Department: Research Libraries

Employment Type: Part Time

Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Reporting To: Melanie Locay

Compensation: $15.00 / hour

Description

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 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 Associate 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, and working with staff to assist the public in their use of the Center.

We are seeking enthusiastic candidates interested in careers in librarianship, that 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.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of their manager, the Associate Manager of the Center for Research in the Humanities

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

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
Proficiency in 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

Physical Duties

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

Pre-Placement Physical Required?

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 Saturdays. Schedules are variable based on library needs and may be subject to change.

The New York Public Library

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Research Experience Associate (P/T)