University of Minnesota Libraries seeks Library Assistant 2

Text courtesy of Xiong Lee, Human Resources, University of Minnesota Libraries

University of Minnesota Libraries is hiring a Library Assistant 2 to work the evening shift in Wilson Library.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Two years of college coursework and/or relevant library experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative organizational environment.
• Strong commitment to providing excellent customer service.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with integrated library systems.
• Experience supporting accessibility to print and electronic information resources.
• Experience doing data entry.

About the Job

Primary Functions:

Responsibilities of this position include supporting the Course Reserves and Copyright Permissions services, as well as acting as the full time staff member on site in the evenings, providing support for student workers.

Work Hours:

Required Academic Semester Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 1:30pm-10pm**
Required Summer Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11:30-8pm **
**current and unforeseeable covid impacts may temporarily affect these hours.

Essential Functions:

Course Reserves and Copyright Permissions Support (40%)

• Provides support for copyright permissions and course reserves services, working closely with Course Reserves and Copyright Permissions coordinator to understand priorities and complete work within necessary deadlines.
• Processes electronic course reserves requests; activates course links and communicates with faculty or department representatives.
• Processes copyright permissions for digital and print course material packs -working from request intake to obtaining bibliographic information, locating course information, requesting permission from rightsholders, tracking progress, and releasing packs for uploading to Course Reserve System or printing.
• Secures materials from appropriate libraries, recalls needed items.
• Creates and adjusts records within the Course Reserve System.
• Removes inactive reserve materials.
• Creates temporary bibliographic records for non-library-owned items.
• Works directly with faculty and/or Course Reserves and Copyright Permissions coordinator to submit requests to rightsholders.
• Tracks permissions requests and relays information to requester faculty. Contacts and follows‐up with rightsholders as needed on permission requests.
• Keeps up to date on publisher web-based software systems in order to provide up-to-date services and content for our customers.
• Enters and updates data in Copyright Permissions and Course Reserves databases.

Student Supervision (20%)

• Trains student staff for unit operations.
• Manages scheduling changes and edits schedule as needed.
• Monitors student work, provides appropriate feedback, and documents work-related issues.
• Works with students to improve performance, resolves student personnel problems.
• Acts as backup for student duties. 

Information and Access Services (20%)

• Staffs the information services desk, providing reference, information and access services that require judgment and informed appraisal of the user’s needs, based on thorough working knowledge of relevant library policies, procedures, tools and facilities. 
• Serves as a front-line staff for digital information services, answering questions in the campus-wide chat, email queues, and making referrals as appropriate. May include evening and weekend hours
• Assists users in use of online and print materials. Instructs/assists users in use of online and print materials. Provides instruction in effective database search skills; beginning and advanced Boolean searching, truncation etc. Continuously develops skills related to subject and new collections/materials/e-resources
• Assists users with library equipment and technology (e.g., photocopier, scanner, ValuPort, microfiche/film machines, laptops, and personal devices such as tablets, smart phones, mobile site assistance, etc.).
• Serves as backup to staff in the SMART Learning Commons and branch libraries to assist users with software & hardware, and to troubleshoot technology issues.
• Interprets circulation and MNCAT records for users.
• Makes in person and phone referrals.
• Offers support and guidance in using information effectively in all formats.
• Troubleshoots basic computer and printer problems at public workstations.
• Communicates with library users and other library units concerning records, holdings, policies, and procedures issues.
• Takes appropriate action during building emergencies.
• Checks-in/checks-out material; processes recalls, renewals, returns and problem books, and troubleshoots user access issues.
• Creates Circulation records for materials as needed.
• Processes Get-it holds and Rush Requests.
• Records, maintains and submits unit statistics using standardized recording forms.
• Promotes consistency of service standards, best practices and high standards for customer service.
• Forwards items for corrections and/or repair to appropriate units.
• Orders office supplies and printing jobs.
• Creates and renews Public Workstation Access cards for guest users.
• Interprets and negotiates fines within established guidelines (e.g. overdue fines, items on loan). Refers difficult transactions.
• Communicates with students, special privileges borrowers, and Friends of the Library patrons regarding overdue items.
• Processes replacement copies.
• Processes credit card payment transactions.
• Enters payment information in Alma for fines, lost books, etc.
• Updates and corrects patron records, including address issues, blocks, holds, and notes; adjusts patron statuses, types, and expiration dates as necessary.
• Re-activates patron records for unregistered undergraduates and graduates, Special Borrowers, Friends of the Library, and proxy cards.

Stacks Management (10%)

• Oversees regular shelf reading operations for Wilson Library collections. Works with department colleagues to implement a sustainable inventory system to complete routine stacks maintenance.
• Monitors schedule for stacks maintenance duties, in particular shelf reading, making adjustments to ensure meeting the monthly goals.

Non-­Essential Functions:

Participate in unit and departmental meetings/provide departmental support (10%)

• Contributes to the collection, analysis and reporting of statistics related to functional work.
• Provides backup support as needed for other functional work or activities of the department.
• Attends and participates in unit and departmental meetings and functions.
• Serves on Libraries-wide groups and committees as assigned.
• Contributes ideas for improving unit policies, procedures, and services.
• Develops and maintains familiarity with University and library resources, policies and procedures.
• Keeps current with technological advances within University Libraries.
• Learns new software and applies it to support library functions/activities.

* The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

About the Department

Overview:

The Wilson Collections, Information & Access unit is part of the Access and Information Services Department (AIS) within the Research & Learning Division of the University of Minnesota Libraries. The unit staffs three desks and provides a wide variety of services including reserves, fines, in-person and digital information services, borrowing privileges, and circulation. The unit also oversees book return operations, re-shelving materials, maintaining the collections and stack spaces throughout Wilson Library Collections. The unit employs over 50 student workers, in addition to full time employees.

Inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility are the guiding principles for every aspect of work in the University Libraries. See the Libraries’ full IDEA statement: https://www.lib.umn.edu/about/inclusion

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted on the University of Minnesota employment website. Search for this position listing with the Job ID: 339828.

You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Background Check Information

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.