Library Services Assistant (Temp)

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Library Services Assistant coordinates evening operations at the Wilson Music Library service desk and provides high-quality customer service to library users. The position works 20 hours per week, including three late-afternoon/evening shifts, and serves as the primary point of contact for users when librarians are not present. It oversees circulation services, maintains the organization and accessibility of collections, responds to music-related reference and service inquiries, assists users with equipment and technology, and supports outreach and engagement activities. The role also oversees shelving quality control, digitizes print and audio materials, assists with archival materials processing, and helps train and supervise student employees when the Student Supervisor is absent. Occasional additional shift coverage may be needed to support staffing needs. The position is based in the Wilson Music Library, one of nine libraries in Vanderbilt University’s Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries. Its primary users are faculty, students, and pre-college students at the Blair School of Music, as well as university students interested in music. The libraries aim to foster a welcoming environment and support research and scholarship. The role reports administratively and functionally to the Director of the Music Library and does not have supervisory responsibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; five years of equivalent work experience may be substituted for the minimum education requirement.
One year of work experience in an academic or research library.
Willingness to work evenings from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; the position totals 20 hours per week.
Ability to interact and communicate tactfully and effectively with library users with varied research and instructional needs.
Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service, preferably in a library or fast-paced service environment.
Knowledge of music and experience handling music-related materials.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, email, and internet browsers.
Proficiency with library catalogs and Integrated Library Systems, and ability to learn and apply new technologies to existing operations.
Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and tasks.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Degree or background in music.
Music library experience, preferably with an automated circulation system.
Reading ability in a foreign language.
Student supervisory experience.
Knowledge of sound recording media, recorded sound history, or musical discography.
Familiarity with audiovisual equipment.
Project management experience.

Responsibilities

Perform circulation functions and coordinate service desk operations.
Provide music subject expertise for reference services when librarians are not present; assess users’ requests and respond or refer them as appropriate.
Maintain the physical organization of the Music Library’s print collection.
Develop and maintain a system for reviewing shelving accuracy, oversee shelving quality control, and track shelving statistics to establish workflow metrics.
Train and supervise student employees when the Student Supervisor is absent.
Build cooperative relationships with library users and promote a positive library image.
Instruct users in the use of audiovisual equipment and printers, and resolve equipment problems.
Support student desk attendants in resolving customer service issues in a user-focused and equitable manner.
Respond to emergencies according to established guidelines and procedures.
Digitize print and audio materials.
Assist with processing archival materials.
Provide occasional additional shift coverage when needed to support staffing.