Librarian - Archivist Assistant 2 (Public Services Receptionist)

Human Resources Division - Office of Tennessee Secretary of State•Nashville, TN

13d

About The Position

The Librarian-Archivist Assistant 2 serves as a public services receptionist at the Tennessee State Library & Archives. The role represents the institution, its services, collections, and policies to the public, providing a welcoming, courteous, and safe experience for patrons and visitors. The assistant gives general information about services, collections, facility guidelines, hours, parking, and access; registers users and issues library cards; responds to routine questions and directs specialized inquiries to appropriate staff; and helps patrons use computers, catalogs, databases, scanning equipment, and other technology. The position also supports facility operations, including opening and closing procedures, building access, emergency procedures, phone and online inquiries, visitor notifications, tours, and certification of public documents and records. It monitors public areas and collection use to protect materials, and retrieves and returns collection items using the Automated Storage and Retrieval System and other storage areas. The schedule includes regular Saturday work, typically two or more shifts per month. The role requires a bachelor's degree; related education or experience is preferred. Physical duties include standing and walking for extended periods, moving carts, and handling collection materials weighing up to 40 pounds.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate complex information to individuals and small groups.
Skills in researching print and microfilm sources and websites to gather and collate data for patrons.
Intermediate to advanced computer-operation skills.
Sound analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
Ability to travel throughout the state as needed.
Ability to lift and carry collection items weighing up to 40 pounds, push and maneuver utility and book carts, bend, squat, reach, and stand or walk for extended periods up to four hours at a time.
Availability for regular Saturday work, typically two or more shifts per month.

Nice To Haves

Relevant education or experience in library science, archives, history, public records, genealogy, historical research, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Represent the Tennessee State Library & Archives and communicate its services, collections, and policies to the public.
Welcome and assist patrons, guests, and visitors in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner.
Provide general information and directions about services, collections, hours, facility guidelines, parking, and access procedures.
Answer routine questions and direct specialized or research-related inquiries to appropriate Public Services staff.
Register library users, issue library cards, and explain access to collections and services.
Assist with opening and closing procedures, building access, emergency procedures, and other facility responsibilities.
Certify public documents and records in accordance with applicable requirements, policies, and procedures.
Help patrons use public computers, online catalogs, databases, scanning equipment, and other technology.
Answer phones, respond to online inquiries, provide general information, and direct inquiries to appropriate staff.
Monitor public service areas and collection use to help prevent loss, damage, mutilation, or unauthorized removal of materials.
Notify staff when visitors, guests, or meeting attendees arrive and require an escort.
Lead facility tours for patrons, visitors, students, and other groups as assigned.
Retrieve documents, files, volumes, boxes, and other collection materials from the ASRS and designated storage areas.
Operate ASRS equipment and related retrieval systems safely and accurately, and maintain control of retrieved and returned materials.
Follow health and safety instructions, report unsafe practices or hazardous conditions, and take measures to protect collections.
Perform other duties as required.