Collection Services Librarian

We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status. 

How You Will Contribute

The Collection Services Librarian facilitates the acquisition of library resources, is responsible for all aspects of collection management, and actively participates in library liaison work including reference, instruction, and departmental outreach.

Specifically, you will:

• Coordinate the collection development activities of selectors, curators, educators, patrons and other donors
• As a selector, identify and recommend materials to be added to the library collection, from purchases of books and electronic resources to gifts and donations
• Order books and e-resources
• Prepare acknowledgement letters and documentation when needed for gifts and donations
• Maintain vendor relations
• Monitor and project budget needs
• Maintain and adhere to the current collection development policy and procedures for acquisitions, materials review, and other procedures related to collection services
• Maintain, manage, and optimize space allocations across all library and archives collection areas, such as cleaning and stacks maintenance
• Oversee weeding, shifting, and inventory projects
• Manage inventories and evaluations of collection materials to help refine collection scope and relevance
• Coordinate the use and preservation of non-circulating, rare, medium-rare and special collections materials
• Responsible for maintaining reading room equipment, such as microfilm readers and scanners
• Coordinate the pickup of withdrawn and unneeded library materials with book dealers
• Manage library and archives digitization and scanning projects
• Complete scanning for reference requests from outside researchers
• Administer and manage the library@philamuseum.org account
• Participate in outreach initiatives, including creating displays and installations of materials for Reading Room
• Contribute ideas and content for social media and other outreach efforts
• Train and inform patrons about library and archives services and activities
• Public service desk duties as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Your background and experience include:

• Master's Degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent professional experience
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Ability to interact pleasantly, constructively and cooperatively with library patrons and staff

Position and Compensation Details

• The minimum salary for this position is $50,000.
• This position is full-time, exempt, and 35 hours per week.
• This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.
• This position reports to the Arcadia Director of the Library and Archives
• Physical requirements:
  • Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus
  • Able to move items up to 10 pounds
• COVID-19 vaccination required.
• Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Institutional Requirements

• Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
• Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.

What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:

• Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
• Discounted guest tickets for admission
• Discounts on gift memberships
• Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
• Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees* including:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
• Health savings or flexible spending account program
• Retirement savings program with museum match
• Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.