Job details

Senior Library Assistant - Circulation

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Library Assistant, Sr. (Circulation) is responsible for delivery of library services (circulation, interlibrary loan, reserves, on- and off-campus access to library resources) to faculty, students, residents, postdocs and staff. The incumbent supervises and directs library staff at the service desk and in public areas in the library (including the reading room, Beren Study Center, and lobby area) to ensure the smooth flow of materials and provision of high-quality services. The Library Assistant, Sr. uses electronic and print resources to answer basic questions from library users and refers more complex queries to reference librarians as needed.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Apply Library Policies and Procedures;
Diplomatically resolve irate patron situations
Troubleshoot public access equipment: photocopiers, printers, etc.
Provide basic consultation on use of Library resources.

DETAILED RESPONSIBILITIES:

Use automated library system to perform circulation and reserve functions for users.
Circulate books, journals, media, devices, laptops and equipment using library management system. Oversee return of books, devices and materials to appropriate locations;
Maintain manual and electronic files of transactions, special requests, and related electronic communications.
Train other library staff at service points.
Supervise and train circulation and shelving staff;
Coordinate and schedule circulation & shelving staff to provide coverage during library open hours, including evenings and Sundays;
Establish and determine priorities of work/projects and assign tasks accordingly;
Administer closed reserve collection: retrieval & processing of items; recommend purchase of new editions as requested by patrons; remove items no longer used;
Supervise and assign shelf reading to support staff to maintain order & appearance of library collection;
Participate, with Director of the Library, in the development, implementation & evaluation of operating policies & procedures & recommend changes for improved efficiency;
Implement library procedures and enforce policies on use of materials, devices, etc.
Assist users in searching online catalog to locate materials needed;
Answer routine questions, explain Library policies and direct patrons to appropriate staff;
Inspect and laptop computers when returned by users;
Utilize resource sharing management systems (ILLiad & other similar applications) to process and complete requests from patrons and other libraries.
Verify interlibrary loan requests & perform duties of other Library departments, as assigned by Director of the Library
Use email to communicate various information to patrons and staff;
Respond to user suggestions, comments or complaints about the Library and refer same to Director of the Library
Manage and organize electronic and/or manual workflow in public service processing areas. Communicate with patrons and libraries regarding receipt of, overdue status of, or availability of materials.
Deliver digital resources to patrons and other libraries in response to lending, borrowing and access requests, when needed.
Provide support for a variety of public service technology and equipment, including but not limited to photocopiers, printers, scanners, microfilm readers/printers, Internet access, computers & desktop software, and VHS/DVD equipment.
Identify, analyze, and solve non-routine problems related to patron use of equipment and technology.
Add paper in photocopiers & printers; troubleshoot jams or other problems when possible;
Make service calls to report problems with equipment: photocopiers/3M security/printers;
Ensure that library space is secure and that departmental opening and closing routines are completed.
Answer basic queries in the absence of a librarian and the responsibility to refer advanced research questions to librarian experts when necessary and available.
Interprets and enforces library policies in routine situations.
Produce and place signage around the library
Oversee registration of new library users;
Reshelve Closed Reserve materials as needed;
Oversee billing, collecting & recording payments for photocopying, printing, overdue fines and lost/damaged items;
Participate in interviewing of prospective circulation and shelving staff;
Provide input in the evaluation of assigned employees;
Review and resolve staff issues within assigned areas.
Inspect damaged materials and equipment and recommends action;
Identify cataloging problems and refer items to the Cataloging Dept;
Monitor performance and repair of Circulation equipment & recommend improvements;
Maintain various Circulation statistics;
Open & close Library, depending on schedule;
Monitor & maintain level of supplies and forms needed;
Report emergencies and/or problems to appropriate person;
Inform Library Director of status of all Circulation activity, functions & work completed;
Perform other duties and assist with special projects as assigned.
Manage assigning Username and passwords for EZproxy for our patrons and affiliated hospitals
Maintain weekly EndNote download user list

WORK HOURS:

Work schedules may vary during holidays based on library hours of operations.
Work hours will primarily be scheduled between the hours of 9:00am–5:00pm. However, work schedules may vary and change as needed based on the Albert Einstein College of Medicine calendar and the academic calendar and during holidays.
May be required to work nights and weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS:

High School diploma plus 4+ years of library or relevant service experience.
The ability to troubleshoot equipment or computer problems is essential. There is a customer service element that requires a basic level of information provision and policy enforcement.
Supervision and direction of staff in processing areas, book stacks, and at service desk is required for the smooth flow of materials and provision of high- quality services. The Circulation Assistant uses electronic and print resources to answer basic questions and refers more complex queries to reference librarians as necessary.
Strong service orientation and interpersonal skills;
Strong communication and organizational skills, ability to work independently and in a team environment;
Computer proficiency and knowledge of email and accurate filing skills;
Attention to detail and ability to perform detailed tasks with accuracy at busy circulation desk is essential;
Ability to train and direct student staff in the organization of workflow and provision of general library information
Ability to handle stressful situations arising from need to enforce Library policies;

PREFERRED:

Familiarity with automated library circulation and reserve systems
Knowledge of standard resource sharing & resource management utilities and software, such as Innovative Interfaces Sierra, ILLiad and Summon Discovery platform
Experience with Springshare LibCal and LibWizard

Hiring Rate: $26.80 Post Probationary Rate: $27.33 Job Rate: $27.89