Library Assistant III, Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield, MA

Posted February 8, 2023

Description:

Assists in the operation of a small, busy academic library in areas such as the following: copy cataloging and technical processing of both physical and digital materials; library resource sharing; deaccessioning, repairs, inventory, and stack maintenance; serials control; library user assistance; assisting in the training and oversight of the evening library assistant; general office duties; facility opening, closing, and monitoring; equipment demonstration, monitoring, and troubleshooting; special projects and other tasks as assigned.

Additional Information

• Source of Funding: State Funded
• Salary: $45,062.68 Full time; Benefited, Grade 14
• Union: AFSCME
• Supervisor: Dean of the Library & Learning Commons
• Area of Assignment: Library
• Effective Date: March 2023

Duties:

• Responsible for copy cataloging and technical processing activities. Conducts complex searches of the HELM/FLO and OCLC networks, in order to identify MARC records for books, eBooks, videos, and other library materials; modifies records as necessary and appropriate;
• Responsible for library resource-sharing services, including interlibrary loans, and user-placed, system-wide holds.
• Processes the loaning and borrowing of materials to/from other libraries.
• Performs and oversees additional technical processing duties to prepare new acquisitions: covers, labels, stamps, and security tabs; compiles new acquisition lists.
• Responsible for deaccessioning materials weeded by the librarians or faculty, both the physical items and the database records; repairs other library materials as necessary and appropriate.
• Responsible for all aspects of print serials control, including: tracking incoming items; inputting holdings into spreadsheets and /or appropriate library software; creating reports.
• Assists students, faculty, staff, and community users at the circulation desk and in other ways including basic reference services; checks materials in and out; registers users; issues photo IDs; collects money; demonstrates use of equipment and online systems; shows how to locate materials and information; responds to security system alerts; monitors user behavior; places/releases Registrar’s Office holds re delinquent borrowers; excellent customer service skills are highly desired.
• Processes the loaning of materials to/from other libraries by obtaining items from shelves, preparing them for delivery, and notifying users about received material; retrieves loaned items; instructs users on placing requests, etc.;
• Recruits, trains, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates work-study students; consults with other library staff in assignment of their duties; keeps track of hours used by work-study and evening staff;
• Performs general office duties such as phone coverage, word processing, data entry, filing, photocopying and printing; produces appropriate signs, forms and correspondence; is primary responder to main phone extension in Library; assists other staff in the use of office systems; sorts and distributes mail;
• Opens or closes the Library as necessary by locking/unlocking entrance doors, turning machinery on/off and conducting other pertinent procedures; helps monitor the facility and informs Dean of any issues; has (or shares) onsite responsibility for the Library in absence of senior-level personnel;
• Uses appropriate library, campus, and general office systems in performance of duties; attends relevant meetings, workshops, and training sessions on and off campus; participates in the development of policies and procedures; helps interview and select candidates for library positions;
• Works closely with users, vendors, library staff, and the faculty and staff of the College; interacts as necessary with staff from HELM/FLO, MLS, OCLC, etc.; actively participates in the Technical Services working group of HELM.
• Special projects and other tasks as assigned.

Requirements:

Minimum two years of full-time or equivalent part-time paraprofessional experience as a library assistant or any equivalent combination of required experience and an associate’s or higher degree (for a maximum of one year of required experience). College degree strongly preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills, computer (esp. Excel), and other office skills required. Appropriate library experience; must be familiar with relevant systems and technology, library research methodology; and other aspects of library operations. Must be accurate, organized, reliable, and flexible; must enjoy working with library users, co-workers and others. Positive attitude and willingness to learn, accept responsibility, contribute to an inclusive environment, and work independently. Must be able to train, oversee, and evaluate the work of others. Ability to lift 5 to 25 pounds; reach and shelve materials; operate equipment; stand frequently; and move around the facility.

To Apply:

Submit a resume and cover letter by visiting the Berkshire Community College Job Board.

Closing Date: February 26, 2023