Head of Reader Services

(Full-time)

The Morgan Library & Museum seeks an accomplished librarian to serve as its Head of Reader Services. Reporting to the Deputy Director, this position supports access to the Morgan’s remarkable rare and reference collections, which span from 4,000 B.C. to the present day. They are responsible for providing the highest quality service to scholars, researchers, artists, and others interested in the collections while ensuring the collections’ preservation and security. They also play an ambassadorial role, building awareness about the Morgan’s research services and collection.

Responsibilities: 
  • Coordinates the evaluation of external requests for the consultation of rare materials
  • Ensures secure and safe handling of materials during all Reading Room-related activities
  • Formulates, implements, and communicates inclusive reader services policies and procedures
  • Manages and participates in paging, desk duties, and responding to researcher inquiries received via email or phone
  • Oversees full-time and part-time Reading Room staff and interns, fostering a respectful and collaborative work environment
  • Creates and manages the department’s annual budget to further service goals Independently or in partnership with other staff, leads classes and presentations about the Morgan’s offerings and collections to a wide range of researchers, students, and visitors
  • Builds awareness of Reading Room resources through engagement with library communities, professional organizations, and via the Morgan’s website, social media, and other channels.
  • Maintains and analyzes Reading Room statistics and records
Qualifications: 
  • ALA-accredited master’s degree in library, archival, or information studies required; a strong background in the humanities with a focus on rare books and manuscripts preferred
  • A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a supervisory role within a special collections library, archive, and/or museum and 7-8 years of experience working in research and/or reader services
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills that enable effective engagement with diverse constituents
  • Knowledge of MARC and non-MARC metadata schemas, LCSH subject headings, and archival description and organization
  • General knowledge of conservation and preservation practices
  • Proficiency with library and other collection database systems; knowledge of Voyager and TMS a plus
  • Demonstrated commitment to broadening access to special collections
  • Detailed-oriented and comfortable multi-tasking and learning new skills
  • Knowledge of at least one Western European language a plus
  • Able to work for extended periods at a computer workstation, lift moderately heavy boxes and books, move items to and from shelves, climb ladders, wheel carts with collection items through the facility, and tolerate moderate levels of dust during movement of objects
Compensation: 

$77,000–$90,000: commensurate with experience; excellent benefits plan.

To apply: 

Interested applicants should email a cover letter with salary requirements and resume to Human Resources at rrjob@themorgan.org

Qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the position using the e-mail address indicated above.

The Morgan Library & Museum receives many applications and inquiries for employment. Unfortunately, we are not able to respond to all of them. Due to the high volume of applicants, we can contact only those candidates whose skills and background best fit our needs.

Important to note:

Vaccination Requirement
To ensure the overall health and safety of the Morgan Library & Museum campus, all staff of the Morgan are required to be fully vaccinated and have received booster vaccines against the virus that causes COVID-19, absent qualifying exemptions for medical, religious, or other reasons in accordance with applicable laws.

EEO Statement
The Morgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws. The Morgan provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.