Special Collections Reading Room Attendant, Providence Public Library, Providence, RI

Posted September 8, 2022

Description

The reading room attendant serves as the first point of contact with researchers and visitors to Special Collections, ensuring that visitors are made to feel welcome and that Special Collections materials are protected and handled with care. 

This position is:

Non-exempt and is not part of the Union

Hourly rate is $20 per hour.

Hours:  15 hours per week.  Hours will be scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday.  There is a possibility of more hours to cover vacation time.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities

Monitoring the Special Collections Reading Room

• Welcoming researchers by appointment or walk-in and assisting them with registration
• Explaining proper handling of a variety of rare book and manuscript materials
• Monitoring the reading room to prevent damage or loss of Special Collections materials
• Assisting researchers with basic requests, including how to find materials using the online catalog, card catalogs, and finding aids
• Politely enforcing Special Collections policies and procedures

Collections Project Support

During off-desk time and periods of low reading room activity the Reading Room Attendant will assist other Special Collections staff in a wide range of projects, which may include:

• Organizing, rehousing and sorting collections
• Updating finding aids
• Assisting Special Collections staff with reference questions
• Searching bookseller catalogs and online databases
• Occasionally assist the Acquisitions & Cataloging department
• Other duties as assigned

Additional Skills

• Polite, friendly and welcoming, but also capable of firmly maintaining reading room policies
• Attentive to detail and calm in a busy environment
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Strong attention to details and strong organizational skills.
• Comfortable working with various technology (i.e. Microsoft programs, Google Docs/Drive).

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, patrons, and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or relevant work experience
• Criminal background check
• Physical requirements – ability to lift/move up to 25 lbs.

• Work experience in a relevant field, including rare book or archival setting
• Students pursuing a degree in library or museum studies are encouraged to apply for this position

How to Apply

Please submit cover letter and resume by September 26, 2022.

Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:

• E-mail:  [email protected]

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities.  PPL is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and above), disability, veteran status, military service, application for military service, genetic information, receipt of free medical care, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. PPL will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.