Access Services Specialist-Circulation (Temporary), Harvard University Library, (Cambridge, MA)

Posted July 28, 2026

Job Description:

Access Services actively supports the mission of the Harvard Library by delivering a high standard of service, stewarding the university collection, and connecting the academic community to library resources. This 3-month, temporary, full-time position
keeps daily circulation running at the Frances Loeb Library during a staffing transition. Reporting to the Digital Course Reserves Manager and Strategist, the position covers the circulation desk, hold shelf, courier deliveries, resource sharing, and the daily pick
list, and provides day-to-day direction to a team of student workers on shift. The role combines steady public service with accurate record-keeping in the library system.

Position Duties:

Provide circulation service at the desk: check materials out and in, review returns for damage and completeness, help patrons with loan policies and accounts, and assist patrons in locating and retrieving materials.
Manage the hold shelf: shelve newly arrived holds, process pickups, clear expired holds, and keep hold records accurate in Alma.
Work the daily pick list: retrieve requested items from the collection and route each one to the hold shelf, resource sharing, or its destination library.
Process incoming and outgoing resource sharing requests, including interlibrary loan, BorrowDirect, and Scan and Deliver, through ReShare and RapidILL, meeting daily turnaround expectations.
Receive and sort the daily interlibrary courier deliveries, and manage the incoming and outgoing bins so materials keep moving without backlogs.
Keep item statuses accurate in the Alma library system for circulation activity, including returns, holds, in-transit, and missing items, and flag record problems to the supervisor for correction.
Maintain the student worker desk schedule and keep it current as shifts change, and assign work to and support student workers on shift, using existing procedures and training materials to keep coverage and quality consistent.
Answer basic patron questions about the catalog, accounts, and library services, and refer research questions to the appropriate staff.
Open and close the library as needed
Communicate service issues to Access Services colleagues and escalate policy questions and unusual cases to the supervisor rather than improvising.
Other duties as assigned, consistent with the functions of the work unit and level of responsibilities of the role.

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent education.
Previous library, public service, or related customer service experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Familiarity with an integrated library system, or the ability to learn new systems quickly.

Additional Requirements

Academic library experience.
Experience providing public service at a busy service desk.
Experience with Ex Libris Alma.
Familiarity with resource sharing services and platforms, such as interlibrary loan, BorrowDirect, Scan and Deliver, ReShare, or RapidILL.
Demonstrated experience directing, scheduling, or distributing work to student or temporary staff.
Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and belonging.

Hours & Compensation:

Salary: $18.00 / hour

The schedule for this position during August is Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. During the academic year, the schedule for this position is Monday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The regular schedule for this position may include work on holidays, inclement weather, and official University closings. Assigned hours may change throughout the year based on the Academic Calendar or departmental needs at the beginning of the semester.

How To Apply:

Please submit resume to [email protected].