(P/T, Temp) Research Associate, Berg Collection at The New York Public Library

Job Title: Research Associate, Berg Collection 

Job Status: Full-time

Location: New York, NY

Salary: $25/hr

Overview

The Berg Research Associate supports the staff of the Berg Collection in the areas of collection management and public service and outreach. Responsibilities include supporting the management of the collection through rehousing, shifting and inventorying projects. The Research Associate will also be responsible for retrieving and shelving items for research requests; fulfilling Electronic Document Delivery requests; assisting with research and reference projects; and promoting collections through blog and social media posts; and monitoring collection use.Part of the Library’s division of Special Collections, the Berg comprises some 35,000 printed volumes, pamphlets, and broadsides, and 2,000 linear feet of archives and manuscripts, representing the work of more than 400 authors. The collection spans the fifteenth century to the present, with particular strength in nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first century literary manuscripts and author archives.

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

This position is scheduled for 21 hours per week, including some Saturdays. This position is temporary through June 2024, with the possibility of renewal.Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Curator, the Berg Research Associate will:

  • Execute collection management projects such as inventorying and labeling collections
  • Perform collection-based projects such as rehousing
  • Move collection material to, from, and within collection storage areas
  • Retrieve and shelve books, as well as archival material weighing up to 25 pounds per box
  • Fulfill Electronic Document Delivery requests
  • Write social media and blog posts
  • Monitor collection use in the Reading Room
  • Perform research for exhibitions and collection-based projects
  • Perform other related duties as required

Decision-Making Responsibilities

  • Navigates customer interactions and escalates issues to the manager
  • Performs collection projects and brings issues to the manager

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required, ALA-accredited Master’s degree in library, archival, or information studies preferred

Required Experience

  • 2-4 years experience working with special collections or archives

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

Specialization in a subject area supported by the Berg Collection preferred

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

  • Special collections library

Physical Duties

  • This position requires frequent lifting and carrying of library materials up to 40 lbs; pushing and pulling of book carts; and frequent stooping and reaching.

Pre-Placement Physical Required?No

Union/Non UnionNon-Union

FLSA StatusNon-Exempt

Schedule

Scheduled for 21 hours per week, including some Saturdays.

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This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.