The Mary R. Schiff Library and Archives is an art research library with a non-circulating collection of over 100,000 items, including books, periodicals, digital resources, artist files and auction catalogues. Its holdings reflect the Cincinnati Art Museum’s collections, which span 6,000 years of artistic creativity from cultures across the globe. Areas of strength in the library collections include decorative arts, fashion, photography, and Cincinnati artists. The library dates to the founding of the museum in 1881, and today it fulfills its dual mandate to support the research and education programs of the museum and be a welcoming public resource.
Position Summary
The Assistant Librarian serves as a primary point of contact for library users, delivering a knowledgeable, welcoming, and user-focused experience for all visitors. They are responsible for facilitating the overall access to and use of the library’s collection and supporting the research and reference needs of museum staff, volunteers and docents, scholars, and community users.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
The Assistant Librarian reports to the Head Librarian. Duties include but are not limited to:
- Provide reference service and research support to library patrons and museum staff, both in person and remotely.
- Staff the reference desk and oversee the daily operations in the Library Reading Room
- Assist patrons: excellent customer service, friendly reception, and positive research interactions for library users of all ages and abilities.
- Guide users in discovering, evaluating, and using resources.
- Explain library policies and procedures.
- Ensure the safe handling of library and archival collections.
- Circulate materials to museum staff.
- Keep stats of library users, materials, and services.
- Maintain the ongoing library book sale.
- Offer library orientation and instruction for tour groups, students, docents, and new museum hires.
- Schedule and co-ordinate class visits.
- Create and update library training materials and guides.
- Request Interlibrary loan materials for CAM staff and fulfill lending/copy requests made by other institutions.
- Assist with processing archival collections and/or other projects under the guidance of the Head Archivist.
- Create engaging library displays and blog posts to promote the library.
- Circulation and serials management.
- Copy cataloging (update item records, e.g., change locations.)
- Supervise library volunteer projects.
- Maintain collaborative relationships with other museum departments.
- Occasional weekend and evening hours are required.
- Oversee library operations, in the absence of the Head Librarian.
Physical requirements:
Physical demands include long periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen or fine print. The collection is dispersed on different floors, requiring regular use of stairs and elevators. Using step stools and lifting moderately heavy library materials may be required (up to 40 pounds.) Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals to perform essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S) from an ALA accredited program. Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in art history or related discipline.
- 2-3 years of demonstrated reference experience and/or related experience.
- Strong customer service skills and proven success in improving user experience.
- Proficiency using integrated library systems, OCLC, and/or other standard library technologies.
- Excellent research skills, and oral and written communication skills.
- Working knowledge of one or more foreign languages.
- Broad knowledge of art history (including research methodology, provenance, and the art marketplace) and specialized print and electronic resources.
- Demonstrated organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage workflow, projects, and multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
Preferred:
- Experience with or willingness to adopt new and emerging technologies and systems that expand access to collections.
- Experience working with archival and/or special collections.
- Prior programming experience or enthusiasm for developing new opportunities for public engagement.
Skills Required
- Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program
- Bachelor's degree in art history or a related discipline
- 2–3 years of demonstrated reference or related experience
- Strong customer service skills and demonstrated success improving user experience
- Proficiency with integrated library systems, OCLC, and/or standard library technologies
- Excellent research, oral communication, and written communication skills
- Working knowledge of one or more foreign languages
- Broad knowledge of art history, including research methodology, provenance, and the art marketplace
- Knowledge of specialized print and electronic resources
- Demonstrated organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage workflow, projects, and multiple tasks in a dynamic environment
- Experience with or willingness to adopt new and emerging technologies and systems that expand collection access
- Experience working with archival and/or special collections
- Prior programming experience or enthusiasm for developing public engagement opportunities
What We Do
The Cincinnati Art Museum is a nonprofit art museum in Eden Park that stewards an encyclopedic collection of more than 73,000 works spanning 6,000 years. It displays its collection, presents national and international traveling exhibitions, and offers art-related programs, activities, and special events. Its mission is to use the power of art to inspire Cincinnati residents and connect communities, contributing to a more vibrant region.
