Assistant Reference Services Librarian - The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens : Job Details

About UsAt The Huntington, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to support and promote the appreciation of the humanities, the arts, and botanical science. The Huntington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.The HuntingtonFounded in 1919, The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is a collections-based research and educational institution open to the public, housing world-class library, art, and botanical collections. Its mission is to support research and promote education in the arts, humanities, and botanical science and to display and interpret its extraordinary resources for diverse audiences.The CultureHere we are committed to the highest of standards in all that we do - from preserving and protecting the collections, to exhibitions, educational and scholarly programming, visitor and reader services, and beyond. Achieving excellence across these pursuits requires a diversity of perspectives, expertise, experience, and methodologies. We are better together. We believe an explicit commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion directly impacts and improves staff and audience engagement and experience. Job DescriptionAbout the Role The Huntington Library is one of the world's great independent research libraries, with more than 12 million items spanning the 11th to the 21st century. Every year, researchers from over 30 countries make more than 20,000 visits to the Library's reading rooms, and thousands more remote researchers make use of the Library's virtual services and digital collections. Some 80 Library staff members play a critical role in cultivating and expanding access to the collections, creating new opportunities for discovery and engagement, and ensuring that collections are preserved for the future.The Assistant Reference Services Librarian is responsible for supervising a team of two to four library assistants, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations. Key duties include managing Copy Center production and DSLR/DAMS workflows, overseeing asset production, metadata curation, and collaborating with the Imaging Services team. The role also involves managing the Huntington's Virtual Reading Room Service, scheduling appointments, and facilitating remote access to collections. Additional responsibilities include triaging first-tier reference and imaging requests, handling researcher correspondence, coordinating first-time visits, and assisting with the creation of LibGuides and library training initiatives.May work a flexible and rotating schedule including Saturdays and evenings. Occasionally undertakes special projects. Reports to the Head of Reader Services.S/he/they will demonstrate a background of working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, using a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible approach.Essential Duties

• Supervises two to four library assistants. Documents and communicates assignments, accomplishments, and performance issues. Coaches and trains library assistants on first-tier reference, document delivery, and imaging requests and writes performance reviews.
• Evaluates and triages incoming first-tier reference requests and imaging requests. Refers complex requests for reference or imaging to curatorial departments. Corresponds with remote and on-site researchers on routine, informational reference requests and imaging requests.
• Manages Copy Center production and DSLR/DAMS workflows including asset production, curation, and metadata. Tracks imaging requests, resolves delays, and liaises with Imaging Services and DAMS specialist as needed.
• Manages Virtual Reading Room Service and Appointments. Coordinates and schedules user appointments, facilitates remote access to collections, and resolves service-related issues to ensure a smooth research experience.
• Coordinates first-time visits with Reader Services and curatorial departments as required. Serves as a resource to all library departments and Huntington staff requiring reference assistance.
• Participates in the creation of LibGuides related to collections and use of the library. Advises on training and orientations in collaboration with department colleagues.

Other Duties:

• Staffs service desks on a rotating basis.
• Assists with paging and organizing materials for use in the Ahmanson Reading Room.
• Assists with the management and maintenance of access control systems such as Aeon.
• Helps other library units with special projects. Other duties as assigned. Reader Services staff must be prepared to back up other staff in providing essential services to the library's constituency.

Candidate Requirements and ExperienceKnowledge, skills, and abilities:

• MLIS degree required; additional humanities degree preferred.
• Excellent general clerical skills and the ability to keep detailed records with great accuracy.
• Familiarity with reference ticketing software programs (LibAnswers) and discovery and access control systems.
• Familiarity with DSLR image capture, post-processing workflows, DAMS, and copyright guidelines.
• Good supervisory and interpersonal skills. Must be able to communicate with readers and colleagues effectively as well as work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent writing and communication skills. Must be able to communicate information and procedures to a diverse, often remote, body of researchers.
• Ability to prioritize work in unit that receives time-sensitive, high-volume requests and involved
• projects. Comfortable with routine and/or repetitive work, often in a fast-paced environment.
• A minimum of 3 years library experience in special collections as part of an access services team.

Preferred:

• Experience handling rare materials, especially archival collections, preferred.

• Supervisory experience helpful.

Compensation & Benefits We provide competitive compensation, generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees including:

• Pay Range: $68,000.00- $72,000.00. Commensurate on experience.
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 403(b) retirement plan and matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match
• Hybrid remote work schedule available for applicable positions
• Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and holidays
• Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants
• Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions
• Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds

The Application Process Visit us at to apply directly. Please submit a cover letter and CV/resume as a single PDF attachment. You will have the opportunity to submit additional documents on the My Experience section of the application. EEO IS THE LAWEEO IS THE LAW - SPANISH