Reference Assistant, Peabody Essex Museum, Peabody, MA

Peabody Essex Museum is seeking a full time Reference Assistant for a six month term appointment at our Phillips Library, a research library with an outstanding collection of rare books, manuscripts and photographs. The Library is housed at a temporary location in Peabody. 

Join our reference team in helping patrons with access to the Library’s collections. There is a lot of interesting work to do in fulfilling patron requests and assisting PEM staff in their scholarly research. As a people person, a good communicator, and problem solver, you will help with orienting patrons to the ways of the reading room; you’ll get to research and answer reference questions from authors, historians, and curious people, and of course tidy up when the work is done (re-shelving materials). 

If you have experience as a reference assistant and have completed or have made significant progress toward a MS in Library Science or have the equivalent combination of education and experience that showcase your knowledge, skills and abilities to do the job, we’d like you to apply. Sensitivity to proper care and handling of special collections materials is important as is the ability to lift and/or push up to 40 lbs.

Qualified candidates should email their resume, cover letter and salary requirements, to [email protected] or mail to Human Resources, Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem, MA 01970-3783. PEM is committed to diversity among its employees and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.