On-Site Temporary Rare Books & Archives Assistant

Metro; New York (NY); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

The New York Academy of Medicine Library seeks a Temporary Special Collections Assistant to provide Rare Book Reading Room coverage and support work with its rare book, manuscript, pamphlet, and archival collections. Reporting to the Library Director, the position is 20 hours per week, fully on-site through August 2027.

The role includes patron access support, collection care, cataloging, archival processing, and related projects, with supervision of interns/volunteers as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience working with rare books, manuscripts, archives, or special collections.
• Ability to locate materials accurately across differing shelf-location, classification, and numbering systems.
• Experience creating or editing MARC bibliographic records and ability to interpret legacy catalog records;
• Knowledge of basic archival processing, description, and preservation practices.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and strong interpersonal communication skills with diverse patrons.
• Demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to work independently with rare materials.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the Rare Book Reading Room to ensure compliance with handling, security, and room procedures.
• Retrieve and reshelve collection materials, using shelf-location and classification schemes.
• Create MARC records in Koha and perform archival processing and rehousing.
• Coordinate and oversee interns and/or volunteers, and contribute to special projects.

Skills

Experience with rare books

Material location across shelf systems

Attention to detail

Interpersonal communication

Education

MLS/MLIS or archival training

Tools

Koha MARC cataloging

Job description

The New York Academy of Medicine Library seeks a Temporary Special Collections Assistant to provide Rare Book Reading Room coverage and support work with its rare book, manuscript, pamphlet, and archival collections. Reporting to the Library Director, the position is 20 hours per week, fully on-site through August 2027.

The role includes patron access support, collection care, cataloging, archival processing, and related projects, with supervision of interns/volunteers as needed.