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Information and Technical Services Library Assistant, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Posted October 17, 2019

Job Code: 403071 Library Assistant IV

 

Specific Responsibilities

Information and Technical Services actively supports the teaching and research mission of the Harvard Library by managing monograph, serial and e-resource acquisitions, metadata creation, and metadata management for the Harvard Library.

 

As a member of the Metadata Creation section and under the supervision of the Head of Metadata Creation , the incumbent helps various Metadata Creation and Acquisitions units by providing timely access to Harvard Library collections by performing a variety of acquisitions and copy cataloging duties for monographs and serials in multiple languages and formats.

 

Priorities will be set to maximize contributions to the overall goals of the Information and Technical Services Department of the Harvard Library. Staff may be called upon to apply their skills and/or receive additional training in order to contribute to work in other ITS units or teams as occasional, short-term needs occur.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Searches bibliographic and related data in catalogs and online databases (vendor databases, OCLC, websites, etc.) for the purpose of receiving and cataloging material and updating bibliographic information in the local system.

  • Participates in routine cataloging, generally using prepared copy and/or existing data. Creates, edits and reviews bibliographic, holdings and item records for materials in all formats and multiple languages according to established guidelines.

  • Works on the resolution of routine receipt, invoice, bibliographic and holdings problems.

  • Processes shipments of new materials by receiving titles, verifying accuracy of vendor invoices and issuing payments, paying careful attention to funding sources as designated by bibliographers.

  • Communicates with vendors, publishers, bibliographers and financial personne as required; conducts professional correspondence when needed to solve problems or follow up on orders.

  • Maintains the privacy of patron records and protects high risk/confidential information contained in University records.

  • May serves as a source of information on established policies and procedures for library patrons and staff.

  • Works according to changing daily priorities, demonstrates flexibility and the ability to shift between multiple tasks effectively.

  • Implements existing procedures, monitors effectiveness and suggests alternatives, as needed.

  • Participates in unit-wide planning and implementation of new policies and procedures.

  • May contribute to routine special projects, including documentation and statistics.

  • May assist in training, scheduling and distributing work to other staff or student workers.

  • May assist with developing training and procedural documentation for unit.

  • Contributes to overall goals of the department as appropriate.

 

Basic Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Windows operating system and Windows software.

  • Demonstrated facility with automated systems, including using online databases, working with spreadsheets and knowledge of file management techniques.

  • Excellent English language communication skills.

  • Demonstrated experience using technology to perform daily tasks.

Additional Qualifications

  • College degree preferred.

  • Library experience, particularly experience in technical services, strongly preferred.

  • Experience working with integrated library systems, particularly Alma, desirable.

  • Familiarity with at least one foreign language desirable.

  • Work experience in a production-oriented and technology-enhanced environment preferred.

  • Excellent oral and interpersonal communication skills.

  • Ability to perform repetitive work accurately with fine attention to detail.

  • Ability to work productively and cooperatively in a team environment, with flexibility and versatility in an evolving work situation.

  • Must have excellent organizational, written, communication, and analytical skills

  • Competency in keyboarding

  • Ability to work independently following established guidelines and procedures.

 

Additional Information

Physical Demands

  • Keyboarding for at least 6 hours a day may be required.

  • Employee must be able to handle books and other library material, including moving and shifting these materials between workstations, shelves, book trucks and boxes.

 

Work Environment

  • This is an office environment.

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

To view the full position and apply, please visit the following link. 

 

Diversity at the Harvard Library

At the Harvard Library, our work is enriched by our diverse campus community. Our unique and wide-ranging abilities, experiences, and perspectives are integral to achieving Harvard University’s mission of excellence in research, teaching, and learning for our patrons, our collections, and our workplace. We believe that an inclusive environment that cultivates and promotes understanding, respect, and collaboration across our diverse workforce enables our success.

 

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