Reference Librarian, Mary E. Robinson Research Center, Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, RI
Posted April 18, 2023
Job Description
The Rhode Island Historical Society (RIHS) seeks an enthusiastic and service-oriented Reference Librarian at the Mary E. Robinson Research Center (RRC) in Providence, Rhode Island to provide reference and research services to facilitate the use of its paper-based and multimedia collections, and bibliographic instruction to students, educators, and other user groups.
“Collections” at the RRC refers to all material and digital holdings of lasting historical, cultural, or artistic value collected by the RIHS to document the history of the state and its people. Over 100,000 books and pamphlets dating from the 16th century to the present, as well as the largest surviving collection of newspapers produced in Rhode Island (much of it on microfilm). Over 1,200 manuscript and archive collections measuring roughly 8,000 linear feet. Other printed material includes posters and graphic prints, ephemera, maps, and broadsides. Graphics include over 200,000 photographs (prints, negatives, and slides), 17,000 reels of microfilm, 20,000 architectural plans, 4,000 drawings, 9 million feet of moving picture film and 3,000 sound recordings.
Reporting to the Associate Director of the RRC and working closely with the Research Services Manager and other collections staff, the Reference Librarian will assist visitors with in-person and virtual reference and general information requests; help to supervise the reading room and coordinate its coverage with other RRC staff; and work with a varying number of volunteers and student interns. The Reference Librarian will be responsible for collecting, aggregating, and reporting statistics relating to reader services operations and conducting special projects to support the goals, priorities, and mission of the RIHS. The successful candidate will be able to work both independently and also collaboratively with a team.
Required
- MLIS degree, or currently enrolled in a graduate program in library and information science from an ALA-accredited school
- Some experience in a special collections, archives, academic library, or equivalent setting, preferably in public services
Responsibilities
- Perform virtual and onsite reference services;
- Maintain electronic and written records and compile assigned monthly and annual statistical reports;
- Foster a welcoming environment for all library users;
- Support services and workflows that evolve in response to and in anticipation of changing user needs, industry standards, available technology, and institutional priorities;
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Ability to operate library or archival management systems and business software such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel;
- Familiarity with cataloging practices and standards such as RDA, MARC, Library of
- Congress subject headings, and/or DublinCore;
- OCLC/General database searching;
- Self-managing of project tasks and timelines, managing calendars independently;
- Able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
Salary and Benefits
Annual salary of $40,000; Health care insurance starting the 1st of the month following date of hire. TIAA/CREF retirement plan after completing twenty four (24) months of employment. Life and Disability Insurance. Sick time, 14 paid holidays and vacation time.
To Apply
Please email a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to [email protected] with “Reference Librarian” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. No phone calls, please. The Rhode Island Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.