Assistant Librarian

Cincinnati Art Museum · Cincinnati, OH · 5 days ago

OTHRFull-time

About the role

The Mary R. Schiff Library and Archives is an art research library with a non-circulating collection of over 100,000 items, including books, periodicals, digital resources, artist files and auction catalogues. Its holdings reflect the Cincinnati Art Museum’s collections, which span 6,000 years of artistic creativity from cultures across the globe. Areas of strength in the library collections include decorative arts, fashion, photography, and Cincinnati artists. The library dates to the founding of the museum in 1881, and today it fulfills its dual mandate to support the research and education programs of the museum and be a welcoming public resource.

The Assistant Librarian serves as a primary point of contact for library users, delivering a knowledgeable, welcoming, and user-focused experience for all visitors. They are responsible for facilitating overall access to and use of the library’s collection and supporting the research and reference needs of museum staff, volunteers and docents, scholars, and community users.

Responsibilities

Provide reference service and research support to library patrons and museum staff, both in person and remotely.
Staff the reference desk and oversee daily operations in the Library Reading Room.
Assist patrons with excellent customer service, friendly reception, and positive research interactions for users of all ages and abilities.
Guide users in discovering, evaluating, and using resources.
Explain library policies and procedures.
Ensure the safe handling of library and archival collections.
Circulate materials to museum staff.
Keep statistics of library users, materials, and services.
Maintain the ongoing library book sale.
Offer library orientation and instruction for tour groups, students, docents, and new museum hires.
Schedule and coordinate class visits.
Create and update library training materials and guides.
Request interlibrary loan materials for CAM staff and fulfill lending/copy requests made by other institutions.
Assist with processing archival collections and/or other projects under the guidance of the Head Archivist.
Create engaging library displays and blog posts to promote the library.
Manage circulation and serials.
Perform copy cataloging (update item records, e.g., change locations).
Supervise library volunteer projects.
Maintain collaborative relationships with other museum departments.
Work occasional weekend and evening hours as required.
Oversee library operations in the absence of the Head Librarian.

Physical Requirements

Long periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen or fine print.
Collection dispersed on different floors, requiring regular use of stairs and elevators.
Use of step stools and lifting moderately heavy library materials (up to 40 pounds) may be required.
Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals to perform essential functions.

Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.) from an ALA-accredited program.
Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in art history or related discipline.
2–3 years of demonstrated reference experience and/or related experience.
Strong customer service skills and proven success in improving user experience.
Proficiency using integrated library systems, OCLC, and/or other standard library technologies.
Excellent research skills, and oral and written communication skills.
Working knowledge of one or more foreign languages.
Broad knowledge of art history (including research methodology, provenance, and the art marketplace) and specialized print and electronic resources.
Demonstrated organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage workflow, projects, and multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with or willingness to adopt new and emerging technologies and systems that expand access to collections.
Experience working with archival and/or special collections.
Prior programming experience or enthusiasm for developing new opportunities for public engagement.

Pay

Yearly salary: $44,000–$47,000.

Reference ID: PIc7eadd594c53-25448-41962044