Middle Eastern and Islamic Manuscript Cataloger (Specialist III)

Overview
The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been one of the world’s great public research libraries for more than 130 years. The research centers offer unparalleled opportunities to engage with in-depth and unique collections, inspirational reading rooms, exhibitions, programs, and a range of research services. The Collections and Research Services division encompasses several departments focused on managing the ongoing development and processing of our exceptional research collections, advancing unified discovery and expanded access, both in-person and online, and ensuring stewardship of the collections at every stage of the collections lifecycle.

The Special Collections Processing Department (SCP) ensures long-term stewardship and access to the Library’s most distinctive collections by describing rare and unique materials for inclusion in the Library’s catalogs. Reporting to the Senior Manager for Rare Materials Cataloging, the Middle Eastern and Islamic Manuscript Cataloger’s primary responsibility is to catalog manuscripts from NYPL’s Middle Eastern and Islamic collections, adhering to national and local cataloging standards.

The collection is geographically and culturally expansive, spanning from West Africa to Indonesia—including North Africa, Turkey, Iran, China, and South Asia—and offers exceptional chronological and interdisciplinary depth. This two-year, grant-funded position is part of a five-year Lilly Endowment project focused on the conservation, digitization, and public engagement of the Islamic manuscript collection.

ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or advanced degree in Middle Eastern Studies, Islamic Studies, or related humanities field combined with successful completion of cataloging training

N/A

Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Local 1930

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

Schedule

35 hours/week, M-F, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., onsite

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 Library Salary 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).