Assistant Reference Librarian

Indiana Historical Society, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Staff discounts in Basile History Mark

Reciprocal benefits at cultural venues

Employee assistance program

Retirement and voluntary insurance

Job summary

Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis, Indiana, seeks an Assistant Reference Librarian to support on-site researchers and the library team. The role focuses on basic research, cataloging awareness, and access to the William H. Smith Memorial Library.

The position is part-time (19 hours/week) with two Saturdays per month and benefits including parking and staff perks. Strong customer service and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or 3 years’ experience working with historical collections.
• Experience with historical collections and reference services is preferred.
• Understanding of or ability to learn library practices and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide day to day functionality support to the William H. Smith Memorial Library.
• Conduct basic historical research to answer reference inquiries received by the library.
• Retrieve and reshelve materials from the library’s closed stacks.
• Promote the IHS collections through blogs, displays and interactions with external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Research skills

Cataloging knowledge

Time management

Customer service

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Office equipment

Job description

Assistant Reference Librarian

Indiana Historical Society Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

About this position

Job Title: Assistant Reference Librarian
Department: Archives & Library, Reference Services
Reporting Relationship: Director, Reference Services
Employees Supervised: N/A
Full/part time: Part Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

POSITION PURPOSE:
This position facilitates activities for on-site and external researchers utilizing the IHS Collection

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide day to day functionality support to the William H. Smith Memorial Library
• Conduct basic historical research to answer reference inquiries received by the library
• Retrieve and reshelve materials from the library’s closed stacks
• Promote the IHS collections through blogs, displays and interactions with external stakeholders
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for diverse audiences.
• Proven research skills and an understanding of or ability to learn research library practices and procedures, and knowledge of research and bibliographic needs.
• General knowledge of standard cataloging practices and principles under Library of Congress Classification System..
• Ability to prioritize and organize tasks, meet specific deadlines, and follow through to completion.
• Commitment to excellent customer service, both internally and externally.
• Excellent computer skills; proficient with Microsoft Office suite as well as basic office equipment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Movement – Stooping, Bending, Climbing, Kneeling, and Crouching In order to reach & pick up items
Strength – Ability to lift & carry items weighing up to 35 pounds
Manual Dexterity – Ability to handle fragile items with care
Wrist & Visual Stamina – Ability to type and focus on a computer screen for prolonged periods of time
(Incumbent must be able to meet physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonability of requested accommodation is to be determined by IHS on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the ADA.)

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or 3 years’ experience working with historical collections.

SCHEDULE

This position is limited to 19 hours/week. Shifts will include two Saturdays a month with the rest of the hours spread across 2-3 days Tuesday through Friday.

PAY & BENEFITS

Pay is $14.25/hour with eligibility for annual merit-based raises. Benefits include free parking, staff discounts in the Basile History Market and the Stardust Café, reciprocal benefits at other cultural institutions in Indianapolis, employee assistance program, and access to retirement and voluntary insurance plans.

Salary Information

$14.25 - $14.25Hourly Wage