Access Services and Reference Assistant, Harvard Library, Boston, MA
Posted December 3, 2014
Access Services and Reference Assistant
Harvard Library
USA – MA – Boston
Library
Part-time
Harvard Library – Access Services, Physical and Life Sciences
053
55 – Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Under direction of the Access Services Manager, this position performs duties of an advanced nature within the Access Services Department to provide access to the Harvard Library collections. During evenings and weekends, when Access Services are the only public services staff in the building, the Access Services Assistant has on-site responsibility for assuring the smooth functioning of the full range of Circulation and Public Services at the Countway Library and assists with the oversight of the physical facilities during these hours. Assigned hours are Sunday 11:30am-7:30pm, Monday 9am-5pm, and Tuesday 8am-11:30am. Please note that this is a benefited part-time (17.5 hours), two year term appointment and is located in the Longwood Medical Area at 10 Shattuck Street.
- Circulation: open and close the library; perform tasks associated with the automated circulation system (charge/discharge and renew materials, create holds and recalls); communicate and enforce library policies; collect and maintain departmental statistics; process item deliveries from interlibrary courier; collect fines; and assist patrons in finding materials.
- Information Services: provide basic reference and information service at the library’s main service desk, including offering assistance and instruction in the use of the Hollis catalog, off-site depository materials, library materials, resources, and equipment and referring complex questions to specialized reference staff.
- Resource Sharing: supports Harvard Library resource sharing activities in general – including Scan & Deliver, Interlibrary loan [both borrowing and lending], and Borrow Direct. Working closely with on-site Resource Sharing staff to manage daily workflows and troubleshoot questions.
- Library Privileges : grant approved patrons and members of the public access to the library and its collections; create and process patron ID cards.
- Course Reserves: assist with the maintenance of the course reserves collection; assist patrons with access to reserves collection;
- 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.
- Other Duties and Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with other library departments and units on projects and workflows
- Participate in the development and implementation of policies and procedures
- May be cross-trained to work in Access Services departments at other Harvard Libraries
- Ability to work some overtime as needed .
- Contribute to the overall goal of the department as appropriate
- Participate in library-affiliated discussion and working groups and stay informed of trends in the field
- Other projects and duties as assigned
- High school diploma or equivalent education or work experience required
- Strong public service orientation, with minimum of 3 years of previous library or related customer service work experience required
- Demonstrated experience showing attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
- Ability to successfully deliver excellent customer service and prioritize service needs in a busy, dynamic public service environment required
- Excellent communication skills required both orally and written
- Proficient experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access required
- College degree or college-level coursework preferred
- Experience with a library management system, especially Ex Libris’ Aleph system Experience with PubMed, ISI/Web of Science, HTML/XHTML and MySQL
- Sensitivity to working in a diverse user environment
- Adaptable and able to adjust to changing workplace needs
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work productively in a team environment, with minimal supervision
- Demonstrated experience taking initiative and actively seeking out opportunities to improve services and help colleagues
- This position involves frequent use of computer keyboard and mouse.
- Must be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs
- Must be able to push and maneuver a loaded book truck weighing up to 80lbs. Requires the ability to bend, stoop, sit and stand for long periods required
Access Services:
Access Services actively supports the teaching and research mission of the Harvard Library by providing circulation, privileges, and other public services as well as operations such as the Harvard Depository, interlibrary loan, and collection management that facilitate virtual and physical access to information resources within and outside the University. 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 high-quality customer service and 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.
Harvard Library:
In the course of 375 years, Harvard’s Library has grown from a single collection of 400 volumes to a 73-unit library system whose holdings include nearly 17 million volumes, more than 21 million digital files, 10 million microforms, 8 million photographs, and an estimated 400 million manuscript items.
For additional information visit the Harvard Library web site at: http://lib.harvard.edu/about-us
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We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.