Specialist II​/Librarian II – Schomburg Center; Temporary Public Library

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 interpretation of materials focused on African American, African, and African Diaspora experiences, featuring diverse programming and a collection of over 11 million items that illuminates the richness of global Black history and culture.

A research library of The New York Public Library and seeded by the collection of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, the Schomburg Center provides free access to materials documenting Black life locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books (MARB) Division collects, preserves, and makes available for research purposes rare, unique, and primary materials that document the history and culture of people of African descent throughout the world, with a concentration on the Americas and the Caribbean. The Librarian II/Specialist II is responsible for assisting with reference and collection support in the Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books (MARB) Division.

The librarian/specialist interfaces with the public and the research community while offering support to other divisions at the Schomburg Center. In addition to the public facing services, the Librarian II/Specialist II will provide collection maintenance support to the division and assist its Curator and Assistant Curator with exhibitions at the Schomburg Center, New York Public Library, and other venues. This is a donor-funded 2.5 year temporary position.

• Provide public service and collection support for MARB Division and respond to reference questions via email, phone, and in-person from researchers, scholars, and staff
• Participate in outreach activities such as class visits and group presentations
• Provide support to the division with updating collection materials and reference services including policies and procedures, special projects, exhibitions, and related programming
• Update and create content for web pages, Lib Guides, and training materials
• Serve on relevant committees, task forces, and working groups that are related to professional responsibilities
• Collaborate with public and technical services units within the Research Libraries at the New York Public Library to create a unified patron experience
• Maintain a personal program of continuous education and professional development
• Support the Schomburg Center’s research divisions to ensure patron access to collection materials held throughout the various reading rooms
• Perform other related duties as required

ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies or Master’s degree in liberal arts or humanities and successful completion of archival training

• Experience providing reference service and collection support in a research setting, such as a library, special collection, university, or archive
• Strong experience and demonstrated knowledge of online catalogs, databases, and library and archive reference and information resources.
• Subject area expertise of any of the following:
  African American History/Studies/Literature, Africana Studies, Diaspora or Cultural Studies

• Ability to both work independently and collaboratively, establishing and maintaining working relationships with staff, researchers, other organizations and professionals in the field
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Knowledge of cataloging standards (DACS, MARC, RDA, LCSH, LCCN)
• Familiarity with Aeon or other special collections workflow management software
• Strong attention to detail with ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment to meet planned goals
• Demonstrated digital literacy skills

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

• Research Library
• Office Setting

• Lifting up to 40 lbs. required
• May require travel within NYC
• Must be able to position oneself to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and use step ladder or climb tall ladders

No Union/Non Union
• Local 1930 FLSA Status
• Non-Exempt

• 10:00 am — 6:00 pm
• 35 hours per week to be scheduled during regular building hours
• Evenings and alternating Saturdays are required
• Schedule subject to change

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

Metropolitan New York Library Council