Access Services Associate, MIT Libraries, Cambridge, MA
Posted September 2, 2016
The MIT Libraries seek a reliable, enthusiastic, and service-oriented person to contribute to the work of our access services team. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic library environment and to gain valuable pre-professional experience in access services and information delivery.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The Access Services Associate participates in circulation, reserves, stacking and service desk operations. S/he coordinates projects to move materials between library collections or locations, collects and analyzes statistics, produces and works with collections reports, and performs collections maintenance tasks such as creating or editing item records, working with staff across the Libraries to resolve complex problems. The Associate delivers high quality information service to the community across service points, both physical and virtual, and is responsible for the interpretation of library policies and procedures to users and for providing information about access to collections and spaces. S/he shares responsibility for opening/closing the library and reporting facilities and safety incidents/issues. The Associate contributes to the formulation of service enhancements, policy development and streamlining work practices and participates in training staff, developing documentation and training materials, and planning, testing, and implementing new services, procedures, and systems. S/he hires and directs the work of student assistants and serves as a resource to library assistants and student and temporary workers, sharing in-depth knowledge of library operations, procedures and technical applications. The Associate may also coordinate staff and student project work and participates in local and library-wide teams or projects.
QUALIFICATIONS: Required – Minimum of two years direct/related experience that provides an understanding of library or service functions; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. In-depth experience with automated library systems and standard software (e.g. MS Office, e-mail, calendar) as well as an ability to generate reports and to work with data. Excellent customer service skills and strong commitment to public service. Excellent interpersonal skills including ability to work both independently and as an integral part of a service team, to work collaboratively and to interact effectively with a diverse group of people. Strong communication skills including ability to listen to and understand user requests and to interpret policies and procedures clearly. Excellent organizational skills, including ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines, as well as ability to identify and analyze problems and exercise good judgment in carrying out solutions with minimal supervision. Demonstrated desire to learn and a keenness for mastering new software, systems and technology and for assisting others in their use. Demonstrated initiative and flexibility for successfully adapting and working creatively in a dynamic environment. Ability to work under pressure. Exemplary attendance and dependability a must. Ability to lift 40 lbs, move boxes, shelve library materials and push book trucks; tolerance for exposure to dust.
Preferred – Bachelor’s degree. Experience in academic and/or research library. Experience in customer service environment. Experience working with Aleph ILS. Experience in training and/or directing the work of others.
HOURS: 35 hours per week. Sunday-Thursday, 8 am – 4 pm; a mix of early morning (8 am) and weekend hours required. Schedule subject to change based on coverage needs and MIT’s academic calendar.
HOURLY RATE AND BENEFITS: $20.00/hour minimum. Actual based on qualifications and experience. MIT offers excellent benefits including a choice of health plans, a dental plan, tuition assistance and fully subsidized MBTA passes for local bus and subway service. The MIT Libraries affords a flexible and collegial working environment and provides opportunities for training and skill development.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Apply online at: http://careers.mit.edu. Applications must include cover letter and resume. Priority consideration given to those applications received by September 14, 2016. MIT is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community and particularly encourages applications from qualified women and ethnic minority candidates.