Library Assistant at Saab Medical Library

American University of Beirut•Lebanon, PA

7h•Onsite

About The Position

The Library Assistant at the Saab Medical Library (SML) provides essential public service support, primarily during evening and weekend shifts, with flexibility for morning support as needed. This role focuses on delivering high-quality customer service at the Circulation Desk, managing circulation transactions, and addressing basic patron inquiries related to reference, directions, and access. The assistant will also support access to library resources by helping patrons locate materials and providing document delivery in compliance with copyright. Key responsibilities include maintaining the print collection through shelving and organization, ensuring adequate staffing for extended hours, monitoring public service equipment, assisting librarians with special projects, supporting outreach events, and accurately collecting and reporting statistics. The position requires a user-centered approach, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while adhering to established policies and service standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, nutrition, or a health-related field.
3-5 years of related experience preferably in an academic institution or another customer-focused setting.
Very good command of English and Arabic.
Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn and use library systems and workflows quickly.
Good familiarity with Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong customer service skills and a user-centered approach; ability to enforce library policies (quiet/safe environment) politely and firmly.
Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills; ability to coordinate effectively with colleagues and users.
Strong attention to detail for shelving/shelf-reading, statistics tracking, and record accuracy.
Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently particularly during evening/weekend shifts while adhering to established procedures and service standards.
Discretion and professionalism in handling user information and internal records.

Nice To Haves

Basic command of French is preferred.

Responsibilities

Staff the SML’s Circulation Desk mostly during evening and weekend shifts.
Coordinate the monthly circulation schedule to ensure consistent coverage, particularly during extended library hours.
Assist students, faculty, and staff in locating materials in the stacks and using library collections effectively.
Perform circulation transactions (check-out/check in, renewals, holds/requests) in accordance with library policies and procedures.
Respond courteously and professionally to basic reference, informational, and directional inquiries. Refer complex or in-depth inquiries to librarians, as appropriate.
Maintain print collection organization and integrity by shelving and shelf-reading; verify shelf order, support stacks shifting projects, resolve stack discrepancies, report missing/lost/damaged items for replacement/repair/rebinding decisions; and assist with inventory projects including system-generated lists and reports.
Support access to library resources by providing PDFs/document delivery in compliance with copyright and licensing guidelines.
Monitor the proper functioning of library equipment (computers, printers, scanners, and photocopiers). Report malfunctions promptly to the IT support staff and follow up as needed.
Ensure timely and accurate collection, tracking, and reporting of circulation, reading room, and user statistics.
Help maintain a comfortable, safe, and quiet study and research environment. Enforce library conduct policies tactfully and address user conduct issues as needed, escalating concerns when appropriate.
Support SML’s outreach activities and events by assisting with set-up, logistics, and on-site support during events.
Assist medical librarians with special projects and operational tasks, as assigned.
Perform other related duties as requested.