Access Services Assistant, Harvard Library, Cambridge MA

Posted November 18, 2021

Description:

Access Services actively supports the mission of the Harvard Library by delivering high quality, user-centered services; cultivating a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for research and inquiry; stewarding the University collections; and connecting the academic community to the vast array of library resources. We support the teaching and scholarly mission of the University through collaborative partnerships with the community of students, scholars, and professionals at Harvard and beyond.

Reporting to the Access Services Librarian for the Cabot and Lamont Undergraduate Libraries, the Access Services Assistant performs a variety of complex duties that require a broad understanding of library-wide policies and procedures to facilitate access to the library collections and process library materials. This highly visible position is responsible for actively assisting users and monitoring multiple library functions in a dynamic environment to deliver excellent service for the community.

The Access Services Assistant is based in the Lamont Library, with some work performed in support of the Cabot Science Library. Assigned hours (which may vary based on business needs) are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM through 5 PM for the calendar year. Library hours may vary from the formal University calendar. The regular schedule for this position may include work on holidays, and during periods of inclement weather and official University closings. Assigned hours may change throughout the year based on the Academic Calendar or departmental needs.

Responsibilities:

Circulation: Opens and closes the library and/or Access Services work areas; performs tasks associated with the automated circulation system (loans, returns and renews materials, creates holds, update records, etc.); communicates and applies library policies; locates and retrieves requested items and assists patrons in finding library materials; assists patrons with the use of the library catalog; processes incoming deliveries from other libraries and routes materials for return; collects and maintains departmental statistics; monitor and request supplies.
Library Equipment: Provides access and primary instruction and troubleshooting for patrons in the use of circulating technology and equipment; supports patrons in the use of equipment in the library, including book lockers, scanners, self-checkout machines, and printers; creates and updates item records for circulating equipment in the Lamont and Cabot collections; supports, assesses condition, and provides basic maintenance of the circulating collection in cooperation with Media Services staff; monitors overdue and/or missing items and follows established protocols for resolving issues with loaned equipment; maintains reservations for future equipment booking system; trains and supervises student workers; records and reports departmental statistics; restocks supplies in public copiers and printers; monitors and requests supplies for circulating equipment.
Information Services: Provides basic information and reference services at the library’s service desk; triages questions submitted online and in person; assists and instructs patrons in the use of the HOLLIS catalog as well as other library materials, resources, and equipment; refers complex questions to specialized reference staff following established protocols; collects, records, and maintains departmental transaction statistics.
Student Workers: Trains, supervises, and assigns work to student workers; oversees performance of daily tasks; addresses coverage gaps.
Collections: Contributes to collections maintenance and daily re-shelving using best practices and established workflows; collaborates with collections staff on projects when necessary; supports library and collection security measures.
Resource Sharing: Assists with resource sharing activities (Interlibrary Loan, Scan & Deliver, and Borrow Direct), including processing of ILL borrowing and lending requests as needed.
Physical Facility: Monitors physical facility and overall use of the library; reports building issues and emergencies as needed; gathers statistics involving space usage (head counts, gate counts, etc).
Course Reserves: Circulates and processes physical materials for course reserves; communicates policies and procedures for course reserves to students, faculty, and staff.
Other: Collaborates with staff and other library departments and units on projects and work initiatives; participates in team and department-wide meetings; supports departmental operations through cross training to work in Access Services departments at other Harvard libraries as needed; Other projects and duties as assigned.
This position involves frequent use of computer screen, 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 80 lbs. Ability to bend, stoop, sit, and stand for long periods required

Required Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent education.
Previous library or customer service experience.
Experience with standard office software (MS Word and Excel, email, online calendars, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

Evidence of a strong public service orientation and sensitivity to working in a diverse user environment.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills.
Ability to exercise informed decision-making, resolve problems effectively, and to skillfully execute tasks in a timely manner in a busy and dynamic team-oriented environment with minimal supervision.
Competency to perform repetitive tasks with overall accuracy and effectiveness.
Ability to adjust and adapt to changing routines and workplace needs.
Demonstrated experience taking initiative and actively seeking out opportunities to improve services and help colleagues is preferred.
College degree or college-level coursework preferred.
Experience with a library management system, especially Ex Libris’s Alma system is preferred.
Experience hiring, training, scheduling, and distributing work to students or temporary staff, preferred.

How to Apply:

To apply and view the full job description, please visit the following link: https://jobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/home/HomeWithPreLoad?PageType=JobDetails&partnerid=25240&siteid=5341&Areq=56136BR