OPEN TO:This job is open to current MNHS employees who work in the Gale Family Library

LOCATION:History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102

COMPENSATION:$21.89 hourly minimum

STATUS & HOURS:Full-time, regular (approximately 2,080 annual hours) position.

BENEFITS: Eligible to participate in State Employee Group Insurance Program and a retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals with additional paid holidays.

DESIGNATION:Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173

POSTING DATE:March 27, 2024

DEADLINE DATE:April 3, 2024

TO APPLY:Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a resume and cover letter by the application deadline date.

DESCRIPTION: The Research Services Assistant position exists to provide reference/research service assistance and access to the MNHS collections through the Gale Family Library, as well as to to provide additional support for the Minnesota Historical Society’s Gale Family Library in a variety of categories. 

The Research Services Assistant supports in-person and distanced Library researchers using a variety of professional tools and provides research support across multiple access points. This position works with individual researchers needing research guidance or instruction, and uses their own knowledge and customer service skills to provide research support. The Research Services Assistant also provides vital internal support for the Library’s services and processes, including coordinating research services/duplication orders and managing all aspects of MNHS’s Interlibrary Loan services (ILL). 

SUMMARY OF WORK: 1) Coordinate distance research services and duplication orders and Library’s online shop presence; 2) Facilitate the use of MNHS collections for library researchers; 3) Coordinate all MNHS Interlibrary Loan Services; 4) Assist with unit statistics, reporting, and financial activities; 5) Support general library operations; 6) Coordinate donor-restricted manuscripts’ permission workflow; and 7) Coordinate Library Microfilm Duplication Orders.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Two years experience in a library or related setting.

• Strong commitment to working with the public and contributing to a customer service team.

• Understanding of how library catalogs, databases, finding aids, and other reference tools support researcher needs.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a demanding, high-volume library setting. 

• Understanding of microfilm readers and scanning equipment.

• Demonstrated ability to handle rare and fragile objects with care.

• Well-developed communication and customer service skills.

• Basic knowledge of research procedures.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to respond productively to unanticipated changes, issues, and assignments.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take individual initiative while also being able to collaborate effectively and contribute positively in a team environment.

• Demonstrated ability to multitask, working effectively under pressure to meet deadlines, prioritizing and adapting to changing priorities.

• Ability to work Tuesday - Saturday, including one evening per week, as scheduled. 

• Ability to work in an environment where the air quality may contain dust or other airborne particles.

• Physical ability to regularly lift, maneuver, and carry objects up to 20 pounds. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Enrollment in, planned enrollment in, or graduation from an accredited M.L.S. program in library/information science, or other related coursework.

• Knowledge of digital scanning software.

• Experience with library and office software, including online catalogs and ILS systems

• Experience conducting primary research in history collections.

• Demonstrated understanding of MNHS library policies and procedures.

• General understanding of and familiarity with the MNHS collections.

Should you have questions with the application process, email humanresources@mnhs.org or call MNHS Job Line at 651-259-3181.

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.