Job Opportunities

SAN DIEGO, CA

The USS Midway Museum Library is a specialized, non-lending library dedicated to preserving Navy and naval aviation history. It supports museum research projects, serves the information needs of visitors and veterans, and acts as a valuable research resource for San Diego and the broader naval community. While the library is primarily open to Midway staff, volunteers, and members, it is also accessible to the public by appointment. Its collection, comprising over 15,000 items—including books, magazines, manuals, and videos—is 80% donation-based and is the most comprehensive naval aviation library on the West Coast. The library is operated and maintained by a team of more than 60 volunteers.

Position Overview

The Midway Research Librarian is responsible for maintaining and preserving the library collection and providing library services to authorized users of the Midway Library including staff, volunteers, and approved researchers and guests.  Additionally, the Research Librarian will play a key role in supporting the library’s volunteer team, including interviewing and onboarding and ensuring volunteers are trained and engaged in their roles.

Status:                Regular, full-time non-exempt

Schedule:          9:00 am – 5:30 pm, Sunday – Thursday or Tuesday – Saturday

Pay Range:        $30.00 per hour   The Museum is not able to offer compensation outside of this posted range. 

Success Factors:

• Well maintained and organized collections ensuring materials are readily accessible and available for use. 
• Effective policies and procedures for the preservation, restoration and archival of the library collection.
• Timely and effective library services to staff, volunteers, approved researchers and museum guests.
• Effective volunteer support and management – volunteers are properly trained, motivated and engaged in library activities.
• Effective partnerships with external organizations or researchers, leading to resource sharing and new initiatives. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Interview, select, onboard and provide training and ongoing support for library volunteers.
• Assign tasks and oversee volunteer activities and special projects fostering a positive and engaging work environment.    
• Ensures the library and accompanying bookstore is operational during Museum hours (7 days a week, 10 am – 5 pm)
• Provide research assistance to staff, volunteers, museum guests, and external researchers, helping them locate relevant materials.
• Work with curators, historians, and other departments to support ongoing projects and exhibits.
• Acquire, catalog, organize, preserve and maintain a comprehensive collection of Navy and naval aviation related materials, including books, periodicals, technical reports, logbooks, digital media, online databases, and historical documents.
• Develop and implement library policies and procedures. 
• Maintain accurate records and files of research requests, collection usage and acquisitions.
• Ensure the preservation and accessibility of library materials.
• Oversee and coordinate the library’s technological infrastructure with IT, including computer systems, databases and digital resources. 
• Build relationships with external institutions, organizations, and researchers to foster resource sharing and collaboration.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

Education/Experience:

• A bachelor’s level degree in Library Science (or related field) from an accredited university. 
• Minimum of two years of experience in managing and providing library services, preferably in a research environment.
• Prior experience working with volunteers preferred.

Skills And Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of library science principles, including cataloging, classification systems, and archival procedures.
• Strong knowledge of collection preservation for antiquarian materials.
• Proficiency in library information systems, knowledge of Past Perfect 5 preferred.
• Knowledge of naval aviation terminology and operations preferred.
• Ability to work with and for volunteers.  
• Ability to evaluate processes for inefficiencies and implement new processes.
• Ability to interact with a wide variety of individuals in a professional manner.
• Ability to work in a self-initiating business environment.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to deal effectively with deadlines and time pressures.
• Team player – ready and willing to help wherever needed or assigned

Working Conditions

• Job Conditions/Work Location: Work is performed aboard the USS Midway in former administrative offices restored to basic working conditions.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to sit for long periods, climb up and down stairs and ladders; to bend, stoop, and lift standard office supplies and small office items.
• Equipment Operated: Computer, facsimile, printer, scanner, telephone.