Library Specialist for Access & Circulation, Evening
Job Summary:
The Library Specialist for Access and Circulation, Evening, coordinates the public services of the library connected to the collection through direct work with the collection, in support of the research and community life of the Barnard College communities. The purview of this position is frequently the first point of contact for people with the library during evening hours; using superb oral and written communication skills to close on the in person and email inquiries from users; responsibilities include stacks maintenance; coordinating maintenance and troubleshooting of user-serving equipment on the collections floors; creating and maintaining outstanding customer service practice including basic reference and referrals at the circulation desk; proven ability to multitask multiple transactions at our service point; connecting with other service points including the Centers of the Milstein Teaching and Learning Center, IMATS, AV, and the Archives; creating a welcoming environment for all users including students, alums, faculty, staff, and community partners; participating in Operations Team projects; collaboration on some projects with Library Specialist for Access Services, Day; and supporting Barnard College’s “commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity” (Diversity & Inclusion).This position reports to the Student Engagement & Access Services Librarian and is part of the Library Operations Team at Barnard Library and Academic Information Services. All members of the Library Operations team cross-train and provide backup for other Operations Team positions; participate in ongoing learning; build Library relationships across Barnard and Columbia; raise the profile of the Library; and work toward equity and inclusion to contribute to a thriving work environment and a user-focused commitment to accessibility.
Position is 35 hours per week. During academic year: 7-hour shift Su-Th that ends when the library services conclude; during summer and academic breaks: 7-hour shift M-F that ends when the library closes. Must be available for occasional days and Friday/Saturday coverage.
Job Description:
Access & Circulation Responsibilities:
Services the Circulation & Help Desk, a central access point for Library services and collections, including, but not limited to these responsibilities:
1. Executes best practices for all operations of the library service desk, including basic reference, referrals, and excellent customer service, including sharing information about policies and collections (including the main collection, reserves, media, and zines), resolving problems, and clearing blocks (includes accessing and protecting users’ confidential circulation records) at the desk and in the Library in person, by email, by phone, and on chat reference.
2. Carrying out customer service practice with a focus on affirming students of historically marginalized identities; accessibility; and a welcoming environment for students, alums, staff, and faculty.
Troubleshooting and supporting spaces and equipment in connection with the collection throughout the library:
3. When needed, working with BCIT, BLAIS and AV, to ensure maintenance and function of equipment throughout the library user space, including maintenance for printers, computers, scanners, adjustable-height desks, etc.
4. When needed, reporting or placing tickets with Barnard Facilities and Custodial Services to ensure maintenance and repair of all building facilities related to the collection area when needed, including furniture, lighting, etc, should issues arise during the evening shift.
Supporting access to the collection, a core resource for research, teaching, and community building, including but not limited to:
5. Coordinate daily circulation of the collection, including:
charging and discharging items;
maintaining book drop during peak times;
reshelving;
maintaining hold shelf;
servicing consortial borrowing and lending, including lending and receiving ReCAP, Borrow Direct, Inter-Library Loan (ILL), Rapid, Health Sciences Library (HSL)-Morningside, and returns of Barnard materials to Columbia Libraries and consortial partners;
6. Collection maintenance, including shelf reading, inventory, stacks shifting, and reviewing condition
7. Completing projects from the Student Engagement & Access Services Librarian, working in collaboration with the Library Specialist for Access and Circulation, Day or independently as assigned.
8. Supporting and troubleshooting computer connectivity and software issues independently during the evening shift.
9. Effective, affirming and consistent, asynchronous communication with the Library Specialist for Access and Circulation, Day concerning necessary updates regarding our service point, Library space and correspondence. Also effective reporting to the Student Engagement & Access Services Librarian when issues arise that cannot be resolved with the resources and tools available during the evening shift. Keeping users, team members and supervisors in the loop.
Operations Team Responsibilities:
10. Practice excellence in customer service across the organization and with users. Internal and external customer service work includes: contributing to user-focused accessibility of the Barnard Library, and collaborating with the Student Engagement & Access Services Librarian to consider the impact of daily work on and evolve practices to affirm staff and users of historically underserved identities.
11. Contribute to Operations Team projects, including serving as backup for Library Operations Team workflows and training Library Operations Team members to prepare them to serve as backup for collection maintenance and digitization.
12. Build and maintain positive connections with colleagues across Operations Team, BLAIS, Barnard, and the Columbia University Libraries in order to support the work of the Operations Team.
13. Perform other duties as assigned.
Skills, Qualifications & Requirements:
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Demonstrated excellence in customer service and multi-tasking in a fast-paced and vibrant environment.
- Demonstrated excellence in supporting use of and troubleshooting technologies.
- Evidence of strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Evidence of excellence in written and asynchronous communication with colleagues.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and to contribute to a team environment.
- Experience with service in an academic library and/or with undergraduate students, faculty, and staff.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, document, prioritize, complete, and communicate about projects.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in education and/or libraries.
Qualifications:
- At least 3 years of work experience in an academic and public service environment with a focus on affirming people of historically marginalized identities required; prefer at least 1 year working in a library.
- Experience with software and programming including, not limited to: integrated library system (Voyager currently used), Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, scanner software, media stations, macros, html/drupal, email.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to lift items weighing as much as 25 lbs. Ability to carry, lift, and shelve books and equipment. Ability to push full book carts.
- Tolerance for possible exposure to dust and mold on books and shelves.
- Ability to perform office tasks such as sitting and/or standing, moving, computing, and answering telephone for moderate to prolonged periods of time combined with moderate reaching, bending, and lifting.
This job description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities of and qualifications for this position. The job description is not intended as inclusive of all duties an individual in this position might be asked to perform or of all qualifications that may be required either now or in the future.
To Apply:
