Library Assistant

Description

Otterbein University is seeking a service-oriented and detail-focused Library Assistant to support the daily operations of the Courtright Memorial Library. This position is responsible for overseeing circulation functions essential to library operations, supporting archives and digitization projects, assisting library users, and contributing to the overall success of library services.

This is a part-time, non-exempt support staff position working 20 hours per week, 12 months per year. The regular schedule is Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. during the academic term. Hours may vary during breaks and holidays as needed. This role includes evening responsibilities, participation in on-call weekend coverage, and occasional supervision of library operations.

Responsibilities

Circulation Operations

• Assist the Circulation Supervisor with receiving and processing interlibrary loan requests from other libraries.
• Responsible for or assists with monthly tracking of overdue materials.
• Manage and coordinate collection of fines and replacement charges and facilitate transfer of unresolved charges to the Business Office.
• Coordinate with the Business Office when billed replacement items are returned.
• Assist with processing materials for addition to the course reserve collection.
• Assist with maintenance of the library's specialty circulating collections, including technology, bicycles, and self-care collections. This may include assisting with inventory management, usage reviews, replacement of damaged items, and evaluation of user and staff recommendations.

Archives & Digital Projects

• Assist the Archivist and Digital & Web Services Librarian with uploads to Digital Commons @ Otterbein.
• Scan archival materials, perform transcription, create metadata, and complete data entry for institutional repository records.
• Research copyright information as needed.
• May assist the archivist with processing and arrangement of archival materials and incoming donations.

Public Services & User Support

• Provide general reference assistance during evening hours and refer questions to appropriate on-call librarians when necessary. Refers non-urgent questions to liaison librarians or opening librarians on next operating day.
• Assist library users with resources, materials, and facility usage.
• Exercise judgment and discretion when enforcing library policies and procedures.
• Maintain appropriate sound levels within the building.
• Monitor the facility and report security concerns or maintenance issues to appropriate university personnel.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of user and circulation records for Otterbein and OPAL/OhioLINK consortium members.
• Provide customer service to faculty, staff, students, community members, Friends of the Library, and consortium users.

Evening Operations & Supervision

• Provide evening supervision of student assistants and library operations.
• Ensure student assistants follow library and departmental policies.
• Motivate student assistants to perform circulation desk activities and stack maintenance effectively.
• May be responsible for closing and securing the building during May and summer terms and during breaks and holidays.
• Coordinate with other circulation staff to serve as an on-call weekend supervisor during the academic year.
• Be available to return to the library within 20 to 30 minutes during assigned on-call periods.
• Supervise library operations during assigned shifts and when staffing coverage is needed, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Exercises discretion, judgement, and provides clear guidance to library users in enforcing library policies and procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining an appropriate sound level in the building.
• Monitors building and communicates security infractions/problems and/or building maintenance issues to appropriate university officials.

Circulation Desk Operations

• Assist with all circulation desk activities, including:
  • Check-in and check-out of library and OhioLINK materials.
  • Stack maintenance, shelving, shelf reading, shifting, and searches for missing items.
  • Resolution of user questions and concerns.
  • Billing and collection of fines and fees.
• Participate in cross-training and provide support and backup to members of the Circulation and Public Services team.
• Resolve and communicate issues encountered during evening shifts to team members.
• Maintain open communication with circulation team, library administration, and other library employees.

Library & University Engagement

• Assist with departmental goal setting and objectives.
• Assist with policy enforcement and project management initiatives.
• Participate in university engagement activities and library advocacy efforts.
• Participate in campus committees and professional development activities.
• Chair library committees as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this role successfully, candidates must be able to execute the essential duties effectively. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of six months of library experience required.
• Academic library experience preferred.

Core Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, community members, and consortium users.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to supervise, motivate, and guide student employees.

Technical Skills

• Experience with library systems and technologies; experience with Ex Libris Alma preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general office equipment.
• Ability to apply library methods and techniques to support circulation, public services, and archival projects.
• Accurate keyboarding and data-entry skills.
• Competency in general mathematics, including the ability to accurately process fines, fees, and change transactions.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to interpret and consistently apply library policies and procedures.
• Ability to identify, resolve, and appropriately escalate user service, operational, security, and facility-related concerns.
• Ability to work effectively with frequent interruptions while maintaining accuracy and quality of service.

Physical Demands

• Ability to spend prolonged periods working on a computer.
• Ability to move throughout the library and lift up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively with library users, student employees, and colleagues.
• Ability to visually process work-related materials and information.
• Ability to work under deadlines while managing frequent interruptions.
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an environmentally controlled library setting.

Additional Information

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind of level of difficulty.

Otterbein University's achievement of academic excellence depends on its commitment to inclusion and belonging. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Otterbein University is an EEO Employer.