Library Specialist II

Texas A&M • College Station, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Texas A&M University Libraries seeks a detail-oriented, hands-on Library Specialist II to preserve library collections and mentor student workers. The position trains and supervises student employees, coordinates the organization and upkeep of Preservation Lab spaces, and maintains lab equipment and supplies. The specialist assesses general collection materials and recommends or performs appropriate preservation services and treatments for damaged or fragile items.

The role also includes constructing protective enclosures, documenting work statistics, ordering materials and services, monitoring expenditures, and collaborating with Preservation employees to support donors and library users. The position is based in College Station, Texas, and requires work Monday through Friday during daytime hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of related library experience.
• Three years of experience in a public, academic, or specialized library, museum, or archive.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• General knowledge of library services and functions.
• Knowledge of email, word processing, spreadsheet applications, and library online research database searches and/or processing.
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Manual dexterity and attention to detail.
• Reliable attendance.
• Ability to move medium-weight items of approximately 50 pounds, including boxes, books, heavy book carts, or lab equipment.
• Ability to handle materials that may contain dust or microscopic mold spores.
• Ability to climb step ladders up to 10 feet while holding library materials.
• Ability to work Monday through Friday, daytime hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience as a Texas A&M University Library Specialist I.
• Experience in an academic or archival library setting.
• Knowledge of basic bookbinding, repairs, and preservation treatments.
• Knowledge of archival enclosures and materials.
• Knowledge of basic collections handling practices.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment such as a Gunnar mat cutter, board shear, and guillotine.
• Supervisory experience.
• A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended; a portfolio of previous projects may also be submitted.

Responsibilities

• Hire, train, coach, supervise, and evaluate student employees performing book repairs, enclosure construction, and materials transfers.
• Direct student workflows, provide feedback and guidance, and approve work schedules and timesheets.
• Serve as the unit liaison to AskUs personnel regarding damaged materials and document patron damage for reporting to the Business Office.
• Coordinate organization and upkeep of Preservation Lab spaces outside the Conservation Lab, including work, flex, intake, storage, anteroom, and adjacent office areas.
• Maintain lab equipment to ensure proper function, accessibility, and safe use, and ensure materials and supplies are accessible to lab workers.
• Assist the Preservation Librarian with facilitating use of the flex space and adjacent areas for instruction or donor-related events.
• Assess general collection materials and recommend appropriate preservation services and treatments for damaged or fragile items.
• Perform preservation repairs and treatments, including tear repair, hinge tightening, new cases, spine repairs or rebacks, tip-ins, pockets, velo binding, surface cleaning, pamphlet stitching, and sewing signatures.
• Construct boxes, four-flaps, Mylar and Colibri covers, and other protective enclosures.
• Document lab work statistics and report them monthly to the Preservation Librarian.
• Submit purchase orders and coordinate research, selection, and ordering of specialized materials, supplies, and some outside services.
• Maintain supply request forms and expenditure-tracking spreadsheets, and provide regular supply, shipping, and budget updates.
• Collaborate with Preservation employees on service to donors and library users through participatory decision-making and implementation of operations and guidelines.
• Attend and participate in special events, library and unit meetings, and training as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance; Texas A&M contributes to employee health and basic life premiums.
• 12–15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Free exercise programs and release time.
• Free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while employed at Texas A&M.
• Access to the Living Well employee program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED