Art Library Assistant & Reference Specialist

Cincinnati Art Museum; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 44,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cincinnati Art Museum is seeking an Assistant Librarian for the Mary R. Schiff Library and Archives. You will deliver knowledgeable, welcoming service and support research for staff, volunteers, scholars, and the public.

The role includes reference assistance, desk leadership, outreach, and instruction, with opportunities to engage with archives and special collections. Some evenings and weekends may be required.

Qualifications

• Strong customer service skills and proven success in improving user experience.
• Excellent research skills, and oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage workflow, projects, and multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide reference service and research support to library patrons and museum staff, both in person and remotely.
• Staff the reference desk and oversee the daily operations in the Library Reading Room.
• Assist patrons: excellent customer service, friendly reception, and positive research interactions for library 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 stats 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 co-ordinate class visits.
• Create and update library training materials and guides.
• Request Interlibrary loan materials for CAM staff and fulfill lending/copy requests.
• 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.

Skills

Customer service

Research skills

Oral and written communication

Workflow management

Education

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS)

Bachelor’s degree in art history or related discipline

Tools

Integrated library systems

OCLC

Job description

The Cincinnati Art Museum is seeking an Assistant Librarian for the Mary R. Schiff Library and Archives. You will deliver knowledgeable, welcoming service and support research for staff, volunteers, scholars, and the public.

The role includes reference assistance, desk leadership, outreach, and instruction, with opportunities to engage with archives and special collections. Some evenings and weekends may be required.