DUTIES

The German Society of Pennsylvania is a non-profit institution devoted to furthering the understanding of German and German-American contributions to the growth of American history and culture.  Founded in 1764, the German Society is the oldest immigrant organization extant in the country, sponsoring many cultural events and German language courses.

The Joseph P. Horner Memorial Library houses more than 70,000 volumes, 75% of which are in German, and is the largest collection of German books in the United States outside a university.  With books dating back to the 16th century, the library has strengths in German literature and history, travel literature and German-American history, including a rare collection of 19th century German-American newspapers.

 The German Society of Pennsylvania seeks an innovative individual with strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills to staff the library.  The successful candidate will be able to work independently in the library, providing general reference service to the patrons of the Society and visitors to the library.  This is an 11-month, part-time position that reports to Dr. Frank Trommler and the Library Committee.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Special Collections Librarian coordinates a variety of reference services, onsite as well as phone and email inquiries, and is responsible for the operation of the library.

THOSE ASSISTED BY THIS POSITION

Members of the Society, researchers and the public.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

MLS from an ALA accredited program or graduate school experience
Basic reading knowledge of German - including Gothic (Fraktur) script -- essential
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work with a wide variety of people
Excellent organizational skills
Demonstrated ability or willingness to work with automated library systems
Ability to work independently, detail-oriented, ability to approach issues with a sense of ownership, enthusiam and innovation
Willingness to learn about rare books and special collections
Solid computer/internet skills
May involve exposure to library dust and/or residual mold in bookbindings

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Manage the operation of the library and its reference desk services in conjunction with the Library Committee:
     a. responsible for updating and implementing policies
     b. check out, reshelve books, and maintain stacks - under supervision - deaccessioning, some reorganization, and moving of books,
     c. assist patrons in the operation of microfilm reader and photocopier,
     d. answer questions concerning reference materials, periodicals, and books,
     e. maintain daily activity sheet
2) Assume other related duties as needed for effective library operations.
3) Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
4) Attend meetings of the Library Committee.
5) With assistance -- coordinate a summer researcher program.
6) Train, supervise and evaluate volunteers.

HOURS

This is a part-time position --
12 hours per week, September through May
20 hours per week, June and July.
Closed in August.

TO APPLY

Please forward a letter of interest, resume and contact info for three professional references to:

German Society of Pennsylvania
Librarian Search Committee
611 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA  19123

Or email your materials to info at germansociety dot org.  Posted February 6, 2008.