Assistant Librarian
Job Title: Assistant Librarian
Department: Collections
Reports to: Head Librarian
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Status: Full-Time
Since our founding in 1901, the Toledo Museum of Art has earned a global reputation for the quality of our collection, our innovative and extensive education programs, and our architecturally significant campus.
And thanks to the benevolence of its founders, as well as the continued support of its members, TMA remains a privately endowed, non-profit institution and opens its collection to the public, free of charge.
SUMMARY
Provides public services to the library’s community of TMA staff, docents, researchers, faculty, students, and other visitors working at all levels. The Assistant Librarian coordinates and provides a range of public services—including reference work, instruction, circulation, and outreach services. The position serves as the primary liaison for library users.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Uses professional judgment and strategies to research and answer specialized reference questions of varied complexity, regarding the Museum, Library and Archives collections.
- Provides reference services in person, by phone and via email to library users and the public who are on-site and off-site.
- Staffs the Reference Desk.
- Collaborates with the Head Librarian to provide outreach and instruction in a variety of ways to the library and its collections. This includes giving library tours, creating research guides, and providing library resource instruction sessions, coordinating visits to view special collections, and staffing events to promote the library.
- Thinks creatively and assists in developing practices and procedures for public services.
- Coordinates and provides access services including circulation, interlibrary loan, and reserves.
- Creates and updates a variety of instructional resources and collections lists and displays.
- Plays an essential role in advising, coordinating, and collaborating with colleagues throughout the library, museum, and University art department, to optimize and promote the use of the library’s collections for teaching, learning, exploration, and research activities.
- Maintains knowledge of professional trends and activities.
- Collaborate within and across departments on a variety of activities.
- Performs other duties as assigned or required.
RELATIONSHIPS
- Reports to the Head Librarian
- Works closely and collaboratively with library staff, Archivist, curators, faculty, and other Museum staff.
- Interacts regularly with visitors, members, students, faculty, and staff to ensure visitor satisfaction.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Art History or related discipline required.
- MLIS from an ALA-accredited library school, OR equivalent combination of library education and experience.
- 1-2 years of library experience and previous customer service experience is required.
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE, COMPETENCIES, AND ABILITIES
- Must be able to work independently and collaboratively within teams.
- Ability to adapt communication style to a variety of audiences.
- Understanding and knowledge of art history, reference techniques and strategies.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide range of staff and library users, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Familiarity with library standards, best-practices, library applications and computer systems, online databases, and user access.
- Desire to learn about user needs and recommend solutions to continuously improve library service.
- Proficiency using standard office software, web services, and networked environments.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Standard open office work environment shared with co-workers, with related phone, computer and printer noise. Position requires ability to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, printer and phone system; The person in this position regularly communicates with public membership and staff who have inquiries and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. May occasionally lift up to 25 pounds; Support given to various departments across campus may result in occasional exposure to uncomfortable weather conditions. Must have manual dexterity to handle works of art.
The Toledo Museum of Art provides equal opportunity for employment and promotion to all qualified employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal or state statutes. The Museum is committed to maintaining an environment in which all employees are treated equitably and given the opportunity to achieve their full potential in the workplace.