Library Assistant, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, MA
Posted November 1, 2016
About University of Massachusetts Dartmouth:
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth distinguishes itself as a vibrant public university actively engaged in personalized teaching and innovative research, and acting as an intellectual catalyst for regional and global economic, social, and cultural development.
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth values excellence, diversity, transparency, student-centeredness, accountability, innovation, engagement, collaboration, collegiality and safety.
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth employees and applicants for employment are protected by federal laws, Presidential Executive Orders, and state and local laws designed to protect employees and job applicants from discrimination on the bases of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, military service, veteran status or other non-merit based factors.
The University of Massachusetts reserves the right to conduct background checks on potential employees.
Job Description:
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Library Assistant performs a range of duties relating to acquiring, processing, and making available resources to library users, as well as assisting users in discovery and use of resources. Primary responsibility may lie within a single department or division. Due to the interoperability of library systems and patron service needs, individuals may be cross-trained in multiple departments.
Follow the University’s best practices to build and/or support student academic success and retention, and assist in meeting strategic objectives for persistence and timely graduation of all the student population.
DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supervises and shares in the daily operation of the of the Circulation/Reserve desk, including sharing in the evening and weekend and holiday coverage.
- Adjusts functional work schedules of student assistants to maintain efficient workflow and adequate service coverage.
- May assume responsibility for the operation of the library facility including arranging for coverage of service points as required for student coverage and is solely responsible for supervising on Saturdays.
- Shares in the training and daily supervision of student employees.
- May evaluate student employee performance and productivity, recommends disciplinary action as necessary.
- Charges, renews, and discharges library materials using manual and automated systems to record materials.
- Monitors the borrowing of library materials by determining the eligibility of borrowers, including special programs, and by contacting library users for the return of books and other materials.
- Records the payment of fines and fees, and may process money received, to facilitate use and accountability for library materials.
- Processes reserve material, including aiding users in placing material on reserve.
- Responsible for inventory of library audio/visual equipment and ensures equipment is in proper working order and reports problems to supervisor.
- Organizes and records headcount statistics.
- Assists with new book displays.
- Assigns and monitors shelving activity, placing library materials in their proper location including special shelving projects.
- Verifies proper locations of books and other library materials by searching the library for misplaced items and by retrieving books and other materials as requested.
- Aids library users in providing information concerning materials, library rules and procedures, and library facilities;
- suggests and explains the proper methods of locating and using materials to facilitate patrons’ use of the library.
- Creates and inputs brief bibliographic records into the library’s ILS for temporary use for circulation items.
- Searches online intercampus Student Information System and places holds on grades, schedules, and diplomas to ensure that borrowers clear obligations at the library.
- Reports safety, security, and maintenance problems to ensure that facilities, equipment, and furnishings are properly maintained.
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Requirements:
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience as a library assistant and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitution below.
Substitution: An Associate’s or higher degree may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience. You can find the Massachusetts State Specifications at: http://www.mass.edu/foremployees/classificationspecs/classspecs-pers.asp#C.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE (List knowledge, skills, abilities)
- Skill in typing.
- Ability to gather information by examining records and documents.
- Ability to work accurately with names, numbers, codes and/or symbols.
- Ability to assemble items of information according to established procedures.
- Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
- Ability to deal tactfully with others.
- Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to maintain accurate records.
- Ability to read, write and comprehend the English language.
- Knowledge of library reference materials and services including dictionaries, atlases, almanacs, bibliographies, catalogues, etc.
- Knowledge of library filing system such as alphabetic, classified and chronological.
- Knowledge of the types and uses of library equipment.
- Skill in mending and repairing books and other library material.
- Ability to understand and apply agency procedures and guidelines governing the purchase of supplies, materials and equipment.
- Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and/or evaluations; determining subordinates’ training needs and providing or arranging for such training; motivating subordinates to work effectively; determining the need for disciplinary action and either recommending or initiating disciplinary action.
- Ability to prepare general reports.
- Knowledge of the methods used in performing library research and bibliographic searches.
- Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of supervision.
- Knowledge of On-Line Computer Library Center (OCLC) bibliographic system.
- Knowledge of the methods of general report writing.
- Ability to recognize and assess the need for equipment and personnel.
- Ability to interview and select candidates for library positions.
- Ability to plan and prepare reference guides, exhibits, displays and presentations.
QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB (List knowledge’s, skills, abilities):
- Knowledge of the policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
- Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms.
- Knowledge of the types and applications of library classification and cataloging systems.
- Knowledge of the terminology, coding, symbols and standard abbreviations used in library work.
- Knowledge of library reference materials and services, including dictionaries, atlases, almanacs, bibliographies, catalogues, etc.
- Knowledge of library filing systems, such as alphabetic, classified and chronological.
- Knowledge of the types and uses of library equipment.
- Knowledge of the methods and techniques of preserving library materials and repairing books.
- Skill in operating microfilm readers and reader printers.
- Skill in operating audio-visual an video equipment.
- Skill in operating various types of book charging machines.
- Skill in operating office machines and equipment such as adding machines, calculators and photostatic copiers.
- Knowledge of On-Line Computer Library Center (OCLC) bibliographic system.
- Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of supervision.
- Knowledge of the methods of general report writing.
- Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of interviewing.
- Knowledge of the format, methods and techniques used in preparing reference guides, exhibits, displays and presentations.
- Skill in making oral presentations.
Additional Information:
REMARKS: Regular work schedule is Tuesday through Thursday 10 AM to 6 PM and Friday & Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM. This schedule changes during the summer session, semester breaks and exam periods to reflect academic calendar changes.
This position is designated as essential personnel during inclement weather situations.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Receives direct supervision from Library Circulation Manager, who provides procedural and technical guidance, assigns work, and reviews performance through observation, reports, and conferences for effectiveness and compliance with established standards, procedures, policies, rules, and regulations.
DIRECT REPORTING: Exercises functional supervision for up to thirty (30) temporary, work study, and graduate students.
THEIR STAFF: NONE
DIVISION: Academic Affairs
DEPARTMENT: Library – Access Services
BARGAINING UNIT: AFSCME
JOB GRADE: 14
NO. OF POSITIONS: 1
HOURS: Tuesday to Thursday 10am – 6pm, Friday & Saturday 9am – 5pm
STATE FUNDED: X
COMBINED INTERNAL / EXTERNAL: X
SALARY MIN. $768.96 PER WEEK *– MAX. $1,071.81– PER WEEK*
Application Instructions:
To apply please submit a letter of interest, current resume, and the contact information for three professional references.
Deadline for INTERNAL applicants is November 10, 2016.
Deadline for EXTERNAL applicants is November 15, 2016.