Access Services Assistant, Countway Library, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA

Posted May 5, 2014

This highly visible position performs a wide of duties in support of the Harvard Library’s commitment to providing exceptional user services.

 

Access Services staff members are expected to provide services at the highest level of patron satisfaction while utilizing best practices to meet patron needs. Additionally, Access Services staff members are committed to delivering timely access to collections; maintaining the integrity and security of library resources and materials; and accommodating user needs in accordance with the priorities and objectives of the Harvard Library.

 

Countway Library serves the Harvard Medical School, as well as the larger community of users at Harvard University. Reporting to the Access Services Manager, the Access Services Assistant is responsible for ensuring that Access Services operations run smoothly during assigned hours on Sunday from 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM, on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4:00 – 8:00 PM, and on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Assigned hours may change due to intersessions, holidays, and other related staffing needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Typical Duties Include:

-Circulation: open the library on Sundays; perform tasks associated with the automated circulation system (charge/discharge and renew materials, create holds and recalls); communicate and enforce library policies; assist patrons with the use of the HOLLIS catalog; collect and maintain departmental statistics; process item requests and item deliveries from interlibrary courier; manage requests for off-site depository materials; support library and collection security measures; collect fines; locate materials on shelf, trace missing items, and assist patrons in finding materials; respond to incoming requests to the library from general email and request software.

– Information Services: provide basic reference and information service at the library’s main service desk, including offering assistance and instruction in the use of library materials, resources, and equipment and referring complex questions to specialized reference staff. Access Services is the only public service unit staffed during the evenings and on weekends, and staff members have sole responsibility for providing such services when reference staff are unavailable.

-Library Privileges: grant approved patrons and members of the public access to the library and its collections; create and process patron ID cards.

-Collections: participate in and perform project-based work for collections management and maintenance as needed.

-Library Equipment: maintain supplies in public copiers, scanners and printers; troubleshoot and provide basic maintenance; place service calls.

-Physical Facility: monitor physical facility and overall use of the library; initiate calls for building issues and emergencies as needed.

 

Basic Qualifications

 

– High school diploma or equivalent education required.

– Must have excellent oral and written communication abilities and interpersonal skills.

-Strong public service orientation, with previous library or related customer service work experience required.

-Demonstrated experience showing attention to detail and outstanding organizational skills required.

-Computer skills must include familiarity with MS Windows and Office Suite.

 

Additional Requirements:

-College degree or college-level coursework preferred.

-Sensitivity to working in a diverse user environment.

-Should have the ability to solve problems effectively and exercise discerning judgment.

-Experience with an online library catalog and management system [particularly Ex Libris’s Aleph system] and familiarity with electronic academic library resources preferred.

-Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work productively in a team environment with minimal supervision.

-Ability to perform work-related tasks with overall effectiveness and attention to detail.

 

Pay commensurate with experience.  There is currently no specific end date for this position.

 

To apply, please email resume and cover letter to [email protected]