Reference Librarian, Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College, New York, NY

Posted March 13, 2024

About the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College:
The Center for Puerto Rican Studies is a research institute dedicated to the study and interpretation of the Puerto Rican experience in the United States, producing and disseminating relevant interdisciplinary research. Centro also collects preserves and provides access to library and archival resources documenting Puerto Rican history and heritage. We seek to link scholarship to social action and policy debates, and to contribute to the betterment of our community and enrichment of Puerto Rican studies.
Role:
Working under the supervision of the Library Manager, the Reference Librarian will supervise the CENTRO Library & Archives reading room and be the primary point person for assisting patrons with reference. Work assignments may vary depending upon library and archives project needs. May oversee the work of college assistants and/or interns for specific projects.
Responsibilities:

Educate patrons on research strategies and effective use of microfilm readers, computers, databases, and media equipment; and address reference questions.
Conduct reference interviews and provide orientation to patrons.
Locate books, journals and other library and archival materials for patrons.
Oversee production of bibliographic guides and other reference materials
Conduct outreach to Hunter students and faculty to provide bibliographic instruction.
Perform general collection maintenance (routine audits of shelves and book repairs)
Monitor reference desk telephone, and email account.
Fulfill interlibrary loan and digital document delivery requests.
Assist with researchers’ needs (retrieving materials, photocopying documents requests, etc.)

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree and four years’ related experience required; MLS degree or Master’s in a related field may be substituted for a portion of the experience requirement.
Preferred qualifications include:

Experience with archival materials is desirable.
Interest in Puerto Rican and Latino/Latin American History.
Knowledge of computer software (Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop)
Strong organization and time-management skills; attention to accuracy and detail is essential.
Working knowledge of Spanish is desirable. The candidate should be bilingual with strong English writing skills.
Willing and eager to learn new skills and working with a diverse group of people.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, make constructive recommendations, interpret, and apply policies and procedures, and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved.

CUNY Title Overview

Administers one or more aspects of Library operations and coordinates Library services.
Assists faculty, students, and librarians in order to evaluate needs and locate appropriate materials on a timely basis
Participates in acquiring materials in all formats and media
Reviews Library usage patterns and makes recommendations regarding services; plans and conducts training and outreach activities
Assists in developing and monitoring Library policies and user service standards
May oversee a Library unit such as Circulation, Access/User Services, Reserve,
Stack Maintenance, and/or Acquisitions
Supervises and/or trains staff, students, and others assigned to the Library
Performs related duties as assigned.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online by accessing the CUNY Portal on City University of New York job website www.cuny.edu/employment. To search for this vacancy, click on SEARCH ALL POSTINGS and in SEARCH JOBS field, enter the Job Opening ID number 27998 Click on the “APPLY NOW” button and follow the application instructions. Current users of the site should access their established accounts; New users should follow the instructions to set up an account.
Please have your documents available to attach into the application before you begin. Note, the required material must be uploaded as ONE document under CV/Resume (do not upload individual files for a cover letter, references, etc.). The document must be in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .rtf, or text format- and name of file should not exceed ten (10) characters – also DO NOT USE SYMBOLS (such as accents (é, è, (â, î or ô), ñ, ü, ï , –, _ or ç)).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please include:

Cover letter describing interest in the position, related qualifications and
experiences
Current curriculum Vitae/ Resume
Names and contact information of 2 references
Upload all documents as ONE single file– PDF format preferred