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Assistant Reference Librarian - American Antiquarian Society (Worcester, MA)

Filed under GSLIS Jobs and Opportunities
Posted by GSLIS, July 07, 2008
View all posts for July 2008

American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts
Position Available: Assistant Reference Librarian

Founded in 1812, the American Antiquarian Society is a learned society that supports a preeminent national research library specializing in American history, life, and culture from settlement through the year 1876. The library serves a world-wide community of scholars. The Society is committed to maintaining a level of outstanding reference service to its readers and other library constituents that has been our hallmark for decades.

Responsibilities: Provide courteous reference assistance to readers as part of a reference team; conduct reference interviews and orientations of new readers; assist with the reading room operations of a rare book research library; monitor the reference desk and the distribution and return of printed, manuscript and graphic items; monitor condition of materials paged for readers; consult with curators and conservation staff as needed; oversee patron use of collection materials and ensure all library security rules are enforced; acquaint and assist readers with library holdings and policies of collection use; assist readers with the use of the public and online catalogues; approve requests for photocopying of materials, consulting with curators and conservation staff as needed; page collection materials (including graphic and manuscript items) as needed; respond to reference queries via e-mail, telephone, and letter; undertake special projects as assigned by the head of reader services.

Qualifications: An advanced degree in a field of study relevant to the Society’s collections (librarianship, history, literature) is required. Successful candidates will have excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, aptitude for collaborative decision making in a collegial environment, effective computer skills, and a strong commitment to enhancing the reputation of the Society for outstanding reference service to its readers.

Compensation: This is a full time position, available on or about September 1, 2008.
Salary will be $23-26,000 commensurate with experience. Benefits include health and life insurance; retirement plan options; paid holidays, vacation, personal and sick leave; travel and other professional development opportunities. A 35 hour work week within the library’s normal hours (M, T, Th, F 9-5; W 9-8) must be negotiated.

To apply: Submit a letter of application and a resume electronically to eharris@mwa.org with the subject line “Search Committee, Assistant Reference Librarian.” Please include contact information for three references. The American Antiquarian Society is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with applicable federal and state laws; minority candidates are encouraged to apply.