Managing Librarian (Music Division)

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Job Description

Managing Librarian (Music Division)

Location: US-NY-Manhattan

Job ID: 2018-10112

# of Openings Remaining: 1

Type: Full-Time Regular

Department: MUS LPA Music Research Division

Overview

Since the inception of The New York Public Library in 1895, the Music Division has been one of the world’s pre-eminent collections devoted to music. Today it is part of The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, a research and circulating library opened in 1965 with divisions dedicated to music, theatre, dance, and recorded sound. Located on the Lincoln Center campus, the Library for the Performing Arts serves 320,000 visitors and scholars annually through its circulating and research collections and active calendar of public programs and exhibitions.


The Music Division’s Research and Circulating Collections comprise well over two million items, including some of the Library’s most prized collections. Chief among the division’s legacy holdings is the 7,000 volumes of the Musical Library of Joseph W. Drexel which is the cornerstone of the Music Division’s legacy and a foundational component of the division’s collecting profile.  Additionally, the Division’s American Music Collection, which was formed in 1936, is recognized worldwide as one of the most important collections devoted to American music. This exceptional collection has been further enriched by recent acquisitions including the archives of John Cage, Arthur Russell, and Lou Reed.


Principal Responsibilities

The Music Division advances the strategic direction of the Library by supporting and promoting research, collaboration, creativity, discussion, and exposition of the performing arts. The Division expands, exposes, preserves, documents, and animates our collections for artists and researchers.


Reporting to the Curator of Music and Recorded Sound, The Managing Librarian will manage all aspects of public reference and research for the Music and Recorded Sound collections of the Division including:

  • Overseeing the general research and circulating reading rooms and manages all functions of the public reference desks for Music and Recorded Sound

  • Managing MarLi, ILL, and public copy orders

  • Managing divisional rights and permissions database

  • Write and implement policies and procedures governing open-shelf reference and the circulating and orchestra collections

  • Collect, organize, and distribute metrics associated with research services, programs, and collection use

  • Provides reference service and resource recommendations using print, media and digital resources

  • Help lead public outreach initiatives, promoting the collections and services of the divisions through social media, programs, and exhibition projects

  • With the Curator and Assistant Curator, maintain and build Music and Recorded Sound collections

  • Evaluates and monitors NYPL electronic resources and digital access.

  • Performs related duties as required


Managerial/ Supervisory Responsibilities

  • Supervise Music and Recorded Sound Staff and encourage their professional development and advancement


NYPL Core Values

  • Helpful

  • Resourceful

  • Curious


Minimum Qualifications

  • ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Science and Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York.

  • Successfully demonstrated knowledge of music, music history and musicology

  • Extensive leadership, supervisory and management experience

  • Successfully demonstrated experience with and commitment to high quality public service

  • Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including the ability to serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for the Music Division

  • Successfully demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to work independently or with a team on complex projects

  • Successfully demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, identify and assess problems, and decisively implement appropriate solutions or recommendations

  • Experience coaching, mentoring, developing and managing the performance of staff

  • Demonstrated track record of contributing to broader library policies and direction

  • Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure, with judgment, accuracy and attention to detail

  • Strong technological aptitude, including proficiency with the web, social media, cloud computing, MS Word and Excel, and the ability to learn new technologies quickly

  • Must be flexible, reliable and proactive


Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Music or Musicology


Work Environment

  • Research Library


Physical Duties

  • Lifting up to 15 lbs.

  • Sitting and standing for periods of time

  • Daily use of a computer


Hours

  • 35 hours per week

  • To be scheduled during operating hours

  • Evenings and weekends as required

  • Schedule subject to change


Union / Non Union

  • Non Union

How to Apply

Apply online here.

Note: Public Librarians’ Certification is a requirement, but it is not needed at the time of application. Interested applicants without the certification should still apply.

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