Research Librarian

Oneida County History Center (OCHC) seeks a qualified candidate to serve as its Research Librarian who is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Tharratt Gilbert Best Research Library. This vital role is the primary point of contact for the public and volunteers. The ideal candidate has library, archive, or museum experience, excellent customer service skills, an interest in history, and an eagerness to learn new things.

A full job description and qualifications is below or can be found here.

To apply:

• Complete the online application
• Submit your resume/cv
• Submit one-page cover letter addressing your qualifications and interest

Send submittions to Rebecca McLain at [email protected] before December 5, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Job Description: The Research Librarian is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Tharratt Gilbert Best Research Library. This vital role is the primary point of contact for the public and volunteers. The ideal candidate has library, archive, or museum experience, excellent customer service skills, an interest in history, and is eager to learn new things. 

Responsibilities include:

• Greet and assist library and museum visitors in person and over the phone, employing effective customer service skills.
• Follow procedures for opening and/or closing the research library
• Maintain a neat and organized environment in both public and private spaces.
• Management and completion of research requests, in-person research appointments, and reference questions.
• Management of library volunteer activities including, but not limited to, general volunteer supervision, volunteer schedule, volunteer projects, and volunteer training.
• Intake processing, including evaluating donations, accessioning, inventory, cataloging, and deaccessioning
• Assist with projects as needed, such as collections-based preservation, conservation, storage, and organization projects to ensure proper care, storage, and preservation of a manuscript archive, an artifact and historic object collection, artworks, photographs, and all other collections in the History Center’s possession. 
• Assist in the development of processes, procedures, and policies to be used by staff and volunteers 
• Contribute to research, writing, and creation of reports, newsletter articles, and social media 
• Become a cross-trained team member to assist with daily operations.
• All other duties as assigned.

Schedule & Hours: 20 hours per week. Weekly schedule is negotiable, but a majority of hours should be worked during OCHC public hours of operation. Some weekend and holiday work is required. This is an in-person position.

OCHC Hours of Operation:

• Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Labor Day-Memorial Day)
• Summer Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Compensation: This is an hourly, part-time position with no benefits. The pay rate is $18 per hour and is paid biweekly. Sick and vacation time are available after 6 months of employment.

Other: This position is under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, and the employee is expected to collaborate with volunteers and interns.

Qualifications:

• Attention to detail
• Outstanding organizational and critical thinking skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Knowledge of the proper handling and awareness of the preservation of archival materials and artifacts
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Software
• Ability to effectively adapt to and use new technologies and software
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues
• 1 year experience working in a professional museum, historical society, library, or archive
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in history, anthropology, museum studies, library science, education, or related field from an accredited college or university.

The ideal candidate will also have:

• Experience working with or managing volunteers
• Experience digitizing historical records and photographs
• Ability to read cursive and interpret 19th-century handwriting

About the Organization: Oneida County History Center (OCHC) is fueled by a passion for history, education, and community. Founded in 1876, its mission is to preserve and share the past of Oneida County and central New York. Free public programs, rotating exhibits, educational opportunities for all ages, and preservation of a vast archival and artifact collection are at the core of its mission. Oneida County History Center is at 1608 Genesee St. in Utica.  Please visit oneidcountyhistory.org for more information.