Library Specialist - Communications Library

Company: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Job Location: Urbana, 61820

Category: Libraries

Type: Full-Time

Function:

Assists in providing public services in the Communications Library such as circulation and reference assistance; managerial support such as hiring, scheduling, and supervision of student employees; and technical service duties such as processing course reserves, processing library materials; collection maintenance and conservation; and updating library records; regular work schedule is 7.5 hours Monday-Friday, 8-4 or 9-5 with option of 30-60 minute lunch, may be required to work evening and weekend hours in the case of a student worker absence.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Public Service and Circulation: Assists patrons with reference questions, locating library materials; assists with the online catalog and online resources; interprets library policies and procedures; performs circulation duties; assists patrons with library equipment.
• Supervision of student employees. Includes hiring, training and supervision; provides initial and ongoing training and assessment in the use of library resources and public service, basic reference, shelving, collection maintenance, opening and closing procedures; emergency procedures and weekend and evening library supervision; schedules student employees according to library needs; communicates regularly with student employees regarding library operations and services; completes bi-weekly student payroll. Updates student assistant manual and documents for library procedures.
• Responsible for processing and managing course reserves. Creates short bib records for reserve materials; maintains course files; responsible for maintaining collection so that it is current and represents instructional needs of the College of Media, Department of Communication (LAS), and Department of Latina/o Studies.
• Manages circulation desk activities. Responsible for training staff in circulation procedures. Administers, implements, and interprets library policies to users and other Communications Library staff. Works with Librarian in development of new library policies. Updates circulation manual.
• Process incoming library materials including periodicals, books and newspapers. Maintains library records in Kardex and Alma/Primo; claims missing or late issues. Works with Acquisitions staff and vendor (EBSCO).
• Performs collection maintenance for library including: identify and refer materials to Preservation/Conservation units; recycles library newspapers; processes and collates materials for binding. Performs workfile maintenance on Online Catalog and Alma/Primo records, including barcode maintenance. Assists with collection maintenance projects such as shifting, weeding and transferring of materials.
• Assists users with Communications Library international TV news; resolving access problems/issues with satellite channel programming; and staff training.
• Assists librarian with special projects. Trains and instructs student workers on projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the following categories:
   1. work experience in a library or equivalent setting.
   2. college course work in any field as measured by the following conversion table
      • 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
      • Associate's degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
      • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
      • Bachelor's Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This position requires strong interpersonal skills so that this person is able to assist library users, train and supervise other library employees and implement library policies and procedures. They must have basic computer skills so that they can use online resources, the internet, maintain and update library records and perform basic library operations. They should have a knowledge of academic libraries and the University of Illinois Library system (online catalog and Alma/Primo system), a strong knowledge and understanding of the UIUC Library's resources and services and the ability to use and assist others with these resources. This person must also be willing to adjust to change in the work environment.

Responsibility

A. Supervisory Controls: The Communications Librarian is the immediate supervisor of this position. The Library Specialist must work independently and without extensive supervision. Deadlines and objectives for various activities, such as reserves, are set by the librarian or by Library Administration, but the Library Specialist may use his/her judgment in determining schedules and procedures for achieving the objectives. Most work will not be regularly reviewed by the librarian, with the exception of the review of information services, since on-going training and updates of knowledge about resources will be required. The Librarian provides oversight or serves as a resource person for all areas of the job.

B. Guidelines: The Library Specialist is responsible for keeping various library procedures manuals up-to-date and accurate. Guidelines for delivery of reference and information services related to instruction in the use of the resources of the Communications Library, and in-depth reference assistance are provided by the librarian. The Library Specialist provides initial-level reference assistance. The Library Specialist is also responsible for developing efficient routines and procedures related to technical and public service activities with consultation by the librarian, if necessary.

Difficulty

A. Complexity: The technical requirements for reserves and circulation procedures are fairly straightforward, but other areas such as faculty liaison, public service, and student supervision are all areas that require judgment, communication and interpersonal skills, an understanding of the library's objectives and patrons' needs; and knowledge of library resources and collections. Functioning during the absence of the librarian requires a combination of technical skills, good judgment and problem solving skills; an understanding of public service objectives and guidelines; and the ability to deal with a diverse range of students, faculty, and visitors. All job areas not directly controlled by set procedures require sound decision-making, attention to detail, independent judgment based on knowledge of the job, and constant initiative to improve library operations and services.

B. Scope and Effect: The Library Specialist in the Communications Library impacts patrons in many ways, both directly and indirectly. This individual is instrumental in providing access to the collections and assistance with the use of library resources, all of which are vital services. In addition, the efficiency of job performance in the areas of problem-solving, accounting, records maintenance and processing affect a great number of staff and units in the Main Library as well as the Communications Library.

Personal Relationships:

Personal Contacts: There is constant contact with library staff in the performance of daily operations and with patrons (students, staff, faculty, and visitors) in providing public service. Service is provided in person and by telephone, mail, Chat Reference, and/or e-mail.

Purpose: It is important for the Library Specialist to be friendly and approachable at all times, and to be respectful and discreet

Environmental Demands:

Physical Requirements: The Library Specialist must be able to lift books and journals in order to shelve library materials, and go up and down stairs.

Work Environment: The Library Specialist must be able to interact with and work closely with others, including co-workers, and especially students and faculty. It is important that this person be able to work with technology and in an online environment. This person must have the ability to adjust to change.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service Traditional Non-Exempt, Library Specialist position, appointed on a permanent basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The budgeted salary for the position is $44,167.50.