Job Description
Bookmobile Librarian/Specialist II - Manhattan
Application Deadline: 27 July 2026
Department: Reading & Engagement
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Manhattan
Reporting To: Adriana Blancarte-Hayward
Compensation: $70,393 / year
The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for more than 100 years. NYPL provides bookmobile services to communities across the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island.
NYPL is seeking a Senior Librarian/Specialist who will enthusiastically promote NYPL and positively engage with residents of all ages from communities throughout the boroughs in exciting new ways. This Senior Librarian/Specialist will also cultivate creative thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and resourceful users of information. Successful candidates will embody each of these four characteristics themselves.
Key Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Associate Director, Outreach Services & Engagement, the Senior Librarian/Specialist will:
- Operate the Manhattan bookmobile at various locations across Manhattan
- Provide reference service and resource recommendations
- Partner with the collection development team to build and maintain the bookmobile collection ensuring it is diverse, current, relevant, and meets the needs of communities served
- Aid in organizing and coordinating bookmobile visits, conduct community outreach events engaging with diverse populations promoting library services and programming to meet specific community needs
- Develop partnerships with community based organizations, city support agencies, educational institutions and local businesses to promote the library’s services, programs, and collections
- Develop and maintain content for social media platforms such as Library blogs, and X formerly Twitter
- Assist with circulation and reserves
- Keep accurate records of bookmobile activities, including attendance and community engagement metrics, which are used in the evaluation and assessment of the bookmobile program's impact on the community.
- Maintain a working knowledge of trends in literature, educational and development needs, library services and the profession through webinars, internal training, meetings, conferences, professional literature, and organizational memberships
- Perform related duties as required
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Experience
- ALA accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Studies or Master’s Degree in Education, Public Engagement or a related field
- Experience building partnerships with local organizations to better meet the needs of community users
Required Skills
- Valid NY, NJ or CT driver’s license
- Strong commitment to public service and the ability to work well with a diverse patronage
- Knowledge of literature and library collections
- Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Strong organization and planning skills, including the ability to perform multiple projects or tasks simultaneously
More...
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
- Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
- Public service library
- Office setting
- Outdoors
- Bookmobile
Physical Duties
- May be required to operate the bookmobile and provide service in all boroughs
- Providing customer service from inside and outside the bookmobile
- Lifting up to 20 lbs and operating a mechanical lift
- Sitting and standing for periods of time in a small space
- Daily use of a laptop computer
Physical Required?
Union/Non Union
FLSA Status
Schedule
- 35 hours per week to be scheduled by the Associate Director, Outreach Services & Engagement
- Evening and weekend hours required as needed
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public LibrarySalary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).
