Special Collections Reference Librarian

NEW YORK ACADEMY-MEDICINE LBRY; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Special Collections Reference Librarian at New York Academy of Medicine supports research, scholarship, and public engagement with one of the world’s most distinguished collections in the history of medicine and public health.

Reporting to the Library Director, the Reference Librarian works with the Historical Collections Librarian to provide in-depth reference, access, and consultation services to NYAM staff, fellows, students, clinicians, health professionals, researchers, and the public.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program or international equivalent.
• Five+ years of experience providing reference and research services in a library, archives, or similar setting.
• Experience with special collections/archives and primary sources for advanced research inquiries.
• Proficiency in instruction, presentations, and outreach activities.
• Creation of research guides and instructional materials to support discovery.

Responsibilities

• Provide reference consultations in person, by mail, email, and phone.
• Coordinate reading room operations including scheduling, retrieval, and reshelving.
• Engage researchers and public audiences through outreach, class visits, tours, and instruction.
• Develop reference tools, guides, webpages, and tutorials to support discovery of collections.
• Create small interpretive displays and digital exhibits highlighting collections.
• Support collection development through acquisitions aligned with NYAM priorities.
• Compile service statistics, contribute to reports and assessments.
• Assist with grant proposals and related project activities.
• Collaborate with Library and NYAM staff on cross-department initiatives.

Skills

Reference services

Public outreach

Lectures and outreach

Research guides

Collaboration

Education

Master's in Library Science

Tools

Koha

Job description

About New York Academy of Medicine:

New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is a leading voice for innovation in population health. As one of the nation’s longest-running nonprofits, we have championed changes to the systems that perpetuate health inequities and that keep all communities from achieving a healthier and longer life (healthspan). Today, this work includes innovative research that distinctively values community input for maximum impact. Combined with NYAM’s trusted programming and historic library, and with the support of nearly 2,000 accomplished Fellows and Members, NYAM’s impact as a population health leader moves boldly forward.

Department Summary:

The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) Library and Archives, founded in 1847, is the only medical library in New York City open to the public and is one of the world’s great independent historical medical libraries.

NYAM’s collections span from antiquity to the present and number close to a million items.

They encompass rare books, monographs, serials, manuscripts, archives, pamphlets, maps, institutional records, prints, photographs, anatomical atlases, and digital images. Subject strengths include addiction, anatomy cardiology, cookery, New York medical history, homeopathy and other alternative medical systems, medical Americana, medical botany, natural history, public health, and women’s and children’s health. Manuscript strengths include medical and culinary receipt books, student notebooks, and institutional and medical society records.

The NYAM Library and Archives are committed to fostering positive interactions for researchers of all skill levels and backgrounds and to encouraging creative use of collections for study and enjoyment.

Position Summary/Overview:

The Special Collections Reference Librarian supports research, scholarship, and public engagement with one of the world’s most distinguished collections in the history of medicine and public health.

Reporting to the Library Director, the Reference Librarian will work closely with the Historical Collections Librarian, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the reading room and public services. Working in a collaborative, team-based environment, the Reference Librarian provides in-depth reference, access, and consultation services. Users include NYAM staff and fellows, as well as students, faculty, clinicians, health professionals, researchers, and the public.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide excellent research support through reference consultations (in person or by mail, email, and phone);
• Help coordinate reading room operations, including scheduling appointments, retrieving, tracking, and reshelving collections;
• Engage researchers, fellows, students, and public audiences with the library’s collections and services through instruction, presentations, class visits, tours, orientation sessions and other outreach activities;
• Create and maintain reference tools, finding aids, research guides, webpages, and tutorials to support discovery and effective use of collections;
• Develop small interpretive physical displays and digital exhibits that highlight the richness of the collections and promote their use;
• Support collection development through the evaluation and recommendation of prospective acquisitions aligned with NYAM’s research and education priorities;
• Compile and maintain service statistics, contribute to reports, and other assessments;
• Contribute to grant proposals and related project activities;
• Collaborate with Library and NYAM staff on cross-departmental initiatives, events, and philanthropic projects;
• Pursue professional development and skills building to meet emerging and ongoing needs of the research community;
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program, or international equivalent in library or information science;
• Minimum of five years of experience providing reference and research services in a library, archives, or similar research environment;
• Experience working with special collections, archives, or primary source materials, including supporting advanced research inquiries;
• Proficiency in instruction, presentations, and outreach activities;
• Proficiency with the creation of research guides, instructional materials, or other tools that support discovery and access;
• Interest in building long-term expertise in the history of medicine and health through sustained engagement with NYAM’s collections, institutional history, and researcher communities;
• Comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment with flexibility and adaptability;
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills;
• Proficiency working both independently and collaboratively, including projects and cross-departmental initiatives;
• Demonstrated commitment to applying principles of inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility in research services, collections stewardship, and public engagement;
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and evolving practices in library, archives, and research services;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Proficiency with Windows computers and familiarity with Microsoft software products (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, etc.). Familiarity with virtual meetings tools (Zoom, Teams, etc.);

Preferred Qualifications:

• Subject knowledge relevant to the collections, including the history of medicine, public health, medical humanities, or related disciplines;
• Reading proficiency in one or more languages other than English
• Familiarity with collections management, reading room, or archival access systems;
• Experience with digitization, digital collections, or digital exhibits;
• General knowledge of conservation and preservation practices;
• Familiarity with Koha or other integrated library systems.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee, with or without accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The employee will retrieve, transport, and re-shelve library materials of varying size and weight alone (up to 40 lbs.) and in conjunction with co-workers. Library carts and special carriers are used to transport all collections except for small and lightweight items, which may be carried by hand. Ladders of assorted sizes and configurations are used to retrieve materials from shelves up to twelve feet high. The employee will walk and climb stairs throughout the day. Must be able to tolerate moderate levels of dust and be able to use the computer for extended periods of time.

Work Environment:

This position is based in New York City. The current expectation of this position is on site Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends for programs or staff or organizational events. Limited opportunities for flexible scheduling or remote work may be available in accordance with institutional policies.

The salary range for this position is $80 ,000 to $95,000, commensurate with experience.

NYAM is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. NYAM is an affirmative action employer. As an organization whose primary focus is health equity, NYAM is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. NYAM offers competitive benefits, generous paid time off and holidays, and professional development opportunities.