About this role
Overview
For more than 125 years, The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of books, information, ideas, and education. With collections numbering more than 56 million items and serving more than 16 million patrons in person each year and millions more online, NYPL’s reach is both local and global. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.
At our world-class research centers–including the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Library at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the Library for the Performing Arts, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture–expert staff facilitate the work of our diverse communities, offering inspiring reading rooms, programs, exhibitions, fellowships, and a dynamic range of research services. Their work is supported by dedicated staff on the Collections and Research Services teams. We are proud to be the most public and widely used research library in the world.
The Vartan Gregorian Center for Research in the Humanities (https://www.nypl.org/about/locations/schwarzman/research-study-rooms), located on the second floor of NYPL’s flagship location, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is dedicated to furthering the Library’s mission to to engage, inspire, support, and connect a growing community of scholars with each other and with the Library’s world-class collections. The Gregorian Center encompasses a scholar residency program that provides study space and tailored collection access to up to 300 scholars across 5 study rooms, an expansive roster of research fellowships, and programming spaces. The Center is home to classes, workshop series, and research programs that provide researcher orientation and instruction and foster engagement with the Library’s collections and research services.
Under the supervision of the Manager of the Research Study Rooms, the Research Experience Associate plays a vital role in creating a welcoming environment for the 300 scholars of the Gregorian Center. An Associate serves as the initial point of contact for scholars and visitors as they enter the Center, assists with day-to-day operations, and supports programming. Research Experience Associates are hospitality-driven and are passionate about providing excellent customer service to the Library’s research community.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Manager of the Research Study Rooms, the Research Experience Associate:
- Acts as a welcoming ambassador to provide seamless support in a fast-paced environment for our diverse community of colleagues, researchers, and visitors
- Provides general information and directional assistance to visitors, educates and ensures adherence to library policies and procedures, and assists users in navigating a large research library
- Supports the maintenance of the Gregorian Center’s office and administrative files and assists with the creation and distribution of print and digital communication and collateral
- Assists with opening and closing procedures in the Gregorian Center's spaces, helping to ensure the Center provides an environment conducive to research and public services
- Supports the Gregorian Center's programmatic schedule, providing logistical and technical support as needed
- Assists with collection delivery, returns, and collection maintenance projects
- Communicates with researchers affiliated with the Gregorian Center on application and admissions matters and general day-to-day questions
- Performs other related tasks as needed
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Certifications High School Diploma or GED
Required Experience
- Experience working in libraries or related fields
- Experience with frontline service
- Experience with de-escalation and troubleshooting complex service situations
Required Skills
- Excellent interpersonal, public service, and hospitality-driven skills
- High degree of personal integrity, reliability, and commitment to quality service
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proven ability to partner effectively across diverse, multidisciplinary teams
- Strong time management and organizational skills, with a proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
- Proficiency with standard office software and workplace technology.
- Demonstrated proficiency with online tools and computer systems, with particular expertise in Library specific software applications
- Sound judgment, critical thinking, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities N/A
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 setting
Physical Duties
- Moderate lifting required (up to 25 lbs)
- Pushing book trucks
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Non-Union
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule 21-28 hours weekly to be scheduled during hours of operation. The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is open to the public 7 days a week from between 10am and 8pm. Availability on evenings and weekends required
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.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
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 such, 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.
Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).