Overview

The Jerome Robbins Dance Division of The New York Public Library is the largest and most comprehensive archive in the world devoted to the documentation of dance. It preserves the history of dance by gathering diverse written, visual, and aural resources, and it works to ensure the art form's continuity through an active documentation program. While the division contains more than 44,000 books about dance, these account for only a small percent of its vast holdings.

 

Under the direction of the Supervising Librarian, the Librarian II will serve as the main reference librarian within the Division and will work predominantly on the reference and special collections desks. The Librarian II will become one of the primary contact points for dance practitioners and scholars using our collections and will work with the Supervising Librarian on retaining a robust circulating collection, as well as having knowledge of the resources available to our patrons through databases, ebooks and our general collection. Off desk work will include responding to dance reference questions received by email and phone, assisting on photo orders and collection development.

Principal Responsibilities

Reporting to the Supervising Librarian (Librarian III), the Librarian II will:

 

Provide specialized subject reference services, both onsite and offsite, using print and electronic resources at multiple service points
Monitor the use of materials at the special collections desk
Work with the supervising librarian to execute public orders of photographs and film clips
Participate in collection development by helping to select new materials for circulating and general collections
Deal with rights issues for publication or reproduction
Maintain program metrics and prepare reports
Maintain a personal program of continuous education and professional development
Perform related duties as required

NYPL Core Values

Helpful

Resourceful

Curious

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in Library or Archival Science
At least 2 years working directly with collection material in a library, archival, museum setting
Reference and/or circulation desk experience
Dance subject knowledge
Cataloging experience
Strong communication skills, including the ability to partner effectively with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to conduct excellent reference interviews

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of and experience employing standard methodologies and tools for managing archives and special collections, including collection review and documentation
Experience with stacks management and collection movement
Demonstrated project management skills
Familiarity with collections management systems
Museum Studies, Arts Administration degree preferred

Work Environment

 

Office setting

Public library setting

 

 

Physical Duties

Limited physical effort is required
Light lifting required
Lifting up to 40 lbs. Required
May require travel within NYC

Please apply through NYPL's job listing here:

https://jobs-nypl.icims.com/jobs/10404/dance-reference-librarian/job