Job Title: Library Page (Summer 2024)

Department: Readers’ Services

Reports To: Head of Readers’ Services

FLSA: Non-exempt, Temporary

Hours: Part-/Full-Time

Salary: $17.00 per hour

Location: Worcester, MA

Start date: As soon as possible

Deadline to apply: Applications accepted on rolling basis and will be listed until filled

Organization Description: The American Antiquarian Society (AAS) cultivates a deeper understanding of the American past, grounded in its ever-growing collection of printed and manuscript sources. The Society fosters a broad community of inquiry through inclusive programs and generous support of scholarship. A national research library and learned society founded in 1812 by Revolutionary War patriot and printer Isaiah Thomas, AAS is located in Worcester, Massachusetts. The AAS library today houses the largest and most accessible collection of books, pamphlets, broadsides, newspapers, periodicals, children's literature, music, and graphic arts material printed before the twentieth century in what is now the United States, as well as manuscripts and a substantial collection of secondary texts, bibliographies, and digital resources and reference works. AAS was presented with the 2013 National Humanities Medal by President Obama in a ceremony at the White House. The Society is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of the institution.

Website: https://www.americanantiquarian.org/

We are seeking a library page to join our team for the summer, assisting with the busiest time of the year. Beginning in June, this position requires a candidate who has great attention to detail and is reliable and flexible. The library page provides general assistance within the Readers’ Services department—helping at the reference desk and in the stacks doing paging and returns. This individual works to facilitate the research process for readers while ensuring the security and integrity of collection materials. The page also assists with various tasks throughout the library, as the need may arise.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Page and reshelve collections materials.
• Help to monitor the reference desk and reading room to ensure security and proper use of materials.
• Monitor and troubleshoot processes within the online request system.
• Assist readers with research and general inquiries at the reference desk.
• For more in-depth inquiries, act as liaison between the reader and curatorial or other staff.
• Assist Readers’ Services staff with ongoing miscellaneous projects.
• Assist other Readers’ Services staff with the opening and closing of the reading room.
• Help to cover the reference desk in the event of staff shortages.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient with Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, YouTube, and/or related software.
• Ability to read, understand, speak, and write in Standard English; ability to communicate effectively in English with individuals in person, over the telephone, and via the printed word.
• Ability to read cursive handwriting.

Education/Experience

• High school diploma/GED or higher - or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and sitting.
• Occasional periods of climbing or balancing, pulling/pushing items/hand trucks, lifting/carrying items weighing up to approximately thirty pounds, and reaching with arms and hands.
• The use of hands for basic grasping/manipulation, fine manipulation, occasional reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, and keyboarding.
• Physical duties are subject to change.
• May be exposed to dust, mold, and/or other organic material. Hazards are considered minor and controllable.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to equal employment and promotion opportunity regardless of ability, age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. A successful candidate will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards supporting a broadly diverse community.

How To Apply

Please submit a résumé and cover letter through our online platform here. For questions on this position, please contact careers[at]mwa.org. Please do not submit applications to this address.