"Library Specialist"

Library Specialist

Company: Maine College of Art & Design

Job Location:

Category: Libraries

Type: Adjunct/Part-Time

Email: employment@meca.edu

About Maine College of Art & Design

Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) is a nationally recognized institution located in the heart of Portland’s Arts District. MECA&D fosters a diverse, inclusive, and creative learning community that supports artistic practice, critical inquiry, and professional preparation. The Joanne Waxman Library plays a central role in advancing teaching, learning, and research by providing access to resources, services, and spaces that support students, faculty, and staff.

Position Summary

The Library Specialist is an integral member of the Joanne Waxman Library team, providing public service and operational support that advances the Library’s mission and contributes to a welcoming, accessible, and student-centered environment. Reporting to the Director of the Joanne Waxman Library, this position supports circulation services, interlibrary loan activities, reference assistance, and special projects while regularly engaging with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Key Responsibilities

• Public Services & Circulation
  • Staff the Library’s Circulation Desk, including circulating materials, assisting patrons, and completing opening and closing duties as assigned.
  • Maintain and update patron records for returning students and new library users.
  • Assist patrons with reference questions, research support, and basic computer, printing, and scanning needs.
• Interlibrary Loan & Collections Support
  • Prepare, process, and organize incoming and outgoing interlibrary loan materials in collaboration with library staff.
  • Coordinate inter-institutional and out-of-state borrowing and lending of library materials.
  • Shelve library materials, maintain library stacks, and identify shelving or organization issues.
  • Identify collection items in need of repair, weeding, or replacement in accordance with Library criteria.
• Course Reserves, Outreach & Projects
  • Place and remove course reserve materials, provide faculty with usage data, and serve as a liaison for reserve-related needs.
  • Promote Library collections and resources through displays, exhibitions, and the creation of research or instructional materials.
  • Support special projects and other library initiatives as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications / Experience / Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience required.
• One (1) year of relevant experience in a library, academic, customer service, or information-support setting is required.
• Experience working with an Integrated Library System (ILS) preferred.
• Familiarity with print and digital research practices and methods preferred.
• Demonstrated customer service experience in a public-facing environment.
• Ability to locate and retrieve information using catalogs, databases, and research tools.
• Ability to support users with basic digital literacy needs and standard productivity software.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a cooperative environment.
• Commitment to providing respectful, inclusive, and responsive service to a diverse community.
• Willingness and ability to learn new systems, technologies, and workflows as library services evolve.

Essential Functions & Work Environment

This position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with applicable federal and state law. Essential functions include staffing a public service desk; standing or sitting for extended periods; shelving and retrieving library materials; operating standard office and library equipment; and communicating effectively with patrons in person, by phone, and electronically. The role operates primarily in an on-site library environment and involves frequent interaction with students, faculty, staff, and community members. Occasional lifting of library materials (generally up to 25 pounds), bending, reaching, and navigating library stacks is required.

What We Offer

This is a part-time, non-exempt position working 20 hours per week. The preferred schedule is Monday through Friday, 9 am to 1 pm EST. Compensation is $21.00 per hour.

Ready to Apply?

To apply, please submit the following as a single PDF to employment@meca.edu:

1. A brief cover letter describing your interest in the position
2. A current résumé
3. A list of 3 to 5 references with at least one being a prior supervisor or professor

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Maine College of Art & Design is committed to fully including all qualified individuals. If a reasonable accommodation is required to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other employment benefits, please contact Human Resources at hr@meca.edu.