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

University of Oklahoma • Norman, OK

10d

About The Position

The User Services Assistant is a 12-month temporary PEAK position in the Special Research Collections division of University Libraries. The role supports services for in-person and distance/online users accessing and researching distinctive primary source collections, including rare books and manuscripts, archival records, historic photographs, maps, archival media, and architectural drawings. The Assistant serves on a team providing reference, access, and instructional services and reports to the Head of User Services, Special Research Collections.

The Assistant responds to routine email inquiries about accessing collection materials, shares departmental policies, and provides access to digitized materials. The position schedules and prepares for in-person researchers, requests or retrieves collection materials, and communicates reading room policies and procedures. The Assistant also helps monitor the reading room, responds to questions, refers researchers to appropriate department specialists, and supports instruction sessions and tours by retrieving and arranging collection items. Professional, courteous interactions and communicating and enforcing security and safe-handling policies for rare and valuable materials are essential.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 12 months of office, clerical, or administrative experience.
• Ability to perform highly detail-oriented tasks and coordinate with appropriate personnel.
• Ability to follow established standards, processes, and workflows.
• Ability to provide gracious, welcoming, and professional public service.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organization and ability to manage 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 complete work within deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook; advanced knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Advanced knowledge of office procedures, with office management and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to complete tasks efficiently and in a timely manner.
• Ability to work in stressful situations and meet deadlines.

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, departmental policies, and digitized collection materials.
• Schedule and prepare for in-person researchers, including requesting or retrieving collection materials.
• Communicate reading room policies and procedures to researchers.
• 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 and arranging collection items.
• Provide professional and courteous service to users.
• Communicate and enforce policies for the security and safe handling of rare and valuable materials.

What This Job Offers

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