Library Assistant, Botany Libraries, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Posted August 27, 2018

Library Assistant

Digital Projects & Public Service

Botany Libraries

Harvard University

The Harvard University Herbaria house five comprehensive, non-circulating research libraries which are managed collectively as the Botany Libraries. The combined collections, totaling more than 250,000 volumes, are rich repositories of rare books, manuscripts, field notes, and historical correspondence, as well as current monographs, journals, and electronic media. The Libraries support the academic and research interests of the faculty and researchers of the Harvard University Herbaria and are open to an international community of scholars.

The Botany Libraries seek a graduate student to work part time starting fall 2018. The library assistant will report directly to the Reference Librarian and work closely with the Digital Projects Librarian and the Archivist.

 

The library assistant will assist with digitization and scanning project tasks, including item retrieval and preparation, metadata preparation, portal editing, and quality control. The library assistant will also arrange and describe archival collections, prepare materials for digitization, and enter descriptive information into spreadsheets or ArchivesSpace. 

 

Public service duties will include regular circulation/reference desk shifts during which the library assistant will be responsible for answering phones and directing calls, checking bags, registering (in Aeon) and orienting visitors, referring users to appropriate staff, paging and shelving books, data entry, and clerical support.     

 

Other duties may be required, including (but not limited to) shelf reading projects, basic book processing, updating web pages, and creating exhibits.

 

 

Requirements: A service oriented nature; excellent communications skills; the ability to work with a diverse group of library users; familiarity with Microsoft Office programs; ability to lift up to 40 lbs; attention to detail a must; ability to function cooperatively in a work team with flexibility and versatility in an evolving work situation; knowledge of archival practices a plus. 

 

Salary: Library Assistants are paid $13.00 per hour.

 

Hours: The Botany Libraries are open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM from Monday through Friday.

Desk shifts are scheduled for mornings (9:00 to 1:00) or afternoons (1:00-5:00). Hours should total 12-16 hours per week, not exceeding 17 hours per week.

 

 

Contact: Gretchen Wade, Reference & Collection Development Librarian

Phone: 496-1025  

Email: [email protected]