Interlibrary Loan Borrowing Specialist, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA

Posted November 4, 2022

Description:

The Borrowing Specialist in the Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery Unit oversees and directs borrowing, lending, and document delivery operations, with an emphasis on borrowing operations. This position investigates and resolves complex problems concerning requests, troubleshoots scanning and resource sharing systems, corresponds with patrons, and assists in formulating, recommending, and implementing appropriate operational procedures within the Interlibrary Loan Unit of the University Libraries.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the University Staff Association, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University Staff Association collective bargaining agreement, therefore.

Responsibilities:

Works in partnership with the Resource Sharing Librarian and the Lending Specialist to establish daily priorities and to oversee the work of interlibrary loan paraprofessional staff and student employees. Provides functional supervision, training, assistance and support to paraprofessional staff. Fosters a positive and proactive customer service culture in the Department.
When the Lending Specialist is not available, coordinates student tasks throughout the day and monitors students timekeeping system to make sure that student time and payroll is complete and accurate. Engages with students to support their success.
Resolves challenging borrowing and document delivery requests, including advanced citation verification. Supports the Lending Specialist in resolving complex problems associated with requests from other libraries for University materials.
Troubleshoots problems with scanning system and automatic processes in resource sharing systems, working in coordination with the Lending Specialist, the Resource Sharing Librarian, the Library Technology Services department, and outside vendors as appropriate. Updates unit staff on status of technical issues.
Oversees investigation of overdue materials loaned to University patrons. Reviews invoices sent by other libraries for lost or long overdue materials. Approves payment to other libraries as needed. Coordinates billing of University patrons for materials borrowed from other libraries with the Libraries’ billing staff.
Uses the University’s purchasing card to purchase articles for University patrons when unavailable by other means. Accurately reports spending and submits card statements for approval and processing in a timely manner.
Uses resource sharing systems, library systems, and a variety of online databases to process routine and complex requests from University patrons and other libraries with a focus on borrowing and document delivery. Recommends materials to the Acquisitions Unit for purchase as appropriate. Ensures accurate and timely delivery of material, or promptly responds explaining why the material cannot be supplied. Communicates with patrons, liaison librarians, outside departments, and other libraries as needed. Updates resource sharing systems to accurately reflect status of request.
Responds thoroughly and accurately to questions from University patrons, other departments in the Libraries, and outside libraries via phone and email, in person, and through resource sharing systems. Effectively and tactfully communicates departmental policies and procedures, history and status of interlibrary loan requests, and other necessary information, while maintaining patron confidentiality. Provides assistance with interlibrary loan accounts and navigation of services. Reports errors in the Libraries’ holdings data or electronic resource linking to the Information Resources Management department. Consults with colleagues and refer questions to other departments and staff within the Libraries and on campus as appropriate. Refers complex problems to the Lending Specialist or Resource Sharing Librarian as needed.
When necessary, links the appropriate bibliographic records in the library systems to physical items by locating the correct bibliographic and item records, updates barcode number in item record to match the physical item. Refers complex problems and uncatalogued material to other library staff as appropriate.

Qualifications:

High school diploma plus two years’ experience in a library or equivalent setting involving library research, database and bibliographic searching, and use of reference materials.
 One year supervisory experience involving training, oversight, and assignment of work in a fast-paced, technology-intensive service setting.
Advanced knowledge of common office software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet, email, chat, and PDF editors.
 Intermediate knowledge of library systems, reference materials, and methods for performing database searches and library research.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong service orientation, including tactfulness, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles and provide creative solutions.

How to Apply:

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information of three (3) professional references.

To view the full job description and apply, please visit: https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/516582