Librarian I – MN History Center (St. Paul, MN)

#1642 Librarian I

Requisition ID: 1642

JOB TITLE:    Librarian I

OPEN TO:    This job is open to all applicants.

LOCATION:    History Center – 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102

SALARY:    $3,816.00 monthly minimum, commensurate with experience

STATUS & HOURS:    Full-time, regular (approximately 2,088 annual hours) position.

BENEFITS:     Eligible to participate in the State Employee Group Insurance Program and a retirement program with employer contribution.  Generous vacation and sick time accruals with additional paid holidays.

DEPARTMENT:    Library & Archives

CLASSIFICATION:    08L Professional

SUPERVISORY:    No

HIRING MANAGER: Library Manager

POSTING DATE:    July 15, 2022

DEADLINE DATE:    August 5, 2022

TO APPLY:    Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a resume and cover letter by the application deadline date.

DESCRIPTION:  The position exists to provide reference assistance, research services and outreach, and access to the MNHS collections through the Gale Family Library. The Reference Associate supports in-person and distanced Library researchers using a variety of professional tools and provides research support across multiple access points. This position works with both individual researchers as well as groups needing research guidance or instruction, and uses their own knowledge and customer service skills to provide expert research support and instruction.

The purpose of the Reference Associate is to provide access to and support the use of all of the collections of the Minnesota Historical Society–including books, archives, manuscripts, maps, photos, artifacts, etc.–through research and content expertise, instruction, tools, technologies, etc.  The Reference Associate also provides significant support to other MNHS programs including public events/programming, exhibits, K-12 student and teacher education, History Day, the MNHS Press, and the State Archives.

SUMMARY OF WORK:  1) Facilitate the use of MNHS collections for library researchers; 2) Provide research instruction and outreach to groups of students, adults, staff members, and other library users/potential users; and 3) Support general library operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master’s degree in library science or archival studies or equivalent.

  • Two years experience with public-facing library service.

  • Strong commitment to working with the public and contributing to a customer service team.

  • Experience using library and archives tools–such as catalogs, databases, and finding aids–to conduct research.

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a demanding, high-volume library setting.

  • Demonstrated interest in history, special collections, archives, and family history research.

  • Demonstrated efficient communication skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals.

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and take individual initiative while also being able to collaborate effectively and contribute positively in a team environment.

  • Demonstrated ability to multitask, working effectively under pressure to meet deadlines, prioritizing and adapting to changing priorities.

  • Demonstrated ability to think imaginatively and problem solve.

  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evening and weekend shifts.

  • Ability to work in an environment where the air quality may contain dust, mold or other airborne particles.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Instructional experience, preferably in a library or archival setting.

  • Proven customer service skills working with a diverse audience, including but not limited to: children, teachers, senior citizens, people with disabilities, persons of different ethnic or cultural backgrounds, people of color, and professionals.

  • Experience creating library tools, subject guides, web content, social media content, and other library-related materials.

  • Experience handling records and collections with restricted access due to individual privacy considerations, copyright concerns, or other issues.

  • Experience developing web content and using technology to provide reference services.

  • Course work in the humanities and/or social sciences.

  • Knowledge of Minnesota history and/or the collections of the Minnesota Historical Society.

Should you have questions with the application process, email [email protected] or call MNHS Job Line at 651-259-3181.

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.