Library Collection Specialist

An institution of higher learning is looking for a Library Collections Specialist
This position will serve as the main access point for In Library Use Only materials and be responsible for ensuring safe handling of these materials in the organization's temporary spaces in Firestone Library
They will assist patrons with placing requests and establish reasonable expectations for the arrival of their requests given the currently temporary off-site storage of the Library's  collection
They will have sufficient authority, when scheduled alone, to manage student staff workflows and report facilities/maintenance issues
This temp will respond to patron requests and questions, monitor and resolve staffing issues at both service points in Marquand Library’s temporary spaces on C Floor in Firestone Library, oversee use of “In Library Use Only” material, and assist with processing requests and returns
Additionally, this staff member will contribute to collection maintenance by folding custom-made boxes and four-flap enclosures and preparing collections for return to Marquand Library
Being part of a branch library team demands that one be flexible in organizing and scheduling work activities, and the assistant must be able to identify priorities, manage workflows and sustain productivity.
 
Primary Responsibilities:

• Staff service points, enforcing library policies graciously and provide basic reference to patrons
• Provide access to Marquand Library and shared collections that are In Library Use Only
• Aid with all staff workflows as needed
• Report facilities/maintenance issues in the absence of Librarians and Admin 030
• Assist with oversight of student desk and processing assistants; reports issues to Admin 030
• Assist with all aspects of shelving and stack maintenance, as well as use of assigned spaces
• Assist with collection development and maintenance projects
• Assist with off-site requests and returns processing
• Assist with stack weeding projects and bibliographic searching

Other Duties:

• As assigned

 
Required Skills:

• Minimum one year of experience in an academic, research, or special library, or a public library with a research and/or special collections component or comparable experience
• An affinity for teamwork, and the ability to be flexible and resourceful in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and excellent service-oriented interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritize workflows and respond to rapidly changing circumstances on a daily basis
• Ability to deal with pressure, deadlines and multitasking
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Intermediate computer skills including desktop productivity software and scanning, and basic knowledge of computer hardware, printers and imaging equipment
• Knowledge of bibliographic conventions and experience searching online catalogs or databases
• Self-starter with the ability to prioritize, be highly productive, and do sustained and accurate detail work at a computer
• Public service experience and service orientation
• Must be able to lift and shelve books (using stepladders) and handle large book trucks holding approximately 300 books (other physical tasks may involve careful handling of heavy and dusty books)

Preferred Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree
• Ability to work with bibliographic citations in several European languages
• Experience in an arts or humanities library collections or subject background
• Facility with Alma or another integrated library system
• Experience with antiquarian library or archival collections
• Intermediate reading knowledge of one or more Romance, Germanic, or other non-English language is a plus

 
Work hours: 7.25 hour day, M-F 1pm-9pm with 45 minutes for lunch
 
Duration of Assignment: This is a three-month temporary position (7.25 hrs
daily)

• Start date:  9/4/24
• End Date:  12/20/24