Reading Room Assistant

The Hispanic Society Museum & Library (HSM&L) invites applications for a Reading Room Assistant. This position facilitates researcher access to the HSM&L special and reference collections while maintaining the security and safety of the collections. Among other duties, the Reading Room Assistant is responsible for retrieving and organizing materials for readers and staff and performs reference desk duties as required.

This Reading Room Assistant reports to the Head of Modern Library and works closely and collaboratively with colleagues across the HSM&L The temporary position is scheduled for three days a week: Thursday through Saturday when the library is open for appointments. The duration of the assignment will be for six months.

Responsibilities:

• Perform reading room desk duty and monitor researchers’ proper handling of rare and reference materials; assist readers with sign-in and questions related to image orders and reproductions
• Locate and deliver materials from the Department of Manuscripts & Rare Books and closed book stacks; re-shelve rare and reference materials daily
• Instruct readers and staff on the use of online catalog, finding aids, and any other equipment
• Maintain and update reader records and track circulation and record statistics of rare and reference materials
• Maintain Reading Room shelves by participating in shifting and other stack maintenance projects
• Other duties as assigned by department head

Qualifications:

• Some college-level coursework in the humanities (Art History, History, or Literature) desired; an ALA-accredited Master’s degree in library science or related, a big plus
• 1–2 years previous work experience in a special collections’ library reading room or other relevant experience desired
• Strong Spanish-language skills are required
• Excellent 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

Additional Requirements

• Ability to handle and move heavy books and boxes and wheel carts of books and other collection objects around (25–30 lbs.), extensive walking, standing, kneeling, stooping, climbing up stairs and narrow spaces, step ladders and stools; 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
• Comfortable dealing with members of the public
• Must be available to work Saturdays

Technology Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive)
• Familiarity with Integrated Library Systems