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Public Service Desk Assistant, University of California, CA

Description:

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of User Services & Resource Sharing, the Library Public Service Desk Assistants perform and supervise all functions at the Circulation desk using the library’s automated circulation system. Library Public Service Desk Assistants are responsible for: making and implementing all decisions necessary to provide full operation of the University Library circulation desks at either McHenry or the Science & Engineering Library; ensuring Library security and patron safety; and resolving equipment and related problems. Library Public Service Desk Assistants collaborate with other staff members on projects and work needed to further the progress of the circulation services as well as participate in section-wide committees. All Circulation staff members are expected to adhere to and support the UCSC Principles of Community, which can be found here: www.ucsc.edu/about/principles-community.html

JOB DUTIES

80% – Public Service Desk

  • Check materials in and out, place holds, recalls, and searches; renew materials both in person and on the phone; assign barcodes to materials that have never been checked out by creating item records; answer phones, transfer calls and take messages; issue and update library cards to all patron categories; accept materials for reserves processing. Assist patrons in-person at our two service desks and virtually through email and live chat. Train and supervise student assistants at the circulation desk.
  • Inform patrons of library policies and demonstrate basic research methods; teach patrons how to locate materials within the local collection and teach patrons how to look up reserve materials; demonstrate placing of Interlibrary Loan requests; show patrons how to access their Interlibrary Loan accounts; identify and refer complex requests. 
  • Printing and scanning: describe printing and scanning options to patrons, provide basic troubleshooting of ITS-managed equipment, and direct unresolved issues to ITS as needed. Provide patron education and support for microfilm readers and scanner.

15% – Safety and Security

  • Maintain a clear understanding of, and ability to implement established library emergency procedures, follow specific lines of communication in the event of emergency; during evenings, nights, and weekends incumbent may be solely responsible for safety and security of building, collections, and patrons.
  • Complete library incident reports, noting that reports are of varying degrees of urgency. Perform all routines for the proper opening and/or closing of the buildings.
  • When closing, make the library closing announcements, ensure the building is vacated and locked down. Coordinate communication with the CUHS/Community Safety Officer and/or Police Department student ambassadors during the evening hours.

5% – Other Duties as Assigned

  • Participate in US&RS department meetings and as appropriate attend Circulation, Collection Maintenance, Interlibrary Loan, and Reserves/Media unit meetings.
  • Seek out and participate in recommended professional development opportunities.
  • Participate in unit-wide initiatives. Assisting other units as necessary and participation in ad-hoc special projects as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Strong customer service experience.
  • Ability to direct the work of others, including excellent communication, willingness to take initiative, and time management.
  • Strong interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility to work effectively with staff, faculty, students, and the public.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to complete assignments with attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
  • Able to work independently with minimal guidance and as part of a team.
  • Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and distractions.
  • Experience using computer applications, including word processing and strong keyboarding skills.
  • Ability to exercise discretion with regard to sensitive information.
  • Ability to make decisions following standard library policies and past precedents, recognizing an emergency situation and take action based on agreed upon procedures.
  • Understanding of the ways that racism, ableism, and sexism appear in work environments; interest in fostering an inclusive environment that supports a sense of belonging.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with the following software or similar: Integrated Library System Ex Libris Alma, Springshare LibApps, email software, calendar applications, MS office, and Google Apps for Education (such as Google docs).

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
  • Ability to work a variable schedule including nights and weekends, generally closing the library at midnight. Sunday – Thursday shift, or a Tuesday – Saturday shift. Three times during the academic year there will be night shifts until the early morning (2-3AM).
  • Ability to move materials weighing up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.
  • Ability to perform essential physical job functions requiring bending, lifting, stretching, and pushing/pulling. 
  • The University of California has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, covered employees must submit proof of vaccination or have an approved exception or deferral, eight (8) weeks from date of hire.
  • Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Salary Information: Salary Range: $22.55 – $25.09 / Hourly. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.

No. of Positions: 1

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

  • Full-time, Fixed
  • Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
  • Days of the Week: Sun – Thur
  • Shift Includes: Days, Evenings, Weekends

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: CX – Clerical & Allied Services

Job Code Classification: 006760 (LIBRARY AST 3)

Travel:  Never or Rarely

How to Apply:

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