New York Public Library
New York Public Library is hiring: Specialist II/Librarian II - Schomburg Center
New York Public Library, New York, NY, US, 10261
Specialist II/Librarian II - Schomburg Center (Temporary) Application Deadline: 31 October 2025
Department: Research Libraries
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Schomburg Center
Reporting To: Kassidi Jones
Compensation: $70,393 / year
Description Overview Founded in 1925 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2017, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of materials focused on African American, African, and African Diaspora experiences, featuring diverse programming and a collection of over 11 million items that illuminates the richness of global Black history and culture. A research library of The New York Public Library and seeded by the collection of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, the Schomburg Center provides free access to materials documenting Black life locally, nationally, and internationally.
The Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books (MARB) Division collects, preserves, and makes available for research purposes rare, unique, and primary materials that document the history and culture of people of African descent throughout the world, with a concentration on the Americas and the Caribbean.
Librarian II/Specialist II is responsible for assisting with reference and collection support in the Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books (MARB) Division. The librarian/specialist interfaces with the public and the research community while offering support to other divisions at the Schomburg Center. In addition to the public facing services, the Librarian II/Specialist II will provide collection maintenance support to the division and assist its Curator and Assistant Curator with exhibitions at the Schomburg Center, New York Public Library, and other venues. This is a donor-funded 2.5 year temporary position.
Responsibilities Provide public service and collection support for MARB Division and respond to reference questions via email, phone, and in-person from researchers, scholars, and staff
Participate in outreach activities such as class visits and group presentations
Provide support to the division with updating collection materials and reference services including policies and procedures, special projects, exhibitions, and related programming
Update and create content for web pages, LibGuides, and training materials
Serve on relevant committees, tasks forces, and working groups that are related to professional responsibilities
Collaborate with public and technical services units within the Research Libraries at the New York Public Library to create a unified patron experience
Maintain a personal program of continuous education and professional development
Support the Schomburg Center’s research divisions to ensure patron access to collection materials held throughout the various reading rooms
Perform other related duties as required
Required Education, Experience & Skills Required Education & Certifications ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies or Master’s degree in liberal arts or humanities and successful completion of archival training
Required Experience Experience providing reference service and collection support in a research setting, such as a library, special collection, university, or archive
Strong experience and demonstrated knowledge of online catalogs, databases, and library and archive reference and information resources.
Subject area expertise of any of the following: African American History/Studies/Literature, Africana Studies, Diaspora or Cultural Studies
Required Skills Ability to both work independently and collaboratively, establishing and maintaining working relationships with staff, researchers, other organizations and professionals in the field
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Knowledge of cataloging standards (DACS, MARC, RDA, LCSH, LCCN)
Familiarity with Aeon or other special collections workflow management software
Strong attention to detail with ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment to meet planned goals
Demonstrated digital literacy skills
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
Research Library
Office Setting
Physical Duties
Lifting up to 40 lbs. required
May require travel within NYC
Must be able to position oneself to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and use step ladder or climb tall ladders
Union/Non Union Local 1930
FLSA Status Non-Exempt
Schedule
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
35 hours per week to be scheduled during regular building hours
Evenings and alternating Saturdays are required
Schedule subject to change
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
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