Library Assistant

Atrium Staffing; New York (NY); On-site; USD 64,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Atrium Care Package available

Job summary

Atrium Staffing client in New York, a world-leading art institution with locations in Long Island City and New York City, seeks a Library Assistant to join the Archives, Library, and Research Collections Department. The role supports reader services, acquisitions, interlibrary loans, cataloging, and serials.

Responsibilities include assisting staff and patrons with circulation, reference services, shelf reading, and processing materials in the ILS.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of library experience in an academic/research/special library setting.
• Knowledge of global modern and contemporary art.
• Familiarity with ILS, circulation, reference, and cataloging.
• Experience handling fragile library materials.
• Able to lift up to 30 pounds and reach high/low shelves.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Reading knowledge of a language other than English is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist museum staff and library patrons with library circulation, reference, and services.
• Maintain stack areas, space planning, shelf-reading, and collection upkeep.
• Support reference and circulation staff at the circulation desk.
• Manage day-to-day library operations including mail, paging, labeling, and ILS tasks.
• Coordinate interlibrary loan requests and participate in ad hoc projects.

Skills

Library experience

Academic library

Global art knowledge

ILS familiarity

Reference services

Fragile materials

Circulation functions

Project management

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Lifting 30 lbs

Second language reading

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Master's degree welcome

Job description

Client Overview:

Our client is one of the world's leading institutions dedicated to art. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, and research initiatives, the organization focuses on inspiring creativity, fostering cultural dialogue, and connecting diverse audiences with art. With locations in Long Island City and New York City, the museum and its affiliated organizations are committed to innovation, accessibility, and advancing the role of art in society. Our client is seeking a Library Assistant to join their Archives, Library, and Research Collections Department.

Salary/Hourly Rate:

$64,023

Position Overview:

The Library Assistant will support reader services, acquisitions, resource sharing/interlibrary loans, cataloging, and serials within the Archives, Library, and Research Collections Department.

Responsibilities of the Library Assistant:

• Assist museum staff and library patrons with library circulation, reference, and services.
• Maintain stack areas, including assisting with space planning, performing shelf-reading, and troubleshooting issues that arise within the print collection.
• Support reference and circulation staff by assisting with shifts at the circulation desk.
• Support the day-to-day operation of the library, including managing incoming mail; paging and shelving library materials; checking in new acquisitions and identifying duplicates; contributing to the development and maintenance of circulation and reference policies and procedures; processing library materials with labels after cataloging; coordinating circulation activity in the integrated library system (ILS) and sending reminders to museum staff; processing interlibrary loan requests for internal and external users; and related activities.
• Participate in ad hoc projects as needed.

Required Experience/Skills for the Library Assistant:

• Minimum of one to two years of library experience, preferably in an academic, research, or special library environment.
• Knowledge of global modern and contemporary art preferred.
• Familiarity with integrated library systems, circulation functions, reference services, handling special collections, copy cataloging, and a general understanding of library classification systems preferred.
• Experience handling fragile library materials.
• Demonstrated understanding of best practices in collection handling, transporting, and shelving.
• Outstanding team orientation and flexibility, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to organize and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Ability to collaboratively manage long-term projects in a continually evolving environment.
• Ability to deal effectively and pleasantly with museum staff and library patrons.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and reach high and low shelves.
• Reading knowledge of a language in addition to English is desirable.

Preferred Experience/Skills for the Library Assistant:

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science is welcome but not required.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Benefits:

• Atrium Care Package available, upon eligibility (including healthcare plans, discount programs, and paid time off).