Reference Librarian - Arts & Special Collections - Downtown Main Library

REFERENCE LIBRARIAN - ARTS & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS - DOWNTOWN MAIN LIBRARY

DATE POSTED:

08.05.2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Reference Librarian - Arts & Special Collections is responsible for overseeing the Library's art and special collections.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as the point person for the special collections, working independently or within a team, managing projects with support and guidance from the department manager.
• Serves as liaison to community art schools/classes, facilitating visits, displays, and engagement.
• Works with the Cataloging & Processing Department and the Digital Services team to affect access to special collections materials.
• Serves as a resource to assist with collection development and maintenance, including collection valuation, acquisition, and de-selection.
• Assists in identifying rare and valuable materials in the regular collections.
• Works with Conservation Services to determine appropriate treatment and housing of materials for exhibit, scanning and storage.
• Makes the special collections, the stories they contain, and their historical contexts available in various mediums and curated on our Digital Library.
• Answers library users' reference and readers' advisory questions in person, over the telephone and by e-mail.
• Interprets the Library's policies and procedures to the public in a customer-responsive manner.
• Presents information about library services and programs to individuals and groups.
• Circulates materials to customers, including checking materials in and out, processing holds, registering customers, and collecting fees.
• Supports and advances the Library's mission of connecting people with the world of ideas and information.
• Embraces and embodies the Library's core beliefs, strategic priorities, and pillars of excellence.
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts of all colleagues and customers regardless of age, cultural background, ability, ethnicity, family status, gender identity, immigration status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and veteran status.
• Complies with Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library's workplace expectations, attendance and punctuality, drug-free workplace, harassment in the workplace, and other employment-related policies and procedures; and all other rules, guidelines, requirements, standards, and practices that are applicable to the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of library science.
• Knowledge of Art and Cultural History, cultural artifacts, and historical contexts.
• Skill in Special Collections management, including archival practices, preservation techniques, and rare book and item handling.
• Skill in customer service.
• Ability to work independently and with coworkers in a wide variety of situations with minimal supervision.
• Ability to use all technology applicable to the essential functions of the job and commonly used by the Library.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Master''s degree in Library and Information Science is required.
• Certifications or licensure: A driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the Library's insurance provider are required.
• Years of relevant experience: Two or more years is required. Experience with Arts & Special Collections is required.
• Years of experience supervising: None.

LOCATION:

Downtown Main Library

HOURS:

40 hours per week

SALARY:

$49,940.80 - $62,441.60 annually

DEADLINE:

Until filled

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer