Collections Processing Assistant II - Collections Access and Discovery

New York Public Library; New York (NY); On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York Public Library is seeking a Collections Processing Assistant II for the Collections Access and Discovery team based at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in NYC.

You will perform essential catalog maintenance, item record creation, and barcoding, while assisting with copy cataloging and materials reshelving. The role requires strong organization, detail orientation, and the ability to work independently or with a team in a fast-paced library setting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or high school equivalency certification.
• Relevant work experience in a research library processing environment.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Google Workspace applications (Mail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets).

Responsibilities

• Perform catalog maintenance, item record creation, and barcoding activities.
• Perform copy cataloging for serials and monographs using OCLC Connexion client, Sierra, and other related bibliographic tools.
• Distinguish among multiple bibliographic records to choose the correct one for the material in hand; know when to seek help from a supervisor.
• Retrieve and reshelve items according to classification and shelving guidelines.
• Handle older collection materials that may be fragile or may require cleaning; apply appropriate stabilization treatment for the material in hand.
• Assist with collection maintenance, stack maintenance, sorting materials, and collection transfers.
• Identify problems and refer them immediately to the supervisor.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Ability to follow instructions

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or equivalency

Job description

Collections Processing Assistant II - Collections Access and Discovery

Application Deadline: 23 October 2026

Department: Collections

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Reporting To: Evelyne Beljour

Compensation: $46,040 / year

Description

Overview

The Collections and Research Services Special Projects team is dedicated to ensuring long-term access to the New York Public Library's (NYPL) general research collections. While based at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, this role is crucial in supporting strategic collection processing initiatives across the research libraries. The Collections Processing Assistant II performs essential catalog maintenance and physical processing activities under the general direction of the Senior Collections Processing Associate, with additional oversight from BookOps Cataloging managers. This work involves preparing materials for high-density storage and digitization as part of institutional strategic initiatives, including the Google Books Library Project.

Responsibilities

• Perform catalog maintenance, item record creation, and barcoding activities
• Perform copy cataloging for serials and monographs using OCLC Connexion client, Sierra, and other related bibliographic tools.
• Distinguish among multiple bibliographic records to choose the correct one for the material in hand; know when to seek help from a supervisor
• Retrieve and reshelve items according to classification and shelving guidelines
• Handle older collection materials that may be fragile or may require cleaning; apply appropriate stabilization treatment for the material in hand.
• Assist with collection maintenance, stack maintenance, sorting materials, and collection transfers
• Identify problems and refer them immediately to the supervisor
• Perform other related duties as required

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

• High School Diploma or high school equivalency certification

Required Experience

• Relevant work experience in a research library processing environment
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Demonstrated flexibility, reliability, punctuality, and attention to detail
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Google Workspace applications (Mail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets)

Required Skills

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Ability to process a large quantity of work while maintaining a high degree of accuracy
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic work 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

• Fully onsite
• Office environment with assigned workstation
• As needed, work in a mobile environment using a laptop in collection storage areas

Physical Duties

• Retrieving/reshelving materials, loading and pushing/pulling book trucks, etc.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs
• Sitting and standing for periods of time
• Daily use of a computer
• May require travel within NYC

Pre-Placement

Physical Required? No

Union/Non Union

Local 1930

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Schedule

• 35-hour week
• Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm

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).