Collections Assistant III
About The Position
The Collections Assistant III supports the South Asia Librarian, Area Team Lead, and Asia Collections librarians in managing and maintaining library collections. The position assists with collection development, provides routine reference services, supports cataloging activities, and helps keep collections organized and accessible. The South Asia Collection is part of Asia Collections in Kroch Library at Cornell University Library. Asia Collections also includes the Charles W. Wason Collection on East Asia, the John M. Echols Collection on Southeast Asia, and the Middle East and Islamic Studies Collection. Staff collaborate with the Area Team and other library departments to develop international collections, process materials, and provide access to them. This part-time position is based in Ithaca, New York, and is fully on-site. It is scheduled for 29 hours per week. Core hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the final schedule will be established with the supervisor.
Requirements
- Associate's degree and up to 2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination.
- Familiarity with standard office software and basic office procedures.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and adapt creatively to new situations.
- Strong attention to detail and thoroughness when reviewing catalog records and searching databases.
- Familiarity with online public access catalogs (OPAC) and OCLC.
- Ability to maintain accurate records, manage administrative tasks, and support multiple projects and team priorities.
- Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
- Submit a resume and cover letter for further consideration.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with South Asian languages and scripts is highly desirable.
Responsibilities
- Search library catalogs, OCLC, and online databases to identify duplicate titles, earlier editions, missing volumes, and materials for purchase.
- Research vendors, compare prices, and assist with purchasing materials for the South Asia Collection.
- Submit purchase orders to Library Technical Services (LTS) under the direction of the librarian.
- Identify cataloging errors and direct problem items to the appropriate LTS staff.
- Assist with cataloging, fast-cataloging, and record accuracy checks based on training and language skills.
- Prepare non-Western language serials by transliterating names, dates, and issue numbers.
- Respond to routine bibliographic, directional, and basic subject reference questions.
- Help patrons locate library materials and research resources.
- Maintain office files, paperwork, and correspondence records for vendors and patrons.
- Maintain South Asia Collection account records and assist with fund management.
- Generate monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on material fund expenditures.
- Assist the Area Team Lead with monitoring team funds and troubleshooting fund-related issues.
- Serve as a liaison to FOLIO Reporting for the Area Team.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care options.
- Generous retirement contributions.
- Access to wellness programs.
- Employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
- Health and personal leave.
- Three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays, plus two floating holidays.
- Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program.
- Tuition aid for external education.
- Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
