Library Services Assistant (Temp)

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Library Services Assistant coordinates evening operations of the Wilson Music Library service desk and provides high-quality customer service to library users. Reporting to the Director of the Music Library, the position works 20 hours per week, including evening shifts, and serves as the primary contact for users when librarians are not present. It oversees circulation services, maintains the physical organization and accessibility of collections, responds to music-related reference and service inquiries using independent judgment, helps users with equipment and technology, and supports outreach and engagement activities. The assistant also maintains shelving quality control, digitizes print and audio materials, assists with archival materials, and helps train and supervise student employees when the Student Supervisor is absent. Occasional additional shift coverage may be required. The position is based in the Wilson Music Library, part of the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries at Vanderbilt University. The library primarily serves faculty, students, and pre-college students at the Blair School of Music, as well as other university students interested in music. The role contributes to a welcoming, user-centered environment and efficient library operations, following established policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or five years of equivalent work experience in lieu of the minimum education requirement.
One year of work experience in an academic or research library.
Willingness to work evenings, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; total scheduled work is 20 hours per week.
Ability to 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 in Microsoft Office applications, email, internet browsers, library catalogs, and Integrated Library Systems, and ability to learn and apply new technologies.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks independently.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Degree or background in music.
Music library experience, preferably with an automated circulation system.
Ability to read a foreign language.
Student supervisory experience.
Knowledge of sound recording media, recorded sound history, or musical discography.
Familiarity with audio-visual 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; interview users to determine their needs and respond to or refer requests appropriately.
Maintain the physical organization of the Music Library’s print collection.
Develop and maintain a shelving-accuracy review system, conduct shelving quality control, and track statistics to establish workflow metrics.
Train and supervise student employees in the absence of the Student Supervisor.
Build cooperative relationships with library users and promote a positive library image.
Instruct users in the use of audio-visual 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 in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.
Digitize print and audio materials.
Assist with processing archival materials.
Support outreach and engagement activities.
Provide occasional additional shift coverage as needed.