Library Specialist - Carruthers Center

NEIU • Chicago, IL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Library Specialist supports the day-to-day management and operation of the Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS) Library in Bronzeville, Chicago. The position helps ensure that library services and access remain available during operating hours, particularly when other library administrators, faculty, and staff are absent, and provides high-quality public service to a diverse community. The branch library has significant social sciences and humanities holdings documenting and presenting African and African-American experiences.

The role independently provides in-person and online reference services, including responding to complex queries, conducting advanced reference interviews, and instructing patrons in the use of bibliographic tools and research resources. It also supports patrons in developing research questions and search strategies, finding and citing information, and avoiding plagiarism.

The Library Specialist independently handles circulation desk operations and complex circulation issues, including checking materials in and out, shelving and retrieving resources, processing interlibrary loan requests, applying circulation policies, and coordinating with circulation staff at other library locations. The position also assists patrons with library technology, audits and troubleshoots computers, monitors copier supplies and issues, maintains welcoming and organized library spaces, and coordinates with CCICS staff and administration on library services, hours, space use, and operational changes.

The position is in-office at the CCICS Library, 700 E. Oakwood Blvd., Chicago. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; hours may vary according to departmental needs. A background check is required. Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any U.S. employer; work visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• A total of two years (24 months) combining library or equivalent-setting work experience and/or college coursework in any field. Coursework is credited according to the stated conversion table: 30 semester hours equal 12 months; an associate degree equals 18 months; 90 semester hours equal 24 months; and a bachelor's degree equals 36 months.
• Ability to provide high-quality public service to a diverse community of library users.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency with the Library of Congress Classification System (LC).
• Proficiency with specialized library circulation management systems and software, such as Alma/Primo or WorldCat.
• Proficiency with academic database platforms, such as EBSCO or ProQuest.
• Ability to guide library patrons in developing research skills, including formulating research questions or methodology, choosing keywords, creating effective search strategies, retrieving and citing information, and avoiding plagiarism.

Responsibilities

• Independently provide in-person and online reference services, including responding to complex queries and conducting advanced reference interviews.
• Instruct patrons in the use of bibliographic tools, print and online catalogs, directories, indexes, digital repositories, and reference works.
• Guide patrons in formulating research questions, selecting keywords, creating search strategies, retrieving and citing relevant information, and avoiding plagiarism.
• Independently operate the CCICS Library circulation desk and resolve complex circulation problems by applying and interpreting policies and procedures.
• Check materials in and out, shelve and retrieve resources, and process and receive interlibrary loan requests.
• Communicate with circulation staff at other library locations to troubleshoot and resolve circulation issues.
• Assist library patrons in using software, hardware, and equipment.
• Regularly audit public and library computers, troubleshoot problems, and report or escalate issues to the Library IT Technical Associate and/or UTS.
• Monitor copier equipment, request toner and paper, and report equipment issues.
• Maintain welcoming, tidy, and organized library spaces; update bulletin and room reservation boards; and notify library or CCICS administration of facility and maintenance issues.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with CCICS staff and administration to communicate about library services, operating hours, shared space, and operational changes.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• University employees may be eligible for State of Illinois benefits, including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

What This Job Offers

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