Job Description Department: Public Services – StaffPay Rate Type: HourlyEmployee Type: Job Summary: The library assistant primarily supports two significant yet distinct area within Public Services. Under the direction of the assistant director for public services the library assistant is responsible for local resource sharing through oversight of the INN-Reach system and creates staff and student worker schedules for The Libraries’ service points. The library assistant will strengthen relationships with external colleagues at Bates Bowdoin and participating libraries throughout the state while also working closely with their Public Services colleagues to ensure adequate staffing at The Libraries’ service points.
The work of the Public Services team relies heavily on the ability to cultivate both internal and external relationships. The successful candidate possesses superb communication skills and customer service orientation is highly organized and works independently with little or no supervision. The schedule for this position during the academic year is Sunday – Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the schedule during college breaks is Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College including its cultural and ethnic diversity.Library Assistant Public Services Colby College Libraries Full-Time Non-Exempt Hourly Staff Appointment
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: General
Oversee the general operations of all Sierra INN-Reach borrowing and lending functions including the daily printing of requests and accurate check-out/check-in of library materials
As needed train colleagues to assist with processing materials: printing notices pulling materials and logistics
Coordinate shipping and receiving of daily INN-Reach requests
Interact with patrons regarding INNReach loan policies including loan periods and requests for renewals
Create monitor and update schedules for each of The Libraries’ two service points
Hire train evaluate monitor and schedule library student assistants in collaboration with the Public Services Coordinator
Assist with processing Course Reserves materials in collaboration with colleagues
Participate in regular staffing at all service points; may include some nights/weekends
Answer general questions regarding the use of The Libraries’ physical and digital resources and facilities
Assist patrons with the use of library equipment.
Perform additional duties as assigned; duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice
Communication
Maintain regular communication with library staff at CBB and MaineCat libraries and promptly resolve any issues or concerns
Relay any MaineCat system errors/issues to the Maine State Library
Maintain regular contact with the Maine delivery service provider (Freedom Xpress) ensuring accurate accounting of shipping costs and following up on any discrepancies
Convey staffing needs at The Libraries’ two service points to Public Services team library colleagues and student assistants
Communicate schedule changes and adjustments to library colleagues
Statistics and Reporting
Create and monitor weekly INN-Reach reports
Compile annual statistics for reporting through IPEDS for INN-Reach
Provide annual narrative assessments including statistics from INN-Reach
Create assess and improve (as needed) processes for collecting statistics
QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or equivalent required; professional coursework or post-secondary education are a plus
Three or more years of prior library experience including policies practices and controls related to libraries
Superb time management skills including the ability to independently set goals and priorities
Ability to adapt to change and handle multiple priorities
Strong organizational skills accuracy and attention to detail
Excellent oral written and interpersonal communication skills including strong relationship skills
Demonstrated ability to assess workflows and provide solutions where needed
Highly developed computer skills including Google Apps (calendar docs sheets) and Microsoft Office are necessary with a willingness to learn new programs and/or devices; experience with integrated library systems preferred
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team establish priorities and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community
KEY RELATIONSHIPS: Reporting to the assistant director for public services this position has significant interaction with faculty staff students and colleagues in the Colby College Libraries. This position engages with Public Services colleagues on a daily basis maintaining collaborative and responsive working relationships. More specifically this position regularly collaborates with departmental colleagues in areas related to hiring training and monitoring student workers and fulfillment of course reserves. This position also creates maintains and strengthens relationships with external partners at Bates Bowdoin and libraries throughout the state of Maine.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting although frequent movement is necessary. Ability to move around campus including frequent travel between library buildings and interact with faculty staff students and external constituencies regularly is crucial. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Occasional nights and weekends may be required. Must have the ability to occasionally lift 30-50 pounds.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). All students faculty and staff who are present on campus must be vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 unless granted an exemption or accommodation by the College.
TO APPLY: Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the Apply button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest resume and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:
Library Assistant Public Services – Search Committee Office of Human Resources Colby College 5500 Mayflower Hill Waterville ME 04901-8855
A review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
