Library Assistant, Chemistry and Dental Libraries

University of Pennsylvania

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chemistry and Dental Libraries seek a service- and solution-oriented Library Assistant who works in both library locations. The division of time is determined by the librarians in the two units, and specific responsibilities may vary according to each location’s needs, policies, processes, and workflows. The role focuses primarily on patron and access services and collection maintenance, with frequent interaction with patrons at service desks. The Library Assistant works with other library units and may provide emergency staffing at other libraries in the working cluster. Flexibility and dependability are essential because patron and staffing needs can require rapid changes in work and short-notice moves between locations. This is a full-time, on-campus bargaining-unit position represented by a labor union. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may change with operational needs. Library heads establish regular schedules for each location in consultation with the Library Assistant at hiring; schedules are confirmed or modified each semester.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and 1–2 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Flexibility to switch tasks and locations on very short notice.
Ability to work independently and prioritize project work and ongoing duties.
Ability to work collegially and collaboratively with staff within and outside the immediate units.
Demonstrated experience providing public services to varied user communities.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and dependability.
Ability to perform physical-library operational duties, such as opening and closing procedures, reporting facility issues, and communicating policies to patrons.
Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, and willingness to learn new technologies and skills independently.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience with online library catalogs, interlibrary loan systems, and back-end library management systems.
Experience maintaining and shifting library collections.
Experience managing course reserves.
Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, or other desktop publishing applications.

Responsibilities

Staff the Chemistry and Dental Libraries and coordinate coverage to maintain uninterrupted daily services and operations, including moving between locations on short notice.
Temporarily assist with Library Specialist responsibilities at the supervisor’s request, including supervising student assistants.
Assist in managing access services and service points; handle circulation tasks such as troubleshooting, renewals, recalls, and placing requests for patrons.
Monitor email accounts, library-system queues, and other designated communication platforms throughout the day; respond promptly and process resource-sharing and other requests, including retrieving, scanning, and uploading materials.
Answer patron questions and resolve issues by phone, in person, and by email; provide ready-reference assistance, locate materials, help access online resources and use library equipment, and refer inquiries when appropriate.
Manage course reserves services in a primary or secondary capacity based on library needs.
Maintain the order and inventory of library materials through ongoing collection maintenance; design and implement shifting and inventory projects at the bibliographer’s request and coordinate student involvement with the student supervisor.
Maintain book and current-periodical displays, prepare new items, remove older items, keep displays orderly, prepare periodicals for binding, and identify and process damaged materials for preservation.
Monitor and track library materials, including items on order, in process, in transit, and missing.
Identify, troubleshoot, and report bibliographic record issues and follow up as needed.
Perform operational duties at physical library locations, including opening and closing, and communicate and enforce facility and resource-use policies.
Resolve or report technology and facilities issues, take reasonable interim action to reduce their impact, and follow up until resolved.
Compile and analyze library data and produce reports under the supervisor’s direction; create clear, attractive signage for events, services, and facilities.
Assist with special events and facilities projects, including event planning, project coordination, and preparing and resetting library spaces.
Order and maintain office supplies and check mailrooms for mail.
Attend relevant meetings at the supervisor’s request.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Tuition assistance for the employee, spouse, and dependent children at Penn; dependent children may also receive tuition assistance at other institutions.
Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans, with pre-tax or Roth savings options and investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Substantial time away from work during the year.
Long-term care insurance for eligible employees and family members, subject to stated eligibility and enrollment terms.
Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
Professional and personal development resources.
Access to University resources, libraries, athletic facilities, cultural and recreational activities, and some free or discounted activities.
Discounts and special services, including deals on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, goods, and services.
Flexible work options and hours.
Forgivable home-ownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, usable for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption assistance reimbursement for qualified expenses, up to two adoptions in the household.