Library Assistant (Serials & Collections) position at UAS

The University of Alaska Southeast Egan Library is hiring for a full time Library Technician 2 position to work on their Technical Services team. Job ad below! Please pass along to anyone you think might be interested. Initial review date is August 6th.

Position Summary:

Are you looking to get your foot in the door at an academic library? Want a paraprofessional position with a variety of job duties? This full time (40 hours per week) position is part of the Technical Services team, and is the lead for library serials and collections repair work. Typical serials duties include daily receipt of periodicals; check-in using library software; maintenance of subscription records; and shelving. Ongoing work includes verification of online access to electronic serials; working with the physical collection by ensuring that materials are properly housed in bindings or cases to promote their long-term preservation; and performing book repairs including paper and binding repairs. This position works independently but also collaborates closely with the rest of the library team, assisting at the Circulation Desk, and cross-training with the Interlibrary Loan and Outreach Services assistant. This position is open until filled, with an initial review date of August 6th, 2018.

Duties:

Electronic Resources Management (20%) Tracks coverage of electronic resources through online tools including the library catalog, OCLC Worldcat, and JournalSearch. Sets up new resources by working with vendors and library tech support to make sure on- and off -campus authentication is working and that access includes all content to which the library is subscribed. Gathers usage data from in-house tools including JournalSearch, the library catalog, in-house serials use statistics, and external vendor reporting modules. Compiles data and reports to Technical Services Librarian as requested. Tracks institutional account information including usernames and passwords for publisher sites. Shares authentication and access information with staff as needed, and maintains security of these assets as appropriate.
Collection Maintenance (25%) Evaluates materials sent to department for repair. Applies knowledge of different repair techniques to select most appropriate method for the item in hand. Using specialized knowledge and tools, conducts paper and binding repairs. Serves as the library point person on book repair, answering questions from other library staff and members of the university community. Reviews labels and records for processed materials, ensuring information is correct for patron and staff use. Performs end processing for all formats including creating and preparing pamphlet binders, comb bindings, cases, and special labels. Maintains awareness of special processing requirements such as use of identifying stamps for depository materials and bookplates for endowment fund purchases. Ensures that requirements are met. Creates lists of withdrawn materials for offering on the Alaska Library Association email list, responds to libraries, and coordinates distribution of materials.
Public and Outreach Services Support (25%) In coordination with Circulation Supervisor, assists with projects at Circulation (reserves, weeding, checkout equipment ) and occasional staffing of the desk during lunch breaks or around unexpected scheduling challenges. Works closely with the Interlibrary Loan and Outreach Services assistant, covering absences, coordinating on work with serials, electronic resources, interlibrary loan, and the institutional repository, cross-training as needed.
Serials (25%) Process incoming serials and periodicals (newspapers, magazines, journals, books on standing order), checking-in items using Sirsi Workflows software, and labeling and shelving items as appropriate. Tracks retention policies; withdraws and discards materials according to retention schedule and local procedures. Uses the Sirsi Workflows Serials Control module to track issues received and expected. Uses prediction patterns in the module to generate list of expected issues. Maintains historical notes about library subscription activity in the module. Working with Acquisitions and Catalog assistant, creates summary holdings records in the library catalog and OCLC WorldCat using MARC holdings format, following national standards and data entry conventions required by OCLC. Ensures all information is accurately displayed for patrons using the library catalog. Communicates with vendors (subscription agents, journal and microfilm publishers, book vendors, bindery, shipping agents, etc.), making inquiries, placing orders, and filing claims. Respond to patron and staff queries about serials. Participates in team meetings and work within Technical Services department. Maintains knowledge of functions in the Technical Services department and cross-trains in other areas as necessary. Participates in discussions regarding integrated library system (ILS) capabilities and current procedures both within Egan Library and in relation to Alaska Library Consortium, especially as relating to serials and electronic resources.
Mail & Bindery (5%) Receives and routes incoming library mail (periodicals, standing orders, interlibrary loans, catalogs, etc.) Prepares all outgoing shipments of materials from the TS department, including sending withdrawn materials to other libraries and Friends of the Juneau Public Libraries bookstore. Plans, schedules, and processes items to be sent to the bindery and shelves the volumes when they are returned (twice a year). Prepares all paperwork for bindery including work slips, USPS insurance documentation, and list of titles sent for posting at Reference Desk. Prepares boxes for shipment.

Education & Experience

    • High School diploma or GED, required.
    • One to two years post-secondary education including coursework in Archives or Library practice and theory, OR an equivalent combination of training and experience in a library, museum, business or comparable environment.
    • Without previous experience with library systems expect 3-6 months on-job training to be functioning efficiently; less than that if comes with book repair and/or ILS experience and is familiar with bibliographic records, call numbers, etc.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

    • Ability to pay close attention to details and to read, interpret, and accurately enter precise data involving numbers, characters, dates, barcodes, etc.
    • Ability to copy and transcribe written information accurately.
    • Knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, and data entry.
    • Ability to work with library equipment and tools to perform book repairs and basic bindery.
    • Ability to physically process collections including shelving.
    • Ability to work independently; ability to work as part of a team.
    • Ability to write clearly and document procedures.
    • Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
    • Experience working with computers and software applications in a work/office environment.
    • Physically able to lift or move moderately heavy boxes of books and move book trucks at least 3/4 full of books, magazines, etc., with or without reasonable accommodations.

This is a full-time, Grade 75, 12-month position complete with a competitive salary and UA employee benefits package. This is an open until filled recruitment with the initial application review taking place on August 6th, 2018.

A complete application will include a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. Contact uas.hr@alaska.edu, or phone (907) 796-6263 for technical support, additional questions, or to request ADA accommodation when completing your application.

As a public, regional, comprehensive university, UAS is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive organization and strongly encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.  All interested persons should apply online. For further assistance with the application process contact Human Resources at 907-796-6263.