Library Technical Assistant, Acquisitions

St. John’s established in 1870, has three New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations.

A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community. We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values required for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.

Department: University Libraries, Serials and Acquisitions Dept.

Specific Job Title: Library Technical Assistant (Acquisitions)

Reports to: Tian Zhang, Head of Serials and Acquisitions

Campus: Queens

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Head of Serials and Acquisitions in the University Libraries, the Library Technical Assistant for Acquisitions supports the operation of the Acquisitions and Serials Department, especially as related to ordering and processing new library materials such as print books and DVDs; receiving print journals, newspapers and periodicals. The Acquisitions Library Technical Assistant may be required to create purchase orders, import records for on-order materials, verify accuracy of invoices, and coordinate with the Dean's Office to ensure timely payment of invoices. This position is responsible for keeping, providing and reporting library collection statistics; ordering supplies for the University Libraries; assisting in coordinating meeting schedules; maintaining/updating schedules; tracking timesheets; sorting and distributing mail; and other administrative assistance as needed.

Essential Functions:

• Manage acquisitions activities to ensure the ordering of material and their efficient movement through the workflow of the Serials and Acquisitions Department in coordination with the Technical Services Department and other departments as needed using the Libraries' Integrated Library System (ILS) and other appropriate online tools.
• Administer Acquisitions activities such as creating purchase orders, managing temporary on order records, verifying accuracy of invoices, and processing them to show receipt of materials in the ILS
• Responsible for other duties associated with the acquisitions cycle for the ordering of print and physical materials
• Compile and share monthly statistics and reports regarding library acquisitions and library collections
• Manage mail delivery and distribution
• Manage the current print journals and associated processes
• Maintain records of print periodical subscriptions
• Contribute to the documentation of acquisitions procedures and provide input on workflow improvements
• Order all library office supplies and maintain accurate records
• Manage housekeeping issues, such as printing/Xerox machine maintenance and reporting facilitates-related issues
• Assist in coordinating schedules for meetings
• Maintain staff schedules and keep track of timesheets
• Provide administrative assistance as needed
• Assists with other projects as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Competencies:

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, OneDrive, etc.
• Basic knowledge of office equipment including photocopiers, scanners, computers, and other office equipment
• Exceptional attention to detail and organization
• Strong computer skills and the ability to easily learn new software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills using various communication methods (in- person, phone, email)
• Ability to work independently and as a team member with various library departments
• Strong time management skills
• Ability to adapt to a changing work environment

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position may be responsible for supervising one or two student workers as needed.

Work Environment:

This position operates in a professional office environment; This position is required to use standard office equipment such as personal computers, printers, scanners.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to retrieve books from library stacks and move a book truck holding items. Must be able to frequently move and lift materials for processing.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; move about; sit; to carry work and use controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; use the elevators, communicate. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the employee include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus, etc.

Environmental Conditions

Potential exposure to dust.

Position Type/ Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time 35-hour/week position. The standard workweek is Mon-Thurs: 8:30 am-4:30 pm & Fri: 8:30 am-3:00 pm

Required Education and Experience:

• 1-2 years' experience in an academic or public library
• Earned associate’s degree

Preferred Education and Experience:

• 3-5 years' experience in an academic library
• Earned bachelor's degree
• Familiarity with Library Integrated Library Systems (ILS)
• Relevant library acquisitions service experience
• Relevant administrative assistance experience

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual salary range for this position is $40,900. St. John’s University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

This position may be relocated to any of St. John’s University’s physical locations at any time.

St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events

Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education.

St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women and minorities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.