This job is closed
Applications are no longer available for this announcement. Explore current related opportunities below.
Job description
Librarian II, Picture Collection
Application Deadline: 4 October 2026
Department: Research Libraries
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Reporting To: Jessica Cline
Compensation: $70,393 / year
Description
Overview For more than 125 years, the New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of books, information, ideas, and education. With collections numbering more than 56 million items and serving more than 16 million patrons in person each year and millions more online, NYPL’s reach is both local and global. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.
At our world-class research centers – including the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Library at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the Library for the Performing Arts, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture – expert staff facilitate the work of our diverse communities, offering inspiring reading rooms, programs, exhibitions, fellowships, and a dynamic range of research services. Their work is supported by dedicated staff on the Collections and Research Services teams. We are proud to be the most public and widely used research library in the world.
The Miriam & Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints, and Photographs is composed of five collections that represent one of the most significant art and art historical research collections in the country. The Picture Collection provides an encyclopedic array of pictures organized into subjects to support artistic, cultural, historical, and comparative research. New York’s diverse community of artists, designers, students, scholars, film producers, and historians has relied on the Collection for visual research for over 100 years.
The Librarian II plays a key role within the Picture Collection by providing excellent public service in the form of reference work, instruction, outreach, writing, and works with colleagues across the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building to ensure an optimal experience for all visitors to the Library. The Librarian II is collaborative, service-oriented, and committed to equitable access to collections for all researchers.
Responsibilities
Provides excellent research and reference assistance to scholarly and general users, in the reading room and remotely
Develops and teaches classes for the public, educational, and cultural institutions, and participates in the Library’s outreach and instruction strategy
Performs collection development tasks within the Picture Collection, including the selection and description of visual materials according to national and local subject heading standards
Assists in the implementation of social media initiatives in collaboration with the Social Media team, Wallach Division team, and guest curators
Regularly creates and updates online content, including research guides, and assorted educational materials
Maintains a personal program of continuous education and professional development
Participate in NYPL-wide initiatives through participation on committees, task forces, research library meetings, and other relevant groups
Contributes to accurate and timely reporting of statistics, providing insights that inform service enhancements, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making
Perform other related duties as required
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Certifications
ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies
Required Experience
Demonstrated engagement with visual studies through academic background, training, interest, or expertise
Experience providing welcoming and expert public service, reference or customer service in a research library or similar setting
Experience teaching and participating in community outreach initiatives
Required Skills
Successfully demonstrates excellent interpersonal, public service, and hospitality-driven skills, acting as a welcoming ambassador to provide seamless research support to a diverse user community
Demonstrated initiative, attention to detail, judgment, and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Familiarity with using a wide range of resources in reference work
Ability to multitask and work in a dynamic environment
Have the capacity to assess the accuracy, completeness, and quality of information resources
Demonstrated competency to support artistic, cultural, historical, and comparative research with a diverse collection of visual materials
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
N/A
More...
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
Be Resourceful in solving problems
Be Curious in all aspects of your work
Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
Research Library
Physical Duties
Light lifting up to 15 lbs required
Sitting and standing for periods of time
Daily use of a computer
Pre-Placement Physical Required? No
Union/Non Union Local 1930
FLSA Status Non-Exempt
Schedule Onsite, 35 hours per week to be scheduled during regular building hours, some Saturday and evening hours required:
Monday 10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–8PM
Wednesday 10 AM–8PM
Thursday 10 AM–6PM
Friday 10 AM–6PM
Saturday 10 AM–6PM
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Worksite address
new york, NY, 10261, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.