Library Specialist II

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Texas A&M University Libraries is seeking a detail-oriented, hands-on Library Specialist II to support preservation of library collections and mentor student employees. The position trains and supervises student workers, coordinates the organization and upkeep of Preservation Lab spaces, assesses general collection materials, recommends preservation services and treatments, and maintains lab equipment for proper function, accessibility, and safe use. The role balances recurring tasks with specialized preservation work and directly supports long-term collection stewardship.

The specialist supervises and evaluates student employees; coordinates lab spaces, equipment, materials, and supplies; repairs and treats damaged or fragile collection items; constructs protective enclosures; and documents work statistics. The role also orders materials and services, tracks unit expenditures, provides supply and budget updates, and collaborates with Preservation staff to support donors and library users.

The position is based in College Station, Texas. The required schedule is Monday through Friday, daytime hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Salary is $17.25 per hour.

Requirements

• High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of related library experience, including 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.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good manual dexterity and attention to detail.
• Reliable attendance.
• Ability to move medium-weight items of approximately 50 pounds, including boxes, books, heavy book carts, lab equipment, or similar items.
• Ability to handle material that may contain dust or microscopic mold spores.
• Ability to climb step ladders up to 10 feet high while holding library materials.
• Ability to work Monday through Friday during daytime hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience as a TAMU 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 attached.

Responsibilities

• Hire, train, coach, supervise, and evaluate student employees performing book repairs, enclosure construction, and material transfers.
• Direct student workflows, provide feedback and guidance, approve work schedules and timesheets, and report documented patron damage to the Business Office through the appropriate liaison process.
• Coordinate organization and upkeep of Preservation Lab spaces outside the Conservation Lab, including work areas, flex space, intake and storage areas, an anteroom, and adjacent office-suite areas.
• Maintain equipment in the listed lab areas, ensuring proper function, accessibility, and safe use, and ensure necessary materials and supplies are available to lab workers.
• Assist the Preservation Librarian in facilitating use of the flex space and adjacent areas by personnel outside the Preservation Unit for instruction or donor events.
• Assess general collection items and recommend preservation services and treatments for damaged or fragile materials.
• 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, as determined by the Preservation Librarian.
• Construct boxes, four-flaps, Mylar and Colibri covers, and other protective enclosures for library collection items.
• Document lab work statistics and report them monthly to the Preservation Librarian.
• Submit purchase orders to maintain stock of regular Preservation Unit materials and supplies.
• Coordinate with Preservation section heads and the Preservation Director to research, select, and order specialized materials, supplies, and some outside services.
• Maintain supply-request forms and spreadsheets tracking Preservation Unit expenditures throughout the fiscal year.
• Provide regular supply, shipping, and budget status updates to the Preservation Librarian, Preservation Director, and Preservation Unit.
• 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 for health and wellness.
• Free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and other professional development.
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while employed by 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