Job Description
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS READING ROOM ATTENDANT
(PT 15 hours per week)
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.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Monitoring the Special Collections Reading Room
- Politely enforcing Special Collections policies and procedures
- Assisting researchers with basic requests, including how to find materials using the online catalog, card catalogs, and finding aids
- Monitoring the reading room to prevent damage or loss of Special Collections materials
- Explaining proper handling of a variety of rare book and manuscript materials
- Welcoming researchers by appointment or walk-in and assisting them with registration
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.
Education & Experience Required:
- High school diploma or relevant work experience
- Criminal background check
- Physical requirements – ability to lift/move up to 25 lbs.
Additional Requirements:
- 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
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.
Please submit cover letter and resume by September 26, 2022.
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: HR@provlib.org
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Fax: 401-455-8002
Equal Opportunity
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.
Additional Info & Requirements
The Community
Providence Public Library (PPL) is a 144-year-old nonprofit corporation providing free public library services through its rich and historic physical and digital collections, extensive information resources, thought-provoking exhibitions, impactful educational programs, and expert staff.
PPL is continually transforming and focused on providing equally transformative experiences for all Rhode Islanders. The Library is actively expanding our reach through critical statewide collaborations and serving as an open and supportive teaching and learning place where communities can connect, experience, create and achieve, whether in our physical or virtual realms.
To achieve our mission, the Library is strategically focused on serving Rhode Island families and early care providers, teens, downcity residents, learners seeking workforce development, and those pursuing creative and scholarly endeavors.
Website
Www.provlib.org
Human Resources / Job Listings
https://www.provlib.org/about-us/job-opportunities/
HR Info
Email cover letter and resume to: HR@provlib.org
The Providence Public Library
ATTN: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903