PEAK - User Services Assistant, Special Research Collections (12-month)

University of Oklahoma • Norman, OK

9d

About The Position

The User Services Assistant is a 12-month temporary PEAK position in the Special Research Collections division of University Libraries. The Assistant supports services for in-person and distance or online users accessing and researching the Libraries’ distinctive primary source collections, including rare books and manuscripts, archival records, historic photographs, maps, archival media, and architectural drawings.

Reporting to the Head of User Services, Special Research Collections, the Assistant is part of a team providing reference, access, and instructional services. The role responds to routine email inquiries, shares departmental policies, and provides access to digitized collection materials. It also schedules and prepares for in-person researchers, monitors the reading room, assists with instruction sessions and tours, and helps ensure the security and safe handling of rare and valuable materials. The position requires professional, courteous service and the ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 12 months of office, clerical, or administrative experience.
• Advanced knowledge of office procedures.
• Office management and customer service skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform highly detail-oriented tasks and coordinate with appropriate personnel.
• Ability to follow established standards, processes, and workflows.
• Ability to provide public services in a gracious, welcoming, and professional manner.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organization and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to build and sustain effective interpersonal relationships and collaborate in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision on daily tasks and meet deadlines, including in stressful situations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to climb stairs; lift and carry up to 50 pounds; push loaded carts; and regularly bend, stretch, reach, and stoop.
• Ability to sit and/or work at a computer monitor for up to eight hours.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant library experience.
• Experience providing customer service in a front-facing role.
• Bachelor’s degree in any subject area.

Responsibilities

• Respond to routine email inquiries about access to collection materials, provide information about departmental policies, and deliver access to digitized materials.
• Schedule and prepare for in-person researchers by requesting or retrieving collection materials and communicating reading room policies and procedures.
• Help monitor the Special Research Collections reading room, respond to questions, and refer researchers to curators, archivists, and librarians as appropriate.
• Support preparation for instruction sessions and tours by retrieving collection items and arranging them for students and visitors.
• Demonstrate professionalism and courtesy in user interactions.
• Communicate and enforce policies for the security and safe handling of rare and valuable materials.
• Coordinate with appropriate personnel and complete detailed work according to established standards, processes, workflows, and deadlines.

What This Job Offers

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