Librarian II - Dorot Jewish Division

New York Public Library; New York (NY); On-site; USD 71,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York Public Library seeks a Librarian II for the Dorot Jewish Division. This full-time role involves providing reference services, developing educational programs, and outreach activities. Ideal candidates will have a Master's degree in Library Science and expertise in Jewish Studies, along with strong public service and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library and Information Studies is required.
• Knowledge of Jewish Studies preferred.
• Experience in research libraries is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provides reference service and research assistance in-person and online.
• Creates and updates online research guides.
• Teaches classes for public and educational institutions.

Skills

Public service skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of Jewish Studies

Analytic skills

Organizational skills

Education

ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Studies

Undergraduate degree in Humanities, Social Sciences, or related field

Tools

ILS programs

Google Workplace

Job description

Librarian II - Dorot Jewish Division

Application Deadline: 29 June 2025

Department: Research Libraries

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Reporting To: Carmen Nigro

Compensation: $70,393 / year

Description

Overview
The Dorot Jewish Division is the home of one of the world’s great collections of Jewish Studies materials. The collection contains a comprehensive and balanced chronicle of the religious and secular history of the Jewish people in over a quarter of a million books, microforms, manuscripts, newspapers, periodicals, and ephemera from all over the world. Reference and research services are available in a dedicated Jewish studies reading room on the first floor of the Library’s landmark Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. The Division welcomes hundreds of researchers each month, and fields inquiries from researchers investigating a variety of topics, as well as general readers looking for research assistance.

The Librarian II plays a key role in the Dorot Jewish Division by providing excellent public service in the form of reference work, writing, instruction, outreach, and works with colleagues across the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building to assure an optimal experience for all visitors to the Library.

Responsibilities

• Provides excellent reference service based on specialized subject knowledge of the collections, key resources and trends in scholarship
• Provides reference and research assistance and consultations at service points in multiple locations to individuals and groups, both in-person and online
• Regularly creates and updates online content, including research guides, and assorted educational materials
• Helps to oversee day-to-day activities in the Reading Room, ensuring proper handling of material and collection security
• Develops and teaches classes for the public and educational and cultural institutions, and participates in the Library’s outreach and instruction strategy
• Participates in activities related to the fulfillment of NYPL’s Strategy, particularly those initiatives related to public services, outreach, and instruction
• Maintains a personal program of continuous education and professional development.
• Performs related duties as required

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

• ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Studies
• Undergraduate degree in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Religious Studies, Jewish Studies or related field
• Demonstrated knowledge of Jewish Studies and related topics through academic background or equivalent training or expertise

Required Experience

• Experience in a research library or a similar setting, including internships

Required Skills

• Successfully demonstrates excellent public service skills and the ability to work well in a fast-paced environment with a diverse range of readers, staff, and visitors
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate and express ideas clearly in both writing and in person
• Understanding of the diverse religious, cultural, and political spectrum within Judaism and Jewish communities and the research materials associated with Jewish Studies
• Proficiency with the Hebrew alphabet and reading knowledge of a language(s) relative to the Jewish communities such as Hebrew, Yiddish, German, Russian, Polish, French, Arabic, etc.
• Demonstrated experience using online catalogs, electronic databases, and internet sources in reference work
• Demonstrated ability to productively work both independently and in a team environment
• Successfully demonstrated initiative, accuracy, attention to detail, judgment, analytic and organizational skills
• Demonstrated computer skills, including Google Workplace, and software applicable to library settings such as ILS programs
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing technologies, priorities, and user needs

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

• Limited physical effort is required
• Light lifting required
• Lifting up to 15 lbs. required
• May require travel within NYC

Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Local 1930

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

Schedule

35 hours to be scheduled Monday-Saturday between 9am-8pm

Evenings and weekends required

Schedule subject to change

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 LibrarySalary 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).