What are the responsibilities and job description for the Collection Technician position at The New York Public Library?
Overview
The New York Public Library's (NYPL) collections are among the most important, unique, and comprehensive ever assembled for the free use of the public. Its research centers provide opportunities for engagement with unique collections, inspirational reading rooms, exhibitions, programs, and a range of research services. The Research Libraries collections are wide-ranging, including archives, rare books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, prints, drawings, artwork, and audio and moving image recordings. NYPL is seeking an hourly Collection Technician to join a staffing pool to assist with collection management projects, including collection moves, inventory, cleaning of collection items, and packing library materials.
The New York Public Library's (NYPL) collections are among the most important, unique, and comprehensive ever assembled for the free use of the public. Its research centers provide opportunities for engagement with unique collections, inspirational reading rooms, exhibitions, programs, and a range of research services. The Research Libraries collections are wide-ranging, including archives, rare books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, prints, drawings, artwork, and audio and moving image recordings. NYPL is seeking an hourly Collection Technician to join a staffing pool to assist with collection management projects, including collection moves, inventory, cleaning of collection items, and packing library materials.
Responsibilities
- Moving collection items: Safely move collection items from one location to another, deploying appropriate handling methods for a variety of cultural heritage materials. Quantities can vary from small (from one item from a cart to a shelf) to large-scale moves
- Inventories/Checklists: Create or check item inventories of collection items; update collection-related spreadsheets or databases
- Surface clean collection items: Remove surface dust from collections prior to moving items to new storage areas
- Packing: Create custom boxes, folders, or other temporary housing to safely transport oversized collection items between Research Centers as part of collection moves
- Collect environmental data: Follow instructions to collect preventive conservation data
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Certifications
High School Diploma or GED
Required Experience
- Related work experience handling collection items in a library, museum, gallery or other cultural institution
- Experience with creating custom packing/housing for objects
Required Skills
- Knowledge of a broad range of archival packing and housing materials
- Attention to detail; ability to confirm locations and track materials
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
N/A
More...
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL 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
- This role generally works in collections workspaces and storerooms
- This role requires you to be able to work at all four NYPL sites, including the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at 42nd street, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, the Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, and the Library Services Center in Long Island City, Queens
Physical Duties
- Moving collection materials up to 40 lbs. required
- Repetitive movements
- Some exposure to dust
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Non-Union
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
No
Union/Non Union
Non-Union
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
- As needed on a project basis; limited to 21 hours/week, 9-5, M-F, onsite
- Projects may be located in Manhattan (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Library for the Performing Arts, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture) or NYPL’s facility in Long Island City, Queens
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).
About The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.