Information Specialist

Description

LancasterHistory seeks an experienced library professional to contribute to the reference services and collections management responsibilities of the Research Center. Successful candidates will possess excellent interpersonal communication skills, a demonstrated familiarity with library cataloging and processing, and experience providing reference services to a variety of audiences. 

To apply for this position, please visit https://www.lancasterhistory.org/employment. No applications through this job board or by email will be accepted.

 
About LancasterHistory
LancasterHistory exists to engage and educate the public about the people, places, and events that shaped Lancaster County within the broader context of the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States of America. LancasterHistory’s institutional resources include an artifact collection in excess of 25,000 objects; a Research Center with 2 million historic manuscripts and 16,000 books; the home of 15th US President James Buchanan; and the future Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy. Through exhibitions, programs, lectures, tours, and much more, LancasterHistory currently serves over 40,000 annual visitors onsite and over 150,000 patrons through offsite programs and online resources. Led by a professional staff of 24 and a committed Board of Directors, LancasterHistory occupies a position of strength within the community-benefit sector.

The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy is a new interpretive museum and education center being developed by LancasterHistory. Set to open in 2025, the Center will examine the long, arduous struggle for freedom and equality in America through exhibits, immersive media experiences, and educational programs.

General Responsibilities

• Provide a welcoming, personable orientation to Research Center patrons; 
• Assist patrons with reference questions and use of materials and equipment in the Research Center;
• Answer phone calls and emails; respond to patron requests in a timely manner;
• Perform opening and closing duties as appropriate, including shelving materials;
• Assist with shelf reading and inventory of the collection;
• Assist with collecting statistical data for the Research Center;
• Complete paid research and scanning services;
• Write acknowledgement letters for donated materials;
• Catalog and process materials for the library collection;
• Digitize library materials; 
• Assist with larger library projects and programming as appropriate;
• Work collaboratively with other departments to further the mission of LancasterHistory;
• Demonstrates a steadfast commitment to LancasterHistory’s mission and vision as an educational institution, research center, and core community resource, and the organization’s continued commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion (DEAI) initiatives.

Supervisor
Director of Library & Research Services

Salary and Benefits
This position is a part-time, non-exempt position of 18-20 hours/week which includes some Saturday and evening work as needs dictate. This position is in-person at LancasterHistory’s main headquarters.

The salary range is $16-17 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

Required Skills

• Three or more years of experience working in a library;
• MARC cataloging skills;
• Familiarity with LCSH and the Dewey Decimal System;
• Proficiency with computers and technology, especially integrated library systems (ILS) and Microsoft Office software;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, and patient;
• Self-directed and proactive;
• Keen attention to detail;
• Dependability and punctuality.

Preferred Experience

• Masters of Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution;
• Demonstrated experience with methods of historical and/or genealogical research;
• Book repair and conservation;
• Knowledge of Lancaster County and its history.

Essential Functions

• Frequent communication with the general public in person, over the phone, and through email;

Environment includes moderate noises (i.e. an office with conversations, photocopiers, and/or computer printers);

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Information Specialist will be expected to work 18-20 hours per week. The primary hours of the position are Tuesday through Friday between 9am and 3pm with occasional Saturday and evening hours as needed.