Librarian II, Business Center Administration

The New York Public Library - Manhattan, NY

Full-time

Manhattan, NY

Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services

About the position

The Thomas Yoseloff Business Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) is The New York Public Library's premier business library, offering an array of free resources for those interested in personal finance and investing, small business, financial research, and career advancement. It also provides premium electronic resources and related services and programs for businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to established businesses seeking expansion, individuals seeking financial information from experienced investors to those managing their finances, and individuals managing their careers. The Yoseloff Business Center seeks a collaborative, engaged librarian to work with a diverse body of library users including business users, investors, or students in support of business research and entrepreneurial projects; investors on finances and investing; or career expansion, and provide outstanding service in-person and online to this unique user group. The librarian will conduct research and deliver reference services as well as one-on-one instruction, and connect users with the full spectrum of resources available across the Library.

Responsibilities

• Provides a full complement of reference desk and front-line service in all subject areas represented by the business library, in person and through virtual consultations
• Provides assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs in market research, in developing business plans, assessing the competitive market landscape, discovering patent information, and other research and business information
• Promotes use of business resources and collections through creation of discovery tools and resource guides
• Teaches and develops public classes, in-person and through remote platforms such as GoogleMeet and Zoom
• Presents workshops on the use of Library resources plus other topics relevant to entrepreneurs, investors, or job seekers
• Provides outreach during onsite and offsite events
• Provides customer assistance with the entrepreneurial and business research process
• Participates in outreach through offsite community or library events
• Provides reference services and resource recommendations using print, media and digital resources
• Assists with updates and content creation for web pages, Libguides, and training materials
• Hosts and provides instruction in classes for the public, visiting classes, staff, and other groups
• Performs related duties as required
• Assists with the promotion of business events and NYPL using social media and other tools

Requirements

• ALA-accredited Master's degree in Library and Information Studies
• Public Librarian's Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York
• Undergraduate Degree in business, finance, and/or economics
• 4-5 years of experience as a business librarian in a public or academic library setting
• Proficiency in a second language
• Experience conducting outreach to community-based organizations and government agencies
• Experience working in the NYC small business community
• Experience working with government information sources including some knowledge of Patents and Trademarks, Census bureau data, government data related to business activities and law

Nice-to-haves

• Successfully demonstrated knowledge of business, economics or finance resources in print and digital formats
• Expertise in using and teaching business digital resources
• Successfully demonstrated public service experience with a strong commitment to public service and the ability to work well with a diverse patronage
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal effectively and tactfully with patrons and staff
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills
• Successfully demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• Strong organization and planning skills, including the ability to perform multiple projects or tasks simultaneously
• Strong computer and other related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google applications, PCs, Macs, and e-reader devices
• Demonstrated knowledge of computer services including online searching, social media, reference resources and databases
• Adaptability, flexibility and willingness to engage in continuous learning

Benefits

• Pay transparency and pay equity
• Union Salaries determined by collective bargaining agreement(s)