Circulation and Collections Assistant, Houghton Library (Harvard Libraries), Cambridge, MA
Posted August 9, 2022
Description:
Houghton Library, the primary repository for Harvard’s rare books, archives, and manuscripts, is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative colleague to assist with circulation and collections management operations. The Circulation and Collections Assistant ensures the control and safe movement of collection materials from Houghton’s secure stacks to researchers and students in Houghton’s reading room and classrooms.
As part of the Public Services Division, the position works closely with the Circulation and Collections Coordinator to ensure that library collection material is retrieved, delivered, and returned to the stacks in a timely and secure fashion. The Circulation and Collections Assistant works in a fast-paced environment as part of a team with the shared goal of providing quality user experience for a diverse constituency.
This position will work 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Position Description
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- In close coordination with the Circulation and Collections Coordinator, retrieves and reshelves from the Houghton stacks, helping to maintain order in a complex system with materials that inhabit multiple physical locations and classification systems.
- Reviews and verifies user requests using Harvard’s special collections circulation system (Aeon).
- Organizes and sets priorities for both scheduled and on-demand requests for collection material.
- Processes deliveries and returns from offsite storage.
- Executes stacks shifting projects.
- Troubleshoots circulation issues, such as locating material in the stacks and relaying information on policies and workflows.
- Additional duties as assigned, such as updating and creating stacks maps and signage, shelf reading, assisting with reading room circulation, and other projects related to circulation and collections management.
- Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- This position may supervise student workers
Basic Qualifications
- Prior library experience
- Experience with calendaring, word processing and spreadsheet software
- High School diploma or equivalent
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- A strong public services orientation.
- Demonstrated ability to work inclusively and thoughtfully as part of a diverse staff.
- Aptitude for detail, accuracy, and efficiency; good organizational skills.
- Ability to work both as a member of a team and independently.
- Ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
- Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and anti-racism, and to serving the needs of a diverse population.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of experience and education
- One or more years customer service experience.
- Ability to multitask during periods of high volume.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and ability to work collegially and creatively within and across organizations.
- Knowledge of general office applications. MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, and Google Suite.
How to Apply:
For more information and to apply, visit: