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New York Public Library

60 New York Public Library Reference Librarian Jobs Hiring Near You

The New York Public Library

$55K/yr

... New York Public Library system. It is recognized as one of the leading institutions focusing ... The Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division seeks a collaborative and enthusiastic ...

The New York Public Library

$55K/yr

Description Overview The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free ... Provides reference service and resource recommendations using print, media and digital resources

The New York Public Library

$55K/yr

Description Overview The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free ... Provides reference service and resource recommendations using print, media and digital resources

The New York Public Library

$55K/yr

Description The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free books ... Provides reference service and resource recommendations using print, media and digital resources

The New York Public Library

$55K/yr

Description Overview The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free ... Provides reference service and resource recommendations using print, media and digital resources

The New York Public Library

Description Overview The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free ... Provides circulation/reference service and instruction to library patrons of all ages using print ...

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New York Public Library Jobs Information

What is it like to work at New York Public Library?

The New York Public Library (NYPL) is a dynamic and inclusive organization that values diversity, equity, and lifelong learning, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

As a leading research library, NYPL offers a unique work environment with a diverse team of librarians, archivists, and support staff working together to provide access to knowledge and resources for the public. The library's mission is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen communities, with a focus on serving the needs of New Yorkers from all walks of life.

Working at NYPL may appeal to individuals who are passionate about education, community engagement, and cultural preservation, as the organization offers opportunities to work on innovative projects, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and contribute to the development of a world-class research library.

What makes New York Public Library an attractive place to work?

The New York Public Library is a renowned institution and a leading cultural and educational force in the city, with a rich history of promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement. As an employer, the library offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment that values collaboration, innovation, and diversity, with opportunities for professional growth and development in a stable and supportive setting. Joining the New York Public Library team provides a chance to contribute to the organization's mission and make a meaningful impact on the lives of New Yorkers, while also advancing one's career in a forward-thinking and socially responsible organization.

Do workers at the New York Public Library get paid breaks?

Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
78% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 9 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and January 2026.

Does the New York Public Library pay people when they’re sick?

Yes. Most people get paid when they’re sick.
70% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 20 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

At the New York Public Library, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?

Sick days and vacation days are separate paid time off.
89% of people say they don’t have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 9 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and April 2026.

Do part-time workers get paid time off at the New York Public Library?

Only some people who work part-time get paid time off.
57% of people who work part-time say they don’t get paid time off
Based on data from 7 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and July 2026.

Is the health insurance from the New York Public Library affordable enough for their workers?

Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
100% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 8 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2025 and April 2026.

Do people get paid time off at the New York Public Library?

Some people get paid time off from work.
40% of people say they don’t get paid time off.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and July 2026.

How far ahead of time do people find out their work schedule?

Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.
  • 43% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
  • 43% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
  • 7% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
  • 7% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.

Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

Do workers at the New York Public Library worry about hours?

Some people worry about getting enough hours.
38% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

Do the New York Public Library workers get to choose the shifts they work?

Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
53% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

How easy is it for the New York Public Library workers to change shifts?

Some people find it hard to change shifts.
47% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

How easy is it to get time off at the New York Public Library?

Some people find it hard to get time off.
53% of people report it’s hard to get time off.
Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and April 2026.

Do the New York Public Library managers change schedules at the last minute?

Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
81% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

Do jobs at the New York Public Library spill into time workers aren’t paid for?

Rarely. The job doesn't usually spill into unpaid time.
6% of people report that their job takes up time that they don’t get paid for.
Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

How easy is it to take sick days at the New York Public Library?

Most people find it easy to take sick days.
81% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 21 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

Is a New York Public Library job good for students?

Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
100% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
Based on data from 7 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and July 2026.

Do people at the New York Public Library feel treated with respect by their managers?

Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
83% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

Do people at the New York Public Library get to take their breaks without interruption?

Most people get breaks without interruption.
68% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and April 2026.

Is it stressful to work at the New York Public Library?

Most people feel stressed here.
72% of people say they often feel stressed at work.
Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

Do people at the New York Public Library enjoy their jobs?

Most people enjoy their job.
94% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

Do people at the New York Public Library recommend working with their team?

Most people recommend working with their team.
71% of people report that they would recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 21 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

Do people get enough training when they start at the New York Public Library?

Most people got enough training when they started.
70% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 20 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

Do people get support to advance at the New York Public Library?

Only some people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 47% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

Do people think the New York Public Library’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
79% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

Do workers feel well informed about how the New York Public Library is doing?

Most people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
74% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and July 2026.

What other companies are hiring for Reference Librarian jobs?

What are the most popular jobs at New York Public Library?

What are the most popular categories at New York Public Library?

Infographic showing various Reference Librarian job openings at New York Public Library in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, and 66% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Hybrid job distribution.

Reference Librarian (Reference and African Studies)

The New York Public Library

$55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

New York Public Library rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 21 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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