The Washington Research Library Consortium, Inc is hiring: Library Assistant in

The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center is a repository of rare and recently published books, periodicals, serials, and vertical files related to the global black experience. Founded in 1914, the MSRC is the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of books, artifacts, manuscripts, and ephemera of the Black African diaspora. The Library Assistant works as a first line of contact for the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center – greeting visitors, providing customer service support, and assisting with the day-to-day operations of a busy research center. The ideal candidate must have a friendly and energetic personality, a strong work ethic, and operate with impeccable integrity.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

N/A

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The Library Assistant is the presumable “face” of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center. The individual must greet visitors to the center in the historic Readers Room and assist librarians in a variety of library tasks.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Welcome visitors, students, faculty, and administrators to the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center.
2. Regular timely attendance.
3. Ensure all visitors to the Moorland-Spingarn follow protocols.
4. Assist with the inventory of rare books, periodicals, and vertical files.
5. Provide stack maintenance for rare and historically significant collections.
6. Maintain library shelves in proper order.
7. Retrieve books and materials for patrons on request.
8. Assist library patrons with the use of library equipment.
9. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Library Automation software (ex. Alma).
10. Receive mail and shipments.
11. Assist in the preparation of donated books for accessions.
12. Assist in the setup and take down of library events and programs.
13. Assist in the setup and take down of library displays.
14. Assist in the creation of print and digital marketing materials for the library.
15. Assist in tracking statistical data of the library division.
16. Reclassify books to the stacks.
17. Ability to shift stacks.
18. Generate monthly reports detailing assignments done and projects worked on.
19. Work closely with other divisions to ensure institutional consistency.
20. Ability to move medium weight boxes, carts, and equipment.
21. Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
22. Assist other staff members and students in whatever area help is needed.
23. Perform other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

1. Microsoft Office Suite
2. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment to meet planned goals.
3. Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
4. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
5. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma.
2. At least 2 years' experience working in a library.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Subject area expertise or educational background in any of the following: African American History/Studies/Literature, Africana Studies, or cultural studies.
2. Experience working with rare books and/or special collections.

Founders Library - Moorland-Spingarn Research Center
500 Howard Place, NW
Washington, DC, 20059
USA