Please Note: Effective August 2, 2021, absent a qualifying exception for medical or religious reasons, newly hired employees of the New York Public Library must present proof of receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination and may not begin employment at the Library until 14 days after their receipt of their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or 14 days after their first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  Newly hired employees who need additional time to receive their vaccination prior to their start date may request an adjournment of their start date with their hiring manager.  The Library will consider such requests on a case by case basis, depending upon the Library’s operational needs, among other factors.  The Library will further consider exemptions for prospective employees who cannot become vaccinated due to a qualifying medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief or practice.  Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment and who seek a medical or religious exemption to the Library’s vaccination policy should contact hrservicecenter@nypl.org for instructions on how to submit the required information for the evaluation of their exemption request.

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

Physical Duties

• Limited physical effort is required
• May require travel within NYC
• Daily use of a computer

Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Union 1930

Schedule
35 hours per week including regular monthly Saturdays

Apply online here