Reader Services Librarian

(May 16, 2023)

Position Title - Reader Services Librarian

Supervisor Title (All entry and mid-level position supervisors should be qualified, professional archivists.)- Sherman Fairchild Reading Room

Position Type - Full-time, permanent

Benefits - Yes

Salary Range - $56,000 - $65,000

Reader Services Librarian

The Morgan Library & Museum welcomes applications for a full-time Reader Services Librarian. This position enables access to the Morgan’s special and reference collections to foster learning and the exchange of ideas while maintaining the security and safety of the collections. The Reader Services Librarian is responsible for responding to library users’ needs during the day-to-day activities of the Sherman Fairchild Reading Room and facilitating in-depth consultation of the collections in person and remotely for researchers around the globe. This position reports to the Head of Reader Services and works closely and collaboratively with colleagues across the Library and Museum.

Responsibilities:

● Evaluates readers’ requests to consult the collections, acting as a liaison between readers and curatorial staff; coordinates appointments and processes applications

● Performs reference desk duties as required and monitors researchers on-site on proper handling of rare collections and reference materials

● Retrieves and reshelves rare and reference materials from the vault and reference collection closed stacks; identifies materials for conservation treatment and routes as appropriate

● Conducts in-depth research to provide detailed responses via e-mail and telephone to a range of reference inquiries

● Instructs readers and staff with the use of the online catalog, finding aids, microfilm scanners, and other equipment; answers questions regarding requests for digital images and orders for photocopies; participate in shifting and other stacks maintenance tasks

● Maintains statistical data related to the use of the collections and creates graphs, charts, and/or other visualizations of that data

● Other duties as assigned by the department head

Qualifications:

● ALA-accredited Master’s degree in library, archival or information studies or equivalent experience required; a strong background in the humanities (art history, history, or literature) with a focus on rare books and manuscripts preferred

● 3-5 years of previous work experience in a special collections library reading room or other relevant experience desired

● Strong organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to sustain close attention to detail; strong oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate with diverse library users and staff

● Excellent judgment and awareness of security protocols and procedures

● Knowledge of MARC and non-MARC metadata schemas, and LCSH subject headings

● Knowledge of national archival standards (i.e.: DACS, EAD, MPLP) desired

● Knowledge of Integrated Library Systems (i.e.: Voyager)

● Experience working with The Museum System (TMS), desired

● Familiarity with a major Western foreign language desired (i.e.: French, German, Italian, or Spanish); other languages, a plus

● Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive)

● Ability to handle and move heavy books and boxes and wheel carts of books and other collection objects around campus (25-30 lbs.), extensive walking, standing, kneeling, stooping, climbing up stairs and narrow spaces; ability to work for extended periods on a computer, and tolerate moderate levels of dust and odor generated during normal collection management activities, movement of objects, and cleaning

Please note that due to the high volume of applicants, we can only contact candidates whose skills and backgrounds best fit our needs.

https://www.themorgan.org/opportunities/employment/reader-services-librarian

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to Human Resources at rrjob@themorgan.org.