The Noguchi Museum—chartered as Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum—was founded and designed by acclaimed artist Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) for the display of his life’s work. Opened in 1985 and located in Long Island City, Queens, in a converted industrial building with a serene outdoor sculpture garden, the Museum is considered to be one of Noguchi’s greatest achievements. Today, the mission of the Museum is to advance the understanding and appreciation of Noguchi’s art and legacy. It manages the world’s most extensive collection of Noguchi’s artworks in addition to his complete archives and Catalogue Raisonné. Through its rich collection, exhibitions, and programming, the Museum facilitates scholarship and learning for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
The Noguchi Museum is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, disability or any other criterion specified by federal, state or local laws, in the administration of its employment policy. The Museum considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants of all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, ages, genders, and physical abilities to apply.
Benefits
Full-time employees are eligible for benefits including a generous health insurance program including medical, dental, and vision, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with company match, paid time off, and other benefits.
Part-time employees receive pre-tax commuter benefits, as well as paid time off based on tenure, starting with three days per year.
The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum is seeking a qualified library intern for Fall 2025. Term is 12 weeks, 15 hrs per week, with a flexible start date.
The Noguchi Museum’s reference library is a growing resource that informs internal research and is also associated with its public-facing bibliography of works related to Noguchi’s life and work. This position is well-suited for a Library and Information Science student with an interest in museums and special libraries, particularly a candidate with an interest in promoting access to information about 20th century art and artists.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Working with the Museum’s Archivist, the library intern will organize the reference library, cross-reference books against uncatalogued materials in the offices, add and refine entries in the bibliography using the content management system CollectiveAccess, assess the condition of materials, and reorganize shelving as needed. The Library Intern will have the opportunity to provide a significant impact on the arrangement of a nascent collection.
The library intern will also assist the Museum’s Archivist in reviewing a large assortment of unprocessed books by determining which volumes have value for the library and identifying uses for the remaining books.
The ideal candidate will be currently enrolled in a graduate Library and Information Science program (or a recent graduate), although undergraduates with some library or archives experience will also be considered.
Experience, Skills, and Qualities
• Experience with content management systems/database applications such as CollectiveAccess
• Interest in modern/contemporary art, and particularly in the life and work of Isamu Noguchi
• Experience working in a special library or museum setting
• Currently enrolled in a Library and Information Science program, or a recent graduate
Compensation
Compensation for this intern position is $20 per hour.
The Library Intern position is a part time, temporary position located at the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, Queens. The hours are 15 hours per week, to be determined in conversation with the Archivist. Work will be performed both in a warehouse/storage setting as well as in an office environment; prolonged periods of standing and lifting, as well as sitting, use of computers and standard office equipment required to accomplish work objectives. This position will primarily be onsite at The Noguchi Museum, with some work from home flexibility depending on project needs.
To Apply
In a single PDF, please send a cover letter, résumé, and a list of three references (including names, titles, email addresses, and telephone numbers) to jobs@noguchi.org with “Library Intern” in the subject line. Please indicate in your cover letter your potential scheduling availability, or if you have an hourly-total requirement (or other notable requirements) for school credit.