Specialist III - Wallach Division of Art, Prints, and Photographs

About the role

The Specialist III will support a welcoming and inclusive researcher experience, and play a key role in advancing new ideas for instruction and spearheading collection research related to works held in the Wallach Division, with a focus on the Print and Spencer Collections.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent, patron-forward research and reference assistance to patrons in the reading room and remotely
• Aid in training other staff on best practices for handling materials
• Serve as the department’s point person for Aeon operations and standards
• Retrieve and serve special collection materials for public service, fellowships, instruction, exhibition support, curricula, and other NYPL events and initiatives
• Prepare all print materials for internal movements including loans, digitization, short-term displays, conservation, and exhibitions, and serve as the primary liaison with Collection Management to track all object movements
• Collaborate with the Curator of Prints to identify collection items requiring conservation treatment and to develop public outreach initiatives, including classes, research newsletters, blog posts, and LibGuides
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Education, Experience & Skills

• M.A. in Art History
• Demonstrated knowledge of Art History and Visual Studies through academic background, training, interest, or expertise
• Experience providing welcoming and expert public service, reference, or customer service in a library or similar setting
• Experience with proper handling and housing/storage of original art works
• Experience with research authority databases, including institutional catalogs, and primary source material
• Expertise in prints and artists’ books, including technical identification experience
• Ability to identify works in need of conservation treatment
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; ability to handle multiple projects in various phases and with competing deadlines
• Knowledge and judgement in collection description and implementing best practice standards for describing works on paper and rare books
• Ability to facilitate research for a broad range of humanities scholars, students, and independent researchers with varying levels of experience
• Ability to work collaboratively and productively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting the use of collections among diverse audiences and learners
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal effectively and tactfully with patrons and staff
• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Knowledge of one or more languages; one or more European languages preferred

Required Skills

• Knowledge and judgement in collection description and implementing best practice standards for describing works on paper and rare books
• Ability to facilitate research for a broad range of humanities scholars, students, and independent researchers with varying levels of experience
• Ability to work collaboratively and productively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting the use of collections among diverse audiences and learners
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal effectively and tactfully with patrons and staff
• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Knowledge of one or more languages; one or more European languages preferred