Library Technical Assistant III - Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Department: Collections

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Reporting To: Michelle McCarthy-Behler

Compensation: $48,526 / year

Description

With a collection that exceeds 46 million items, and a mission to advance knowledge and inspire lifelong learning, the New York Public Library stands as one of the world’s great public research libraries. The Manuscripts, Archives, and Rare Books divisions at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building  seek one full time staff member in the role of Library Technical Assistant III to perform a variety of public service, technical, and clerical tasks. Serving the Manuscripts and Archives collections, Rare Books collections, New York Public Library Archives, and George Arents collection, staff in the Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room facilitate nearly 2,000 researchers annually.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Research Coordinator for Special Collections, the Library Technical Assistant III:

• Performs public service duties, including circulating materials to patrons; instructing researchers on the safe use of materials and assuring adherence to good handling practices; and explaining policies and procedures
• Retrieves and reshelves archival and, occasionally, rare book collection material
• Identifies and works to resolve service issues and inventory discrepancies
• Supports the department’s Scan and Deliver program by  scanning collection materials and, preparing, organizing, and maintaining digital files related to duplication requests 
• Assists in the evaluation of procedures and systems for access in the reading room
• Assists with planning and implementing special projects, such as rehousing, organization of collection storage areas, shelf reading, and barcoding
• Performs other duties as required

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree 
• 1-2 years experience working in a library or related institution

Required Skills 

• Demonstrated experience in a public service environment
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with persons from diverse backgrounds, in person and in writing
• Outstanding attention to detail
• Experience working effectively independently and in a team environment
• Good problem-solving skills; able to manage complex demands in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Training or coursework in handling rare and fragile materials, particularly in a library or a cultural heritage institution
• Familiarity with principles of archives and rare book collection maintenance

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• No direct supervisory responsibility
• Serves on a team of LTAs and Librarians/Specialists

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

• Office setting
• Public library setting
• Secure storage setting

Physical Duties

• Lifting up to 40 lbs. required
• Ability to push a heavy wheeled cart up an incline
• Sustained periods of standing

Physical Required
No

Union/Non Union
Local 1930

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

Schedule

• 35 hours per week to be scheduled during regular building hours
• Division is open Tuesday through Saturday, typically 11 AM to 5 PM.
• Saturday service required
• Schedule subject to change