Library Assistant

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The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization. Job Description: Position Title: Library Assistant FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Department: Research, Scholarship, and Library (Curatorial Division) Reports to: Technical Services Librarian Date Reviewed: May 22, 2026 About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary: Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission. The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a 'living room' where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. You belong here: make the most of this moment. Position Summary: Through its research programs and services, Crystal Bridges catalyzes the production of new knowledge and understanding, uniting academic research and scholarship with public access and engagement. The Research, Scholarship, and Library team activates communities of learning and provides unequaled access to the museum's library and archival collections, creating new models for reach and impact in art history, public scholarship, library collection activation, and community engagement. Reporting to the Technical Services Librarian, the Library Assistant provides guest services and administrative and specialized support within the Research, Scholarship, and Library department. This role supports circulation and reference, library cataloging, and day-to-day operations, with responsibilities spanning the museum's reference, rare book, and artist files collections. Crystal Bridges Library is supported by a dedicated cohort of volunteers who provide reference and circulation assistance and contribute to the upkeep of the museum's "Library Everywhere" program, a network of small, satellite library locations throughout the museum. The Library Assistant trains and supervises library volunteers and provides coverage for volunteer-supported activities when volunteers are not available. The library welcomes all museum guests, and the Library Assistant plays a key role in creating an open and engaging guest experience. The work schedule is Wednesday-Sunday to cover 10:00-6:00 library open hours on those days. Principal Responsibilities: Provide circulation and reference support by issuing library cards and maintaining patron accounts, checking library materials in/out, responding to reference requests, and managing research appointments. In collaboration with library volunteers and the museum's technology and facilities teams, manage the physical library space, including computer workstations, the library welcome desk, and the main stacks. Train and supervise volunteers; create and update volunteer training and reference materials. Copy catalog new library acquisitions and participate in projects to improve collection metadata. Support biannual collection inventories of the reference collection and as-needed collection shifts of reference, rare book, and artist files collections. Support the Librarian in the creation of library information resources and meeting/presentation materials. Research services and products; inventory and order supplies. Additional Responsibilities: Assist with library tours and public programs. Participate in department, division, and museum-wide working groups and committees. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Librarian. Qualifications and Skills: BA or equivalent experience One year of related experience in a library, museum, or comparable work environment Experience working with volunteers or volunteering Proficient in Microsoft Office; capacity to access and accurately enter data into complex information management systems Strong organizational skills, including attention to detail and deadlines Excellent oral and written communication skills Ability to work independently and to effectively interact with a wide range of colleagues and constituents Preferred Skills and Abilities: Experience supervising or coordinating the work of volunteers Background in library and information science, art history, American history, museum studies, or a related field Knowledge of print and electronic resources for art Art subject cataloging experience Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands

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