Library Specialist
Library Specialist - Ricker Library of Architecture & Art
Architecture & Art
Job Summary
The incumbent is responsible for hiring/training/managing student workers, manages all Reserve activities for the Library, and manages the social media presence of the Library. Additionally, the incumbent must cover the circulation Desk several hours per week and is responsible for the unit in the absence of both the librarians and the other library specialist.
Duties & Responsibilities
Supervision of Student Employees:
• Hires, trains, and supervises students
• Coordinates and monitors students’ responsibilities such as shelf reading, orderly stacks, and other projects as assigned
• Monitors and develops recommendations for student wages and budget
• Creates and updates training documentation for students.
Public Services:
• Interprets records in the OPAC and assists patrons with search strategies
• Covers shifts at the Circulation Desk, which includes circulation duties and reference
• Assists patrons with scanners and other equipment in the library
• Retrieves items for patrons from noncirculating areas of the collection
• Compiles gate count statistics for Head Librarian’s review
• Resolves complex problems or conflicts at the Circulation Desk, including billing and fine complaints
• Communicates with students and faculty, as well as other library units, in order to resolve issues
Reserves and Circulation:
• Manages and oversees all Circulation related activities in Ricker
• In conjunction with the Head Librarian, creates and implements policies and trains
• Manages and establishes operational procedures for all aspects of Reserve activities for Architecture and Art & Design courses or other courses taught by faculty in these areas
• Maintains hold shelf
• Monitors missing items lists; performs searches as needed
• Elevates mis-cataloged, damaged, or improperly located materials to preservation or to the collection maintenance workflow
Social Media and Outreach
• Manages social media accounts with the assistance of librarians and other library staff.
• Creates photographs and videos of Ricker collections for marketing and communications
• Assists with library outreach events
• Orders supplies as needed
• Other duties as assigned
Collections Management
• Evaluates holdings to assist Head Librarian in determining storage strategies
• Performs book transfers to alleviate space constraints
Additional Physical Demands
Physical Requirements: This position requires ability to stand, stand on a step stool, bend, reach, lift, move, push and pull carts of library materials in all forms that can weigh up to 40 pounds. These duties are performed in the library, staff workroom, and at main library desk.
Minimum Qualifications
1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the following categories:
A. work experience in a library or equivalent setting.
B. college course work in any field as measured by the following conversion table
• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
• Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
• 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
• Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the goal and policies of the University Library and library procedures
Working knowledge of a variety of search techniques and discovery tools in order to help patrons including updating and creating lists of missing or lost materials
Ability to manage unit personnel (training, works assignments, scheduling, and evaluations) and to define unit procedures for operating
Working knowledge of all aspects of the unit operations in order to oversee and assess work completed in the unit
Ability to monitor and make recommendations regarding the student wage budget
Ability to analyze workflows and make recommendations for operational changes
Excellent communications skills in order to communicate effectively with library patrons both verbally and in writing
Ability to work with a diverse user population.
Organizational skills, good judgment and ability to motivate others
Able to prioritize and multitask
Ability to work independently with little supervision.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4902 - Library Specialist position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 12/12/2022. Salary is commensurate with experience.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on December 5, 2022. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.