Qualifications to Become a Library Live-in Superintendent
Unfortunately, the days of live-in superintendents at libraries appear to be over. The last known live-in superintendent moved out of the NYPL’s Webster Branch, located at 1468 York Avenue in Yorkville, in 2006. From the Port-Richmond Branch in Staten Island to the Morrisania Branch in the Bronx, however, the city’s libraries were once home to dozens of live-in superintendents and their families. While the idea of living in a library—perhaps, especially if it happens to be in a converted mansion on the Upper East Side or in four-bedroom flat on the mezzanine floor of the Schwarzman Building—may sound like fun, it is important to bear in mind that these living quarters came with great responsibilities too.
If the opportunity to work and live in a library still existed today, qualifications for prospective live-in superintendents would likely include everything from a great command of English to the ability to supervise staff to a general knowledge of electrical, plumbing, HVAC and carpentry repair. Many current live-in superintendent positions also require applicants to have a high-level of computer skills and experience working with one or more building management software programs. Finally, anyone interested in taking on the role of live-in superintendent needs to be committed to working around the clock and working year-round. Perhaps, given the amount of work and responsibility, opting for a space-efficient digital library is not such a bad idea after all?
Source: Life Behind the Stacks: The Secret Apartments of New York Libraries | 6sqft
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