Historical Research Information Specialist/Librarian (Part-Time) - Hartford Public Library. Summary: Under the direction of the Executive Director, Culture and
Communications, the Historical Research Information Specialist is
committed to pursuing best practices and innovative ideas in
researching, curating, and promoting both scholarly research and public
interest in the historical collections held in the Hartford History
Center, Hartford Public Library.
About Hartford: Hartford the capital of Connecticut is home to the
nation’s oldest public art museum and oldest Public Park. The City is
proud of its innovative iQuilt project, a culture-based urban design
plan for Downtown Hartford—a compact historic district with more than 45
cultural assets and destinations (including the Library) accessible
through a pedestrian network. Its centerpiece is the GreenWalk, a one
mile chain of parks and plazas connecting the Capitol to the Connecticut
River waterfront. The City’s goals include a more walkable,
sustainable, and welcoming downtown, an improved cultural network, and a
stronger economy and workforce. Hartford is a city of 17 diverse
neighborhoods - each one possessing its own history, diverse cultures
and distinct architectural charm, which makes Hartford a premier
destination to live, work, play and raise a family.
Responsibilities - Reference & Research: Provide help and
research assistance to Hartford History Center users. Incorporate
emerging information technologies and new uses of resources in response
to evolving patterns of publishing and information dissemination. Assist
in the development of outreach tools, including electronic
publications, web content and social media content. Assist in the
supervision and evaluation performance of technicians, support staff,
and student interns, as assigned. Teach how to find and use primary
sources in a variety of settings.
Responsibilities - Programming, Outreach & Customer Service:
Develop, organize, and coordinate appropriate, interesting, and
meaningful, history-related public programs/events/exhibits for the
public on a quarterly basis. Work closely with the Social Studies
Department of Hartford Public Schools to develop subject-appropriate
on-site and in-school history programs and exhibits (physical and/or
electronic) that meet the standards required by the Connecticut State
Board of Education.
Responsibilities - Other: Attends professional meetings, maintains
active membership in state, regional and national library associations;
participates in activities of professional organizations. Performs
related duties as required.
Required: ALA-accredited Master degree in Library/Information
Science, or a graduate degree in archival studies and/or museum studies
required. Minimum of two years’ experience providing public services for
archival collections including experience with basic preservation and
conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections. Strong
commitment to public service and user-centered research assistance.
Familiarity with computer applications and resources relevant to special
collections (online catalogs, finding aids, research databases).
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Successful
project management experience. Proficiency with historical research
techniques, mastery of appropriate professional industry-standard tools
to design physical and electronic exhibitions. Ability to develop and
manage multiple and diverse projects to completion. Exceptional
team-building, multi-tasking, interpersonal, and organizational skills,
and the ability to create personal relationships and communicate well
with diverse groups. Ability and willingness to learn new software and
technology as appropriate. Familiar with cataloging and descriptive
standards for special collections materials and/or government records.
** Appointment to Specialist or Librarian dependent upon educational
experience**
Physical Demands: Ability to continuously bend, twist, stoop, reach
and pull. Ability to keep composure in everyday, potentially stressful
situations. Ability to meet a flexible work schedule, including evenings
and weekends. Able to walk, sit and stand for extended periods. Close
vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the
ability to adjust focus.
Apply: To start the application process, log onto the Hartford Public Library website for the link to apply online. Interested candidates must complete an on-line application, attach a cover letter, and resume.
