The New York Public Library
Librarian II - Local History & Genealogy Division (Temporary)
The New York Public Library, New York, New York, us, 10261
Librarian II – Local History & Genealogy Division (Temporary)
Join to apply for the Librarian II – Local History & Genealogy Division (Temporary) role at The New York Public Library.
Compensation:
$70,393 / year
Application Deadline:
19 January 2026
Department:
Research Libraries
Location:
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Overview The Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, located in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, serves as the primary research hub for local history and genealogical materials. The Division provides reference assistance to a diverse audience, consisting of genealogists, historians, general readers, and graduate and undergraduate students who are investigating family history, as well as various aspects of the nation's and city's past. The Librarian II plays a key role in the Milstein Division by providing excellent public service in the form of reference work, writing, instruction, outreach, and works with colleagues across the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building to assure an optimal experience for all visitors to the Library. This position is temporary through incumbent’s leave.
Responsibilities
Provides excellent reference service based on specialized subject knowledge of the collections, key resources and trends in scholarship
Provides reference and research assistance and consultations at service points in multiple locations to individuals and groups, both in-person and online
Helps to oversee day‑to‑day activities in the Reading Room, ensuring proper handling of material and collection security
Participates in activities related to the fulfillment of NYPL’s Strategy, particularly those initiatives related to public services, outreach, and instruction
Performs related duties as required
Required Education & Certifications
ALA‑accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Studies
Undergraduate degree in the Humanities, Social Sciences, or related field
Demonstrated knowledge of genealogical and historical research methods and related topics, acquired through academic background, equivalent training, or professional expertise
Required Experience
Experience in a research library or a similar setting, including internships
Required Skills
Successfully demonstrates excellent public service skills and the ability to work well in a fast‑paced environment with a diverse range of readers, staff, and visitors
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate and express ideas clearly in both writing and in person
Proficiency in applying diverse research methodologies and understanding of resources pertinent to assisting users with historical and genealogical inquiries, including developing information literacy skills
Demonstrated experience using and evaluating online catalogs, electronic databases, and internet sources in reference work
Demonstrated ability to productively work both independently and in a team environment
Successfully demonstrated initiative, accuracy, attention to detail, judgment, analytic and organizational skills
Demonstrated computer skills, including Google Workplace, and software applicable to library settings such as ILS programs
Flexibility and adaptability to changing technologies, priorities, and user needs
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
N/A
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 setting
Physical Duties
Limited physical effort required
Light lifting required
Lifting up to 15 lbs. required
May require travel within NYC
Pre‑Placement Physical Required?
No
Union / Non Union Local 1930
FLSA Status Non‑Exempt
Schedule 35 hours to be scheduled Monday‑Saturday between 9 am‑8 pm. Evenings and weekends required. Schedule subject to change.
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.
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).
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Temporary
Job Function Other
Industries Libraries
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Compensation:
$70,393 / year
Application Deadline:
19 January 2026
Department:
Research Libraries
Location:
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Overview The Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, located in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, serves as the primary research hub for local history and genealogical materials. The Division provides reference assistance to a diverse audience, consisting of genealogists, historians, general readers, and graduate and undergraduate students who are investigating family history, as well as various aspects of the nation's and city's past. The Librarian II plays a key role in the Milstein Division by providing excellent public service in the form of reference work, writing, instruction, outreach, and works with colleagues across the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building to assure an optimal experience for all visitors to the Library. This position is temporary through incumbent’s leave.
Responsibilities
Provides excellent reference service based on specialized subject knowledge of the collections, key resources and trends in scholarship
Provides reference and research assistance and consultations at service points in multiple locations to individuals and groups, both in-person and online
Helps to oversee day‑to‑day activities in the Reading Room, ensuring proper handling of material and collection security
Participates in activities related to the fulfillment of NYPL’s Strategy, particularly those initiatives related to public services, outreach, and instruction
Performs related duties as required
Required Education & Certifications
ALA‑accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Studies
Undergraduate degree in the Humanities, Social Sciences, or related field
Demonstrated knowledge of genealogical and historical research methods and related topics, acquired through academic background, equivalent training, or professional expertise
Required Experience
Experience in a research library or a similar setting, including internships
Required Skills
Successfully demonstrates excellent public service skills and the ability to work well in a fast‑paced environment with a diverse range of readers, staff, and visitors
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate and express ideas clearly in both writing and in person
Proficiency in applying diverse research methodologies and understanding of resources pertinent to assisting users with historical and genealogical inquiries, including developing information literacy skills
Demonstrated experience using and evaluating online catalogs, electronic databases, and internet sources in reference work
Demonstrated ability to productively work both independently and in a team environment
Successfully demonstrated initiative, accuracy, attention to detail, judgment, analytic and organizational skills
Demonstrated computer skills, including Google Workplace, and software applicable to library settings such as ILS programs
Flexibility and adaptability to changing technologies, priorities, and user needs
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
N/A
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 setting
Physical Duties
Limited physical effort required
Light lifting required
Lifting up to 15 lbs. required
May require travel within NYC
Pre‑Placement Physical Required?
No
Union / Non Union Local 1930
FLSA Status Non‑Exempt
Schedule 35 hours to be scheduled Monday‑Saturday between 9 am‑8 pm. Evenings and weekends required. Schedule subject to change.
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.
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).
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Temporary
Job Function Other
Industries Libraries
#J-18808-Ljbffr