University of Minnesota Libraries seeks Library Assistant

Text courtesy of the University of Minnesota.

University of Minnesota Libraries are hiring a full time Library Assistant 3 for the Physical Sciences and Engineering Department.

Position Overview

This Library Assistant 3 position provides information services in the Physical Sciences and Engineering Department, and technical and web support services for the East Bank Campus Libraries (Walter Library, the Mathematics Library, and the Architecture Library). This position works closely with East Bank operations staff and PSE liaisons to contribute to the overall goals of PSE and the Libraries, and has responsibility for staffing the Walter Library and other East Bank service points.

Essential Functions

Information and Access Services (30%)

• Staffs the service desks at Walter Library (and at other East Bank Libraries when needed) to provide 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. Continuously develops skills related to subject and new collections, materials, and e-resources.
• Serves as front-line staff for digital information services, answering questions in the campus-wide chat, email queues, and making referrals as appropriate.
• Assists users from a variety of cultures and communities in the use of online and print materials.
• Promotes best practices and high standards for customer service.
• Helps other library units with user support needs and related training as assigned.

General Department Support (30%)

• Assists with planning, preparation, and logistical support for events and exhibits. Provides orientation and tours as assigned.
• Keeps current with technological and software advances within University Libraries and applies this knowledge to support library functions/activities.
• Coordinates the collection, analysis, and reporting of statistics related to functional work. Creates informational charts and prepares reports; shares with appropriate library departments and staff. Creates, monitors and updates documentation for Department functions.
• Serves on Libraries-wide groups and committees as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned, especially related to department projects.

Web, Technology, Library Equipment, and Communication Support (20%)

• Creates, organizes, and maintains content on web pages and social networking sites.
• Provides web technology, communications, and social media services support for the Library.
• Provides departmental support for specific technologies or software by troubleshooting computer hardware and software problems, and providing instruction and answering questions for departmental staff.
• Coordinates maintenance and repair of library equipment and facilities, in cooperation with Computer Support and Networking, and with Facilities Operations Management. Communicates maintenance and repair status with users and staff when necessary.
• Assists users from diverse communities and cultures with library and PSE equipment and technology. Contacts vendors and UCard office to resolve service related issues.
•  Provides backup and support for SMART media, makerspace, and related services as needed.

Research and Learning Program Support (20%)

• Provides PSE technical services (e.g., process incoming reference items, oversee the incoming ISO standards process, make quick catalog records).
• Teaches and provides support for workshops (e.g., Mendeley and other citation manager software, etc.); curriculum-integrated courses, and Libraries-wide initiatives (e.g., Introduction to Library Research, systematic reviews, HathiTrust).
• Assists library staff and liaisons in data gathering, trend analysis, research, and collaborations.

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

Required Qualifications

• Five (5) years of relevant library experience. College education can be substituted for experience on a year for year basis up to three (3) years.
• Experience providing library reference and research assistance.
• Strong skills with Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Calendar, and Gmail applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative organizational environment.
• Strong commitment to providing excellent customer service. 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; comfortable with public speaking in front of workshop and class groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with integrated library systems.
• Demonstrated interest in makerspaces and new technologies such as 3D printers.
• Experience supporting accessibility to print and electronic information resources.
• Ability to lead, manage, and successfully complete multiple assignments.
• Experience with troubleshooting computer hardware and printers/copiers.
• Experience with web and software applications, including writing HTML content for Content Management Systems.

About the Department

The Physical Sciences and Engineering (PSE) Department, as part of the University Libraries Research and Learning Division, plays a critical role in supporting the University’s research, teaching, and learning through stewardship of and access to content; support of instructional, informational and research services; and engagement/outreach within the University community and to the public. The department is composed of three service points on the East Bank (Minneapolis) Campus: Walter Library, the Mathematics Library, and the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library. The mission of PSE is to provide efficient, effective, and innovative access to and delivery of information and materials to users in pursuit of knowledge, educational goals, research, teaching, and scholarship. Each service point contributes to the overall mission and goals of the University Libraries by serving the user in the best way possible.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online.  To be apply, visit the University of Minnesota careers website and search for job ID: 329050

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