Reference Assistant, Peabody Essex Museum, Rowley, MA
Posted August 16, 2019
The Phillips Library of the Peabody Essex Museum now located in Rowley, MA, is seeking a part-time temporary addition to their reference staff. This is a great opportunity to learn about day to day operations of a special collections library. The primary tasks of the Reference Assistant will include staffing the reference desk; orientating visitors; answering reference questions in person and via email; paging and re-shelving of materials in secure stacks; fulfilling duplication requests; and other tasks as assigned or developed. These positions will assist the reference staff with public services by following established methods and protocols.
The Reference Assistant must be comfortable with frequent interruptions to their work, and have the ability to juggle multiple ongoing projects. They should be adaptable to changes in library needs; have the ability to solve patron concerns with courtesy; and be open to learning new skills.
This position is a one year assignment and will start in Fall 2019. It is an 18 hours per week position. Hours will be assigned during the week and will include some/every other Saturday hours between 8:30am and 1:30pm.
Successful candidates will have exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills; attention to detail and strong organizational skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office and other basic computer literacy. Sensitivity to proper care and handling of special collections materials is required. Ability to lift/push up to 40 pounds. Enrollment in an ALA accredited Library Science program and/or special collections experience is a plus. PEM is committed to diversity among its employees and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
The Phillips Library is located at 306 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley, MA.