Library Technical Assistant II - Access Services

The 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 Library Technical Assistant II to support Access Services at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. You will help fulfill reader requests, manage circulating materials, and ensure smooth in-house operations for a busy research library.

Responsibilities emphasize accurate cataloging, inventory control, and collaboration with staff. The role offers essential public service in a premier cultural institution with strong community impact.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience with library materials and customer service.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail, speed, and accuracy.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.

Responsibilities

• Fulfill reader requests and maintain research collections by delivering materials and checking items in/out using ILS.
• Move and track offsite materials between service locations.
• Prepare collections for access and preservation with labeling and barcodes.
• Train colleagues in workflows as assigned.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Reader services

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Independence

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

ILS cataloging system

Inventory software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Department: Research Libraries

Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Compensation: $46,040 / year

Description

Overview

For more than 125 years, The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of books, information, ideas, and education. With collections numbering more than 56 million items and serving more than 16 million patrons in person each year and millions more online, NYPL’s reach is both local and global. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.

At our world-class research centers–including the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Library at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the Library for the Performing Arts, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture–expert staff facilitate the work of our diverse communities, offering inspiring reading rooms, programs, exhibitions, fellowships, and a dynamic range of research services. Their work is supported by dedicated staff on the Collections and Research Services teams. We are proud to be the most public and widely used research library in the world.

Access Services is part of the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Library and is responsible for storing, locating, status updating, and delivering materials to the reading and study rooms in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. The Access Services team ensures an excellent public service experience through timely and efficient delivery of Library materials, including 3.5 million general collection onsite items and millions more offsite. Among the storage spaces at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the Milstein 2 Research Stacks represent an innovative approach to managing research library inventory of over 2 million items. The Access Services team also partners with the Research Collections and Preservation Consortium (ReCAP) in delivering materials stored in the Princeton storage facility to the research libraries.

Reporting to the Manager of Research Access Services, the Library Technical Assistant II plays an integral role in ingesting, storing, moving, and supporting the ongoing preservation of the Library’s general collections. The Library Technical Assistant II plays an essential behind-the-scenes role in providing excellent and welcoming public service for our millions of patrons.

Responsibilities

• Fulfill reader requests and maintain research collections by physically delivering and refiling materials, checking items in and out using ILS cataloging and inventory software, and executing routine collection inventories and document scanning.
• Ensure the successful movement and tracking of offsite materials to and from service locations
• Prepare collections for access, service, and long-term preservation by applying labels, attaching barcodes, and performing essential stabilization tasks to protect research materials
• Train colleagues in workflows as assigned
• Other related duties as assigned

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education and Certifications

• High School Diploma or GED

Required Experience

• Experience working with library materials, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Customer service experience

Required Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain and foster cooperative and courteous working relationships
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail, speed, and accuracy in carrying out duties
• Ability to sort efficiently in alphabetic, numeric, or alphanumeric order
• Strong computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
• Demonstrated ability to work with a team and on independent projects
• Demonstrated flexibility and reliability

More...

NYPL 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

Physical Duties

• Lifting up to 30 lbs required

Pre-Placement Physical Required? No

Schedule

35 hours/week during regular research library hours, Monday-Saturday, between 9AM-8PM.

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. 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.