Librarian / Archivist, Schenectady County Historical Society

LIBRARIAN / ARCHIVIST WANTED

The Schenectady County Historical Society (SCHS) is now accepting resumes from applicants for appointment as Librarian / Archivist of its Grems-Doolittle Library of historical and genealogical research. Candidates must hold the MLS degree or equivalent, be familiar with archival practice, and have experience in historical research in general and genealogical research in particular. We seek a high-energy self-starter who will elevate a very good historical library to a position of renowned excellence. Candidates should have superior writing and computer skills and the ability to work well with a wide range of people —Society members and Trustees, visitors, and other staff members. Software in current use includes PastPerfect, Excel, Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint. Experience in grant writing is a definite plus, and candidates who have written a successful application or, alternatively, a significant paper on a relevant library or historic subject are encouraged to submit an e-mail attachment with their resumé to the address given below.

The position is salaried, commensurate with experience, with limited benefits that include an individual health care plan 2/3 paid by the Society. The work schedule for the Librarian / Archivist is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Librarian is responsible for staffing Thursday evening hours, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with volunteers. The Librarian is currently the only paid staff person whose duties relate entirely to the Library, but there are currently several dedicated volunteers who provide assistance to library visitors. The Librarian reports to the SCHS President along with three other staff members at the same location -- an office manager, a museum curator, and a building custodian -- and others at our Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction, NY, about six miles from SCHS headquarters in the Stockade area of downtown Schenectady, NY. The city, along with the nearby cities of Albany and Troy and a surrounding cluster of suburban towns, form the core of the New York State Capital District.

SCHS has been in continuous operation since 1905, 106 years as of July. The Grems-Doolittle Library was a major expansion of our headquarters facility in 1992. Prospective candidates are encouraged to start at our home page and explore the network of links that stem there from, especially the one to our Library. To learn more About Us, follow the link of that name. From there, sample at least our last three Newsletters by electing the link so named.

The ideal starting date for the Librarian / Archivist would be June 1, or as soon thereafter as possible. Resumés should include a chronological listing of all positions held since graduation, with no unexplained breaks, and should also include the name, address, phone, and email address of three references. A cover letter that expresses the principal reasons why the candidate is a good fit to the qualifications for the position would be useful.

E-mail resumés to Dr. Edwin D. Reilly, Jr., president@schist.org, with attachments, or mail supplemental writing samples to SCHS, 32 Washington Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12305.