Research Experience Associate, Vartan Gregorian Center for Research in the Humanities

Application Deadline: 25 June 2025

Department: Research Libraries

Employment Type: Part Time

Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Reporting To: Miriam Gianni

Compensation: $16.50 / 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 Vartan Gregorian 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 engage, inspire, support, and connect a growing community of scholars worldwide with each other and with the Library’s world-class collections. The Gregorian Center encompasses five admission-by-application research study rooms, and programming spaces. The Center is home to classes, workshop series, and research programs that provide researcher orientation and instruction and foster engagement with the Library’s collections and research services.
We are seeking enthusiastic candidates interested in careers in libraries who 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 Gregorian Center's spaces. 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.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Manager of the Research Study Rooms, the Research Experience Associate:

• Staffs 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 Gregorian Center’s office: keeps the study room roster up to date, manages files, creates templates and flyers, newsletter templates and edits, and Library fellowship support
• Works with colleagues to ensure the Gregorian Center maintains an environment conducive to research and public services
• Helps set up Center spaces for daily use, events, and programs - providing occasional staffing support at events
• Assists with opening and closing procedures in the Center's spaces
• Assists with collection delivery and returns as needed
• Communicates with researchers affiliated with the Gregorian Center on application and admissions matters and general day-to-day questions
• Performs other related tasks as needed 

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & CertificationsCurrent enrollment in a graduate degree program at an accredited schoolRequired 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 with standard office and productivity software, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office

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

• Research Library

Physical Duties

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

Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Non-Union

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

Schedule Scheduled for