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Lead Reader Services Assistant (Temporary), Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI

Posted September 16, 2022

Description:

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a temporary Lead Reader Services Assistant for Special Collections and Archives through the 2022-23 academic year. The Fleet Library is a place for inquiry and inspiration, occupying the first and second floors of 15 Westminster Street, containing over 150,000 books, periodicals, institutional archives, special collections, artists’ books, material samples and picture collections. Fleet Library provides the RISD community with access to an extensive assortment of on-site and electronic resources, along with library instruction, support for individual research, and creative work.

Reporting to the Special Collections Librarian, the Lead Reader Services Assistant will manage all day-to-day operations centered on the main public space for Special Collections, serving the rare book, artists’ book, and design collections, as well as the RISD archives. The incumbent will act as the first point of contact for patrons wishing to visit Special Collections and the Archives, and is responsible for external access to non-circulating materials in both areas. In handling primary operational concerns, the Assistant will also oversee imaging services for research and preservation, outreach and promotion for Special Collections and Archives, supervise student workers, and provide services to on-site and virtual researchers. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator, curious and engaged, detail-oriented, a team player, and able to work independently. 

At RISD, we seek culturally competent candidates who will thrive in a campus environment and who are committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, sustainability and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide daily admission to the Dale Reading Room. Register patrons and maintain records of all patron transactions. Assist individual researchers, classes, and other groups of visitors by explaining library policies and procedures. Conduct reference interviews, identify and retrieve research materials.
  • Oversee in-house use of materials from Archives and Special Collections by individual patrons and groups. Provide instruction to researchers, students, other visitors and staff on proper handling of these materials. Monitor all reading room activity, providing for the constant security of materials being consulted. Assist the Librarians/Archivists with research and other preparations for class visits; set out materials for viewing; manage post-class/presentation break-down and reshelving of materials. Assess all materials after use and make recommendations for conservation as needed.
  • Hire, schedule, train, supervise, and assign work and projects to student employees.
  • Maintain the calendar systems for appointments, instruction, and other visits to Archives and Special Collections. 
  • Handle patron requests for duplication of Archives and Special Collections materials using scanner and photocopier. Scan and correct images for in-house use on an ongoing basis. Properly save and store digital files on local and networked drives. 
  • Perform shelving, shelf-reading, shifting, inventory, and other stack maintenance responsibilities in Special Collections; order archival supplies.
  • Update, maintain and report on monthly registration, circulation, reference and scanning statistics. 

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent combination of training and experience
  • Minimum of 4 years of experience in a customer service role in an academic library, Special Collections, Archives, or relevant setting
  • Experience with library management systems (AEON, ArchivesSpace, Sierra preferred).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Proven problem solving skills with strong attention to customer service.
  • Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
  • Experience and commitment to serving the needs and interests of a diverse, creative population of students, faculty, and staff.
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks that might share the same deadline.
  • Ability to work collegially and independently as a member of a small team that is flexible and extremely responsive to users.
  • Experience and ability to work on both Windows and Mac platforms and with the Google and Microsoft Office Suites. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience and interest in fine art, design, applied art or art history.
  • Familiarity with  Adobe Creative Suite and experience with web design.
  • Experience with exhibition design and installation.
  • Knowledge of digitization standards and practices and experience digitizing collections.
  • Experience with photo editing software.

How to Apply:

Schedule: Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm

Employment status: Full-Time; Temporary; Non-exempt

To apply, please visit: https://risd.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/RISD/job/Temporary-Lead-Reader-Services-Assistant_R-00999-1

Applicants who apply by September 26, 2022 will be assured full consideration. Resume and Cover Letter are required to apply.

Archive Positions Full-time Opportunity