Library Technology Research Circulation Sprt Ass

Grinnell College•Grinnell, IA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This student position supports the day-to-day operations of Grinnell College Libraries. The role checks library materials in and out, locates reserve and interlibrary loan materials, reshelves returned items, and helps patrons with directional questions and basic or in-depth research. As a peer educator, the assistant provides brief instruction on using the library catalog and website, including databases, indexes, and web searching. The position also provides frontline technical assistance to patrons using PCs and Macs, escalating issues to the ITS Help Desk or library staff when appropriate. The assistant performs library maintenance and stacks work, supports event setup and teardown, and helps with opening and closing procedures. The role may be responsible for library operations when library staff are absent and includes other duties as assigned. All campus student employment positions are covered by a negotiated contract with the Union of Grinnell Student Dining Workers (UGSDW).

Requirements

Good interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work well with the public, including in high-pressure situations.
Ability to work independently and without supervision.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Solid computer literacy.
Knowledge of the Library of Congress classification system and the Media Room classification system.
Ability to perform detail-oriented tasks accurately and efficiently.

Nice To Haves

Experience in customer service, technology, and research.
Intermediate personal computer skills, including email, routine database activity, research information literacy, basic computer software and hardware troubleshooting, word processing, spreadsheets, and graphics.

Responsibilities

Check in and out, recall and renew, and process fines for library materials.
Locate reserve and interlibrary loan materials.
Help patrons with basic and in-depth research questions and provide brief instruction on using the library catalog, databases, and website.
Answer questions about circulation and reserve policies and procedures, as well as directional, technical, and other informational inquiries in person, by phone, and by email.
Support public-facing library technology and help patrons troubleshoot technology problems, using the ITS Help Ticket System and the internal library ticket system as needed.
Use independent judgment to make decisions that maintain positive relationships with library patrons.
Assist library staff with opening and closing procedures.
Respond appropriately to library security alarms.
Perform routine maintenance and cleaning duties in public areas of the library.
Assist with stacks maintenance, including shelving, pulling, and shifting library materials.
Support the Outreach Cluster with event setup and teardown.
Take responsibility for library operations as needed in the absence of a library staff member.
Provide leadership to other students through example, motivation, and direction.
Perform other duties as assigned.