Technical Services Assistant, Harvard Library, (Cambridge, MA)

Posted September 14, 2022

Description

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 Monograph Acquisitions & Copy Cataloging within the Acquisitions Section, under the supervision of the Associate Head of Acquisitions, the incumbent provides timely access to Harvard Library collections by performing a variety of acquisitions and copy cataloging duties for monographs 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.

Position Description

Places orders online and via other systems as appropriate for materials in a variety of languages and formats, following bibliographers’ directives regarding materials and fund assignments.

May serve as a liaison with library partners regarding scoping and invoice payment.
Processes shipments of new materials by receiving titles, verifying accuracy of vendor invoices and issuing payments in online system, paying careful attention to funding sources as designated by bibliographers.
Searches bibliographic and related data in catalogs and online databases for the purpose of ordering, receiving and cataloging material and updating bibliographic information in library systems.
Creates, edits and reviews bibliographic, holdings and item records for materials in all formats and multiple languages according to established guidelines.
Works on resolution of routine order, receipt, invoice, bibliographic and holdings problems.

Places orders for time-sensitive materials and follows up with priority processing, including expedited copy cataloging.
Uses PCard for both routine purchases from established vendors and for more complicated orders from unfamiliar sources.
Performs routine and more complex copy cataloging, including audio-visual materials, and may serve as primary resource for the team for copy cataloging issues and bringing unresolved questions to the manager.
Orders and copy catalogs works-in-parts.
May place standing orders.

May run reports for bibliographers and for the unit as needed.
Secures public performance rights for classroom viewing and/or library presentation of DVDs at the point of order.
Communicates with vendors, publishers, bibliographers and financial personnel; conducts professional correspondence when needed to solve problems or follow up on orders, including invoice payment issues.
Maintains the privacy of patron records and protects high risk/confidential information contained in University records.
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.
Suggests innovations and generates ideas for improving workflows and creating efficiencies.
Participates in unit-wide planning and implementation of new policies and procedures.
May contribute to or oversee special projects, including documentation, training and statistics.
May assist in hiring, training, scheduling and distributing work of other staff or student workers.

Assists with maintaining procedural documentation for unit.
Contributes to overall goals of the department as appropriate.

Basic Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Previous library or related work experience required, including skills with integrated library system and online bibliographic systems.
Familiarity with one or more Western European language is required.
Proficiency with Microsoft Windows operating system and Windows software required.

Demonstrated facility with automated systems, including using online databases, working with spreadsheets and knowledge of file management techniques.
Demonstrated experience using technology to perform daily tasks and solve problems.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and anti-racism
College degree preferred.
Library acquisitions and basic cataloging experience strongly preferred.
Facility with library systems such as OCLC and Alma desirable.
Proficiency working in a web-based environment including basic facility with web browsers.
Work experience in a production-oriented and technology-enhanced environment preferred.
Excellent oral and interpersonal communication skills.
Must have excellent organizational written communication and analytical 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.
Ability to work independently to perform complex tasks and meet project deadlines.
Commitment to be part of a continuous learning environment, updating skills as required to perform job duties.

Physical Requirements

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.

Working Conditions

This is an office environment.
Employee should be able to handle books and other library material, including moving and shifting these materials between workstations, shelves, book trucks and boxes.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary Grade: 052

Schedule: M-F
Hours per Week: 35

How to Apply

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