Harvard University
Library Assistant Job at Harvard University in Washington
Harvard University, Washington, DC, United States, 20022
Basic Qualifications
•Three years of substantial library or archival experience (from acquisitions and/or technical and/or public services and/or information technologies), preferably in a research library.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
•A Bachelor of Arts degree or the equivalent.
•Knowledge of how to search library databases.
•Knowledge of Word, Excel, scanning, Adobe Photoshop or other graphic design programs.
•Ability to work both independently and in a team.
•Ability to take initiative but also to follow instructions.
•A completed ML(I)S or in progress.
•Background in Hellenic and classical studies.
•Reading knowledge of western modern languages (e.g., German, French, Italian, Spanish and/or modern Greek) and ancient languages (Greek and/or Latin).
•Experience using an integrated library management system.
•Experience creating flyers, newsletters, webpages, blogs, social media posts, library guides, archival finding aids.
•Experience working with the public, especially with scholars.
Position Description
Library Acquisitions
•Searches lists of items in HOLLIS/ALMA and Worldcat/OCLC to check holdings and bibliographic information to avoid duplication when ordering materials.
•Expedites orders and facilitates invoicing.
•Receives and examines newly arrived library items.
•Prepares approval plan returns.
Technical Services
•Processes new monographs and periodicals in ALMA.
•Updates ALMA item records, holdings and bibliographic records together with the cataloguer.
•Administers call number labels, book plates, and barcodes for new items.
•Keeps track of duplicates and assists with donations.
•Prepares and receives bindery shipments.
•Prepares shipments for preservation/conservation services and prepares orders for archival enclosures.
•Performs basic book repairs.
•Assists with inventory and shelf-reading.
•Receives and returns interlibrary loan requests.
•Assists with digitization efforts, including scanning, saving, PDF conversion, OCR generation, dissemination (uploading, linking).
Circulation/Fulfillment
•Checks in and shelves circulated items.
•Searches for missing items.
•Creates and updates library signage (e.g., journal lists, and call number signs).
•Contributes to ongoing physical space analysis and the shifting of items.
•Assists users in locating materials in the stacks and checking out items.
•Helps answer basic reference and directional questions from the fellows and the public.
•Assists patrons in the use of scanners and in how to search for items in HOLLIS.
•Fulfills reasonable and lawful remote scanning requests (no whole books) of unique items, following Harvard's Scan and Deliver policies, unless there is already online access to requested journal articles and book chapters.
•Assists users with loan renewals.
•Helps users submit interlibrary loan requests via OCLC/WorldShare or other systems.
•Sets up library card accounts for new users w/o HarvardKeys; adds identifiers to create library cards for readers.
•Maintains and provides circulation and acquisitions statistical data with the help of ALMA analytics in coordination with the Community Engagement, Systems and Digital Scholarship Librarian, and CHS and Cambridge IT teams.
Public Outreach
•Assists with creating flyers, programs, newsletters, blogs, resources guides.
•Assists with communicating with the internal and external community of scholars and interested members of the public to invite and inform them about ongoing and future CHS and library programs.
•Assists with organizing library programming, community engagement, and other outreach activities.
•Other duties as needed.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job Summary
This position supports various library operations both in technical and public services such as circulation, acquisitions, materials processing and maintenance, shelving, digitization, signage, interlibrary loan requests, outreach and informational/instructional activities, assistance to residential fellows and readers.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Work Format Details
This position is based primarily at the campus of the Center for Hellenic Studies, in Washington, DC. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
•Three years of substantial library or archival experience (from acquisitions and/or technical and/or public services and/or information technologies), preferably in a research library.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
•A Bachelor of Arts degree or the equivalent.
•Knowledge of how to search library databases.
•Knowledge of Word, Excel, scanning, Adobe Photoshop or other graphic design programs.
•Ability to work both independently and in a team.
•Ability to take initiative but also to follow instructions.
•A completed ML(I)S or in progress.
•Background in Hellenic and classical studies.
•Reading knowledge of western modern languages (e.g., German, French, Italian, Spanish and/or modern Greek) and ancient languages (Greek and/or Latin).
•Experience using an integrated library management system.
•Experience creating flyers, newsletters, webpages, blogs, social media posts, library guides, archival finding aids.
•Experience working with the public, especially with scholars.
Position Description
Library Acquisitions
•Searches lists of items in HOLLIS/ALMA and Worldcat/OCLC to check holdings and bibliographic information to avoid duplication when ordering materials.
•Expedites orders and facilitates invoicing.
•Receives and examines newly arrived library items.
•Prepares approval plan returns.
Technical Services
•Processes new monographs and periodicals in ALMA.
•Updates ALMA item records, holdings and bibliographic records together with the cataloguer.
•Administers call number labels, book plates, and barcodes for new items.
•Keeps track of duplicates and assists with donations.
•Prepares and receives bindery shipments.
•Prepares shipments for preservation/conservation services and prepares orders for archival enclosures.
•Performs basic book repairs.
•Assists with inventory and shelf-reading.
•Receives and returns interlibrary loan requests.
•Assists with digitization efforts, including scanning, saving, PDF conversion, OCR generation, dissemination (uploading, linking).
Circulation/Fulfillment
•Checks in and shelves circulated items.
•Searches for missing items.
•Creates and updates library signage (e.g., journal lists, and call number signs).
•Contributes to ongoing physical space analysis and the shifting of items.
•Assists users in locating materials in the stacks and checking out items.
•Helps answer basic reference and directional questions from the fellows and the public.
•Assists patrons in the use of scanners and in how to search for items in HOLLIS.
•Fulfills reasonable and lawful remote scanning requests (no whole books) of unique items, following Harvard's Scan and Deliver policies, unless there is already online access to requested journal articles and book chapters.
•Assists users with loan renewals.
•Helps users submit interlibrary loan requests via OCLC/WorldShare or other systems.
•Sets up library card accounts for new users w/o HarvardKeys; adds identifiers to create library cards for readers.
•Maintains and provides circulation and acquisitions statistical data with the help of ALMA analytics in coordination with the Community Engagement, Systems and Digital Scholarship Librarian, and CHS and Cambridge IT teams.
Public Outreach
•Assists with creating flyers, programs, newsletters, blogs, resources guides.
•Assists with communicating with the internal and external community of scholars and interested members of the public to invite and inform them about ongoing and future CHS and library programs.
•Assists with organizing library programming, community engagement, and other outreach activities.
•Other duties as needed.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job Summary
This position supports various library operations both in technical and public services such as circulation, acquisitions, materials processing and maintenance, shelving, digitization, signage, interlibrary loan requests, outreach and informational/instructional activities, assistance to residential fellows and readers.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format Details
This position is based primarily at the campus of the Center for Hellenic Studies, in Washington, DC. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.