Library Page - Stephen A Schwarzman Building / Berg Collection

Department: Research Libraries

Employment Type: Part Time

Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Reporting To: Carolyn Vega

Compensation: $16.50 / hour

Description

Do you love books and love helping people? 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.  As a Library Page at The New York Public Library you will do that and much more.  A Page position is meant to give you knowledge about what it means to work within a library system. You will have access to a wealth of knowledge and experience which will allow you to decide if the library is where you want to begin your career. We are looking for candidates that demonstrate a strong work ethic, are reliable and possess excellent written and verbal communications skills. You will be expected to be an ambassador for the library, so a friendly demeanor goes a long way. 

The Page will join the Henry W. and Albert A. Berg Collection of English and American Literature, one of the Library’s special collections that houses rare books, manuscripts and archives. The collection spans the fifteenth century to the present, with particular strength in nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first century literary manuscripts and author archives. The page will work with all areas of the collection, and will have opportunities for training in conservation and handling techniques as well as digitization.

For more information about the Berg Collection, please see: https://www.nypl.org/about/divisions/berg-collection-english-and-american-literature

You will have access to the Library Page Fellowship Program as a Library Page. A career growth development program that empowers youth as they shape their careers. The Program provides resources to help develop career readiness skills, explore career goals, and provide on-the-job coaching, training, and mentorship.  The library page position is scheduled for 19 hours per week, including Saturdays.  Schedules are variable based on library needs and may be subject to change.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direction of a Page supervisor, the Library Page:

• Moving collection material to and from collection storage areas
• Shelf reading and maintaining the organization and general appearance of the library
• Performing collection-based projects such as rehousing 
• Retrieving and shelving archival material weighing up to 25 pounds per box
• Preparing the library for opening and/or closing by performing such assignments as rearranging/ straightening chairs and tables, picking up materials for shelving, and replenishing depleted supplies (e.g. pencils, pads, printer and photocopy paper)
• Photocopying and messenger work
• Performing other related duties as required

Skills Knowledge & Expertise

Required Education and Certifications 

• Current enrollment in a degree program at an accredited school
• Proper employment certificate for minors under 18 as required by NYS law 

Required Skills 

• Must possess good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain and foster cooperative and courteous working relationships.
• Must demonstrate strong attention to detail, speed and accuracy in carrying out duties.
• Ability to sort efficiently in alphabetic, numeric or alphanumeric order.
• Strong computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, the Internet and e-mail programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a team and on independent projects.
• Demonstrated flexibility and reliability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Customer service experience preferred.
• Previous library work or enrollment in a library program preferred.
• Background or interest in collections librarianship preferred.
• Background or interest in literature preferred.

More

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

• This position requires frequent lifting and carrying of library materials; pushing and pulling of book carts; and frequent stooping and reach