Specialist III - Wallach Division of Art, Prints, and Photographs
The New York Public Library
·Today
- Salary
- $80k+
- Location
- Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
- Type
- Full-time
- Education
- Master
- Source
- Pinpoint
Description
Specialist III - Wallach Division of Art, Prints, and Photographs
Application Deadline: 6 August 2026
Department: Research Libraries
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Reporting To: Madeleine Viljoen
Compensation: $80,145 / year
Description
Overview
For more than 125 years, The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of books, information, ideas, and education. With collections numbering more than 56 million items and serving more than 16 million patrons in person each year and millions more online, NYPL’s reach is both local and global. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.
For more than 125 years, The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of books, information, ideas, and education. With collections numbering more than 56 million items and serving more than 16 million patrons in person each year and millions more online, NYPL’s reach is both local and global. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.
At our world-class research centers–including the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Library at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the Library for the Performing Arts, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture–expert staff facilitate the work of our diverse communities, offering inspiring reading rooms, programs, exhibitions, fellowships, and a dynamic range of research services. Their work is supported by dedicated staff on the Collections and Research Services teams. We are proud to be the most public and widely used research library in the world.
The Miriam & Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints, and Photographs is composed of five collections that represent one of the most significant art and art historical research collections in the country. The Print Collection comprises a wide-ranging collection of close to 300,000 original prints and select drawings, along with illustrated books and artists’ books, that represent the full range of printmaking techniques from the beginnings of the medium into the present and print production around the globe. The Spencer Collection surveys the illustrated word and book bindings of all periods and all countries and cultures, from medieval manuscripts, Japanese scrolls, and Indian miniatures to monuments in Renaissance printing, illustration, livres d'artistes and contemporary artists’ books.
The Specialist III will support a welcoming and inclusive researcher experience, and play a key role in advancing new ideas for instruction and spearhead collection research related to works held in the Wallach Division, with a focus on the Print and Spencer Collections. The Specialist III will contribute on a regular basis new scholarship for blog posts, research guides and exhibition research under the direction of the Curator for Prints.
Responsibilities:
- Provide excellent, patron-forward research and reference assistance to patrons in the reading room and remotely
- Assist training other staff on best practice handling of materials
- Serve as department point person for Aeon operations and standards
- Retrieve and serve special collection materials for public service, fellowships, instruction, exhibition support, curricula and other NYPL events and initiatives
- Prepare all print materials for internal movements including loans, digitization, short term displays, conservation and exhibitions and serve as primary liaison with Collection Management to track all movement of objects from the department
- Ensure that movement of works in and out of the Division is documented in the Division’s database of record
- Collaborate with the Curator of Prints to identify collection items requiring conservation treatment and to develop public outreach initiatives, including classes, research newsletters, blog posts, and LibGuides
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Certifications
- M.A. in Art History
- Demonstrated knowledge of Art History and Visual Studies through academic background, training, interest or expertise
Required Experience
- Experience providing welcoming and expert public service, reference or customer service in a library or similar setting
- Experience with proper handling and housing/ storage of original art works
- Experience with research authority databases, including institutional catalogs, and primary source material
- Expertise in prints and artists’ books, including technical identification experience
- Ability to identify works in need of conservation treatment
Required Skills
- Strong analytical and organizational skills; ability to handle multiple projects in various phases and with competing deadlines
- Knowledge and judgement in collection description and implementing best practice standards for describing works on paper and rare books
- Ability to facilitate research for a broad range of humanities scholars, students, and independent researchers with varying levels of experience
- Ability to work collaboratively and productively in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated commitment to promoting the use of collections among diverse audiences and learners
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal effectively and tactfully with patrons and staff
- Ability to communicate clearly and confidently both in writing and in person
- Knowledge of one or more languages; one or more European languages preferred
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
- N/A
More...
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
- Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
- Be Resourceful in solving problems
- Be Curious in all aspects of your work
- Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
- Public service library
- Office setting
- Interoffice travel
Physical Duties
- Light lifting up to 15 lbs required
- Sitting and standing for periods of time
- Daily use of a computer
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
No
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
Onsite, 35 hours per week to be scheduled during regular building hours, some Saturday and evening hours required:
Monday 10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–6PM
Wednesday 10 AM–6PM
Thursday 10 AM–6PM
Friday 10 AM–6PM
Saturday 10 AM–6PM
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).
Skills
Customer Service
