The Grolier Club of New York invites applications for the position of Librarian. Founded in 1884 as a cooperative reference library for the Club's bibliophile membership, the Grolier Club Library today welcomes any qualified researcher needing to explore this focused research collection — dating from the sixteenth century and earlier through the present day — of more than 100,000 volumes on the art and history of the book: bibliographies, histories of printing and graphic processes, type specimens, and fine and historic examples of printing, binding, and illustration. The Library has particularly strong holdings in the literature of collecting and the book trade, including book catalogues of all types: printed and manuscript inventories of private libraries, catalogues of antiquarian booksellers, and book auction sales. The Grolier’s historical collections of book catalogues are among the most comprehensive in the US, and these, along with the papers of important bibliophiles, bibliographers, book designers, and antiquarian book dealers, have long been recognized as an important resource for collectors and scholars in book history. More information on the Grolier Club and its Library can be found at www.grolierclub.org. The Librarian of the Grolier Club oversees the day-to-day activities and operations of the Library. These duties fall into three general categories: 1) Technical Services, including
- ordering books and other library materials, and processing acquisitions
- identifying and recommending acquisitions of rare materials to the Director and to the Library Committee
- original cataloguing of rare materials
- supervising the copy cataloguing of non-rare materials
- overseeing maintenance of the online catalogue and other collection files
2) Public Services and Outreach, including
- handling reference queries
- assisting researchers
- conducting or assisting in tours and presentations
- creating exhibitions of Library materials
- maintaining the Library page of the Grolier Club website
3) Collection Management, including
- working with the House Manager to ensure the physical well-being of the book and archival collections
- developing and carrying out security procedures
- supervising the conservation program
- overseeing the shelving, shifting, and cleaning of collections
Additional responsibilities include
- the preparation of monthly and annual Library reports
- working with the Director on grant proposals for Library initiatives
- acting as staff liaison to the Library Committee
- working with the Director to organize Library-related public programs and events
- researching and writing about Library collections
The Librarian reports to and is supervised by the Director. The position supervises a full-time cataloguer, a part-time library assistant, and member volunteers.
Qualifications include a master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program, or the equivalent, preferably with an emphasis on bibliography and/or the history of the book; at least 3 years’ experience in a research library setting; experience cataloguing rare materials; familiarity with online bibliographical systems; excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work independently; strong interpersonal skills; excellent computer and web skills; supervisory experience; reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages; and the physical capacity to move book trucks, lift heavy volumes, and shift archival boxes. Also desirable are an additional advanced degree in European or American history or literature; acquaintance with conservation and preservation theory and practice; and knowledge of book collecting and the antiquarian book trade.
Salary from $55,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits package includes three weeks paid vacation, comprehensive health and dental care, and participation in TIAA/CREF. Evaluation of applications will begin July 15, 2011. Applicants should email a letter of application, a resume, and contact information of three references to: ejh@grolierclub.org
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