Special Collections & Area Research Center Assistant

Universities of Wisconsin•La Crosse, WI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs a wide range of complex library services that support the day-to-day operations of Murphy Library’s Special Collections and the Area Research Center (ARC), especially involving primary source materials and books that are rare, unique, and historically significant in nature. Triages and responds to emails and reference questions; collaborates in the hiring, training, and managing of student employees; processes archival collections; and serves as the point of contact for coordinating ARC Transfers. Other duties include assisting patrons from the campus and wider community; interpreting policies and procedures to answer non-routine questions and resolve issues; and using designated library tools and software to fulfill the needs of the unit. This position will consult with other units as needed and the Special Collections Librarian will serve as unit lead.

Requirements

Minimum high school diploma required
Knowledge and experience in the use of computer software (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Docs, IOS)
Knowledge and experience in the use of email (Outlook) functions as well as e-calendars.
Effective oral and written communications
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to coordinate projects, work independently, and to independently set priorities to meet the demands of the unit
The ability to multi-task when necessary
Attention to detail, timelines, and deadlines, despite frequent interruptions
Knowledge of policies, procedures, and protocol in a library
Ability to work effectively with people across multiple levels of the organization and the public
Ability to use discretion and good judgment regarding confidential information
Ability and willingness to maintain and enhance professional competencies by participating in professional development (workshops, webinars, training sessions) related to the unit

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of policies, procedures, and protocol in an archival setting
Knowledge of EAD coding to create digital finding aids
Knowledge of handling fragile materials in an archival setting
Knowledge of scanning 2D materials
Knowledge in the use of Alma software

Responsibilities

Coordinate ARC transfer requests with the transfer service currently in use
Maintain relevant ARC transfer statistics
Collaborate in recruiting, hiring, training, overseeing student employees
Approve working hours for student employees
Create and maintain student training guides and manuals
Triage reference inquiries received by email, phone, or in person and refer to the appropriate information or resource, which may include this position
Compile resources as directed by unit lead
Oversee visitor registration and check-in procedures and assist with annual usage reports
Check in new books and materials and conduct shifting when necessary
Track periodicals and other UW System publications
In coordination with Student Outreach and Engagement unit, create signage and displays as needed
Track, stock, and coordinate day-to-day supply orders with the administrative office
Monitor computers and take necessary steps to ensure they’re in working order and up to date
Catalog vertical files
Manage payments and deposits in coordination with the administrative office
Assist with archival collections processing
Using EAD standards, convert paper finding aids to digital versions
Using EAD standards, create digital finding aids