Special Collections Reference Librarian

Job Title:

Special Collections Reference Librarian Department:
Library

Reports To:

Director, Library About New York Academy of Medicine:

New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is a leading voice for innovation in population health. As one of the nation’s longest-running nonprofits, we have championed changes to the systems that perpetuate health inequities and that keep all communities from achieving a healthier and longer life (healthspan). Today, this work includes innovative research that distinctively values community input for maximum impact. Combined with NYAM’s trusted programming and historic library, and with the support of nearly 2,000 accomplished Fellows and Members, NYAM’s impact as a population health leader moves boldly forward.

The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) Library and Archives, founded in 1847, is the only medical library in New York City open to the public and is one of the world’s great independent historical medical libraries. NYAM’s collections span from antiquity to the present and number close to a million items. They encompass rare books, monographs, serials, manuscripts, archives, pamphlets, maps, institutional records, prints, photographs, anatomical atlases, and digital images.

Subject strengths include addiction, anatomy cardiology, cookery, New York medical history, homeopathy and other alternative medical systems, medical Americana, medical botany, natural history, public health, and women’s and children’s health. Manuscript strengths include medical and culinary receipt books, student notebooks, and institutional and medical society records.

The NYAM Library and Archives are committed to fostering positive interactions for researchers of all skill levels and backgrounds and to encouraging creative use of collections for study and enjoyment.

The Special Collections Reference Librarian supports research, scholarship, and public engagement with one of the world’s most distinguished collections in the history of medicine and public health.

Reporting to the Library Director, the Reference Librarian will work closely with the Historical Collections Librarian, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the reading room and public services. Working in a collaborative, team-based environment, the Reference Librarian provides in-depth reference, access, and consultation services. Users include NYAM staff and fellows, as well as students, faculty, clinicians, health professionals, researchers, and the public.

• The Reference Librarian supports the Library and Archives’ public service mission, helping to ensure equitable access to collections and deliver user-centered onsite and remote services.
• Provide excellent research support through reference consultations (in person or by mail, email, and phone);
• Help coordinate reading room operations, including scheduling appointments, retrieving, tracking, and reshelving collections;
• Engage researchers, fellows, students, and public audiences with the library’s collections and services through instruction, presentations, class visits, tours, orientation sessions and other outreach activities;
• Create and maintain reference tools, finding aids, research guides, webpages, and tutorials to support discovery and effective use of collections;
• Develop small interpretive physical displays and digital exhibits that highlight the richness of the collections and promote their use;
• Support collection development through the evaluation and recommendation of prospective acquisitions aligned with NYAM’s research and education priorities;
• Compile and maintain service statistics, contribute to reports, and other assessments;
• Contribute to grant proposals and related project activities;
• Collaborate with Library and NYAM staff on cross-departmental initiatives, events, and philanthropic projects;
• Pursue professional development and skills building to meet emerging and ongoing needs of the research community;
• Other duties as assigned.

• Master's degree from an ALA-accredited program, or international equivalent in library or information science;
• Minimum of five…