Associate Director, Research Services Schomburg Center Research Libraries

• creating a seamless standard of public service in the Library and its reading rooms;
• promoting and enhancing library resources;
• and supporting the development and implementation of programs and services to meet the research and learning needs of the Library’s users. 

• Developing and articulating the strategic vision and direction of the department, that ensures consistent best practices in public and technical services across multiple research services reading rooms, teams and departments. 
• Overseeing day-to-day operations and special projects, establishing priorities, and coordinating work within the department and across both the Schomburg and the NYPL.
• Fostering a positive, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all Library users, and ensuring that users receive welcoming and efficient service. 
• Engaging with diverse stakeholders, including funders, scholars, and visitors about Schomburg general collections and research resources.
•  Managing the Library’s service points, including reference and reading room operations, remote and in-person reference, and patron scanning services. 
• Coordinating and scheduling reference desk coverage and optimizing staffing, users & physical space with appropriate Library staff. 
• Compiling and analyzing data and statistics that provide public service metrics across divisions, and supporting a clear understanding of research use of the collection, in order to evolve services appropriately, ensuring proper public service coverage and workflows across Schomburg research access points and departments. 
• Identifying, and implementing new technologies and tools that support and improve user experiences. 
• Understanding copyright and intellectual property issues relating to archives and special collections and answering complex reference questions regarding collection access, permissions, and copyright. 
• Following emerging trends and innovations to stay updated with the latest developments in library science, public service methodologies, and digital tools. 
• Collaborating with other senior team members to contribute to the Schomburg’s evolving education, exhibition and public outreach initiatives, including both new and recurring legacy initiatives. 
• Leading a team of experienced professionals, and identifying professional development and training needs for all public and technical service staff. 
• Identifying and assisting with grants and funding opportunities related to public research services capacity building.
• Collaborating with, providing leadership to, and serving on NYPL-wide teams and committees. 
• Participating in activities of professional organizations. 
• Other related duties and special projects assigned by the Director. 

• Learning the systems that are currently being utilized for public service across Schomburg. 
• Meeting with colleagues at Schomburg and other centers to understand needs, challenges and opportunities for collaboration. 
• Developing a cadence of meetings and convenings of direct reports to understand and address opportunities for best practice, development and innovation. 
• Identifying existing pain points and providing potential recommendations to the Director on how evolve and improve an model for public research services, including capacity needs and strategic recommendations. 

Required Education, Experience & Skills

• Strong experience with general reference collections in a research library setting.
• Successfully demonstrated commitment to providing consistent high-quality public service. 
• Broad knowledge of African American and African Diaspora history and culture preferred. 
• Experience leading a team through organizational change. 
• Ability and and extensive, proven track record of successfully leading, managing and mentoring complex teams. 
• Proven ability to foster and maintain collaborative relationships with a variety of individuals, across divisions and departments. 
• Flexible, reliable, and proactive, with strong critical thinking capabilities. 
• Excellent problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills with the ability to effectively execute multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively at all levels of an organization and with the public. 

• Commitment to the Schomburg Center’s mission and focus
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Successfully demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, identify and assess problems and decisively implement appropriate solutions or recommendations 
• Ability to effectively collaborate and execute priorities
• Ability to apply judgment, discretion, professionalism and initiative 
• Flexibility, reliability, punctuality and attention to detail 

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies or equivalent experience and education 

More...

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems 
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

• Research library setting

• N/A