Temp Special Collections Assistant - Rare Books & Archives

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

Job summary

The New York Academy of Medicine Library is seeking a Temporary Special Collections Assistant to support Rare Book Reading Room access and processing of archival materials. The role runs 20 hours per week through August 2027 and is fully on-site, reporting to the Library Director and coordinating with the Historical Collections Librarian.

The position emphasizes cataloging, archival processing, and project work across rare book collections, with opportunities to supervise interns and volunteers

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, including the ability to interact positively with patrons from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to work independently with rare materials.
• Ability to retrieve, shelve, and safely move collection materials and archival boxes weighing up to 30 lbs.
• MLS/MLIS or archival training they prefer.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the Rare Book Reading Room to ensure compliance with handling, security, and reading room procedures.
• Retrieve and reshelve collection materials, using shelf-location and classification schemes.
• Perform cataloging project work, including creating MARC records in Koha; archival processing tasks.
• May coordinate and oversee interns and/or volunteers.
• Perform related special collections projects as assigned.

Skills

Rare books experience

Attention to detail

Interpersonal communication

Independent worker

Education

MLS/MLIS or archival training

Tools

Koha library system

MARC records

Job description

The New York Academy of Medicine Library is seeking a Temporary Special Collections Assistant to support Rare Book Reading Room access and processing of archival materials. The role runs 20 hours per week through August 2027 and is fully on-site, reporting to the Library Director and coordinating with the Historical Collections Librarian.

The position emphasizes cataloging, archival processing, and project work across rare book collections, with opportunities to supervise interns and volunteers