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The Research Services and Projects Assistant provides research services and auxiliary projects assistance in the Special Collections Department of the Otto G. Richter Library.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & SPECIFIC DUTIES

Research and Outreach Services (70%)

Provides reference assistance to researchers using Special Collections (SC) materials.  This includes in-person visits as well as e-mail, mail, and phone requests. Forwards in-depth reference requests to SC faculty as necessaryTracks in person and remote reference requests using CognitoInstructs researchers regarding SC policies and procedures and ensures that these are followed by all usersServes as backup to the Reading Room service desk as needed and attends to visiting patrons. Monitors public access areas of SC including the Reading Room and instruction areas. Assists with the retrieval of materials from SC collections area for researcher useTrains student assistants for a variety of tasks useful for the department, monitors their work and their payment schedule on the Workday System Assists with tasks related to planning for physical and digital exhibitions under the supervision of the SC librarians.  Supports curators in following Exhibitions Council best practices guidelinesAssists SC librarians with collection development through catalog searching and facilitation of vendor-library communicationAssists with assigned special projects, including digital and bibliographic projectsAssists with SC instruction services, contributes to materials selection for instructional sessions, pulls, reshelves, and documents materials for SC tours and instruction sessionsPrepares monthly reports on service activity and maintains archival and published materials usage statistics per supervisor’s directionReceives and initiates processing of donated books and periodicals, following established workflows.Assists as needed with after-hours Special Collections events

 Collection Management Services (25%)

Assists with the processing of archival collections under the supervision of Special Collections librarians and members of the Manuscripts and Archives Management Department.Assists the Special Collections Librarian with software issues and patron training as needed.Collaborates with SC librarians and cataloging staff on collection management projects, ensuring robust recordkeeping and processing of backlogs. Creates temporary brief bibliographic records for invoice processing.Manages requests for photocopying and digital reproduction services and routes to pertinent departmental and Library-wide staff and facultyHelps with the hiring, training, and supervision of student assistants assigned to Special Collections duties

Communications, Relationships, and Service Applicable towards all duties (5%)

Maintains helpful and supportive customer service behavior with all library customersEstablishes effective and supportive interdepartmental relationships to increase unit effectiveness and disseminate informationCommunicates frequently and effectively with all university staff, faculty, and administrators in a timely manner regarding procedures, policies, and other necessary informationAttends departmental meetings and writes reports as requiredParticipates in library committees and task forces as neededPercentages may vary depending on service and operational needs of the Unit and Richter Library

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Supervision Received

This position reports to the Special Collections Librarian

Supervision Given

   This individual assists in the supervision of student assistants

Level of Contacts

The individual works with all levels of University and Library staff including faculty, administrators, staff, and students as well as alumni and community users.  Within the library, this individual works with all levels of library faculty and staff as well as student employees.  In all contacts, the incumbent is expected to be professional and courteous.

Qualifications (Education, Experience, Skills, Training, etc.)

High school graduate or equivalentThree years of related experience required or two years of college or a combination of the twoAny relevant education, certifications and/or work experience may be consideredExperience with Microsoft Office or equivalent software including Word, Excel, and Outlook requiredAnalytic and critical thinking skillsAptitude for accuracy and detailAbility to work cooperatively and productively with othersAbility to work independently in a team environmentStrong written and oral communication skillsCustomer service skills requiredMust be able to lift 30 pounds, push 50+ pounds and reach while on a stool.

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Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff