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African Studies Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The New York Public Library

$55.03K/yr

The Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division seeks a collaborative and enthusiastic Reference and African Studies Librarian ( Librarian II) to provide excellent public service in the ...

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What Jobs Can I Get With an African Studies Degree?

With a degree in African Studies, your career options include jobs in academia, communications, and non-profit advocacy, among others. You can work as an instructor or administrator and teach students to appreciate the contemporary and historical nuances of African culture and society. You can perform research into African politics and thought, or work with a government agency to develop policy, promote public health programs on the continent, or support urban planning. As an Africanist, your duties and responsibilities vary depending on the focus of your work, but a deep respect for the traditions and values of African society is the foundation of any role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an African Studies Specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as an African Studies Specialist, you need a strong academic background in African history, cultures, and languages, typically supported by a relevant degree such as African Studies, Anthropology, or History. Familiarity with research methodologies, qualitative and quantitative analysis tools, and proficiency in local African languages are commonly required. Excellent cross-cultural communication, critical thinking, and adaptability help you engage meaningfully with diverse communities and interdisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing insightful research, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and contributing to informed policy or educational initiatives.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in African Studies roles within academic or research institutions?

Professionals in African Studies often face challenges such as securing funding for research projects, navigating interdisciplinary collaborations, and addressing the diversity of languages and cultures across the continent. Additionally, there may be difficulties in accessing reliable primary sources or field sites, especially due to political or logistical barriers. However, these challenges can be mitigated through strong networking within the academic community, ongoing professional development, and leveraging institutional resources dedicated to global or area studies.

What are African Studies?

African Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that focuses on the history, culture, politics, languages, and societies of Africa and its people. It draws from disciplines such as history, anthropology, political science, literature, economics, and sociology to provide a comprehensive understanding of the continent. Scholars in this field analyze both historical and contemporary issues affecting Africa, including its interactions with the global community. African Studies programs often encourage critical thinking and cross-cultural awareness, preparing students for careers in research, education, international development, diplomacy, and more.

What is the difference between African Studies vs Anthropology?

AspectAfrican StudiesAnthropology
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in African Studies, History, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Anthropology or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutes, cultural organizationsAcademic, research, fieldwork, museums
Industry UsageFocus on African history, culture, politicsBroader focus on human societies worldwide

While African Studies specializes in the history, culture, and politics of Africa, Anthropology covers a broader range of human societies globally. Both fields often share similar credentials and work environments, but African Studies offers a more focused regional expertise, whereas Anthropology provides a wider perspective on human behavior and societies.

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African Studies jobs near you
Infographic showing various African Studies job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, 24% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 10% Temporary, 37% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Reference Librarian (Reference and African Studies)

Reference Librarian (Reference and African Studies)

The New York Public Library

$55.03K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

New York Public Library rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Overview

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture located in Harlem, New York, is a research unit of The New York Public Library system.  It is recognized as one of the leading institutions focusing exclusively on African-American, African Diaspora, and African experiences. Begun with the collections of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg more than 85 years ago, the Schomburg has collected, preserved, and provided access to materials documenting black life in America and worldwide.  Today, the Schomburg continues to serve the community not just as a center and a library, but also as a space that encourages lifelong education and exploration.
The Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division seeks a collaborative and enthusiastic Reference and African Studies Librarian ( Librarian II) to provide excellent public service in the form of reference work, collection development, library instruction, and works with colleagues across the Schomburg Center to assure an optimal experience for all visitors to the Library. 
Librarians start at $55,027 per year and are eligible in 12 months for an increased salary of $60,574 based on successful job performance.

Key Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Associate Chief Librarian, specific responsibilities include:
  • Provide onsite and remote reference services, using print and electronic resources
  • Participate in outreach activities such as class instructions, group presentations and tours
  • Teach and develop public classes, in-person and through remote platforms such as GoogleMeet and Zoom
  • Update and create content for web pages, research guides and training materials using software such as Drupal, LibGuides and Google Suite
  • Promote the collections through blogs, social media and small exhibitions
  • Participate in collection development in the area of African Studies by helping to select new materials, and working with vendors providing African materials
  •  Perform original and copy cataloging for the library’s collections from across the African diaspora in multiple formats and multiple languages
  • Maintain a personal program of continuous education and professional development. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Experience
  • ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies
  • Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York
  • Subject area expertise or educational background in any of the following: Africana Studies or African American Studies. 
Required Skills
  • ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies
  • Knowledge of the history, politics, economics, literatures and cultures of Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Strong public service ethic
  • Experience providing reference and research services including use of online catalogs, databases and internet information sources
  • Demonstrated ability in standard cataloging practices
  • Must be collaborative, service-oriented, and interested in the application of new technologies to library services
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to communicate with a diverse community
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Highly flexible with ability to thrive in a fast-paced and continually changing environment.
  • Strong computer and other related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google applications, and PCs


More...
Please Note: Effective August 2, 2021, absent a qualifying exception for medical or religious reasons, newly hired employees of the New York Public Library must present proof of receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination and may not begin employment at the Library until 14 days after their receipt of their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or 14 days after their first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  Newly hired employees who need additional time to receive their vaccination prior to their start date may request an adjournment of their start date with their hiring manager.  The Library will consider such requests on a case by case basis, depending upon the Library’s operational needs, among other factors.  The Library will further consider exemptions for prospective employees who cannot become vaccinated due to a qualifying medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief or practice.  Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment and who seek a medical or religious exemption to the Library’s vaccination policy should contact hrservicecenter@nypl.org for instructions on how to submit the required information for the evaluation of their exemption request.

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
Physical Duties
  • Limited physical effort is required
  • Light lifting up to 15lbs required
  • May require travel within NYC
  • Sitting and standing for periods of time
  • Daily use of a computer
Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Union 1930
Schedule
  • 35 hours per week to be scheduled during regular building hours
  • Evenings and alternating Saturdays are required
  • Schedule subject to change


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About New York Public Library

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations--including research and branch libraries--throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.

Industry

Libraries and archives

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1895

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