Library Assistant II Job at University Of Memphis East in Memphis

University of Memphis Career Opportunities

Requires an associate’s degree and appropriate work experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience would be two years of college and 1-2 years of relevant work experience.

Special Conditions

This is a full-time permanent position requiring a 37.5-hour work week. The primary work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm; however, the incumbent may be asked occasionally to work outside of normal business hours.

Posting Information

Posting Date: 01/27/2025
Closing Date: 02/14/2025
Open Until Screening Begins: No

Hiring Range

Hiring Range: $15.45

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and occasionally required to stand; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Additional Working Conditions

Technologically oriented academic research library where the materials in the Special Collections Department represent the unique resources that distinguish this institution’s collections from other research collections. Position has a significant public service component requiring frequent interaction with the public in person, by telephone, and/or electronically. Position requires some standing, walking, and reaching in order to assist library users. Incumbent must be able to stoop, bend, and lift up to 40 pounds. Responsibilities might require the individual to pull and/or push wheeled book carts weighing up to 300 pounds.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Candidates must apply via the UofM WorkforUM website and include a cover letter, current resume, and contact information on at least 3 references. All applications must be submitted online at workforum.memphis.edu. Applicants must complete all applicable sections of the online application to be considered for a position. Please upload a cover letter, resume, and reference list after completing your application, if required by the system. Required work experience is based on full-time hours. Part-time work experience will be prorated as listed. Candidates who are called for an interview must notify the Department of Human Resources in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Positions Supervised

Supervises student workers as needed. May be involved in training staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Experience serving users in a customer service environment, preferably in an academic library.
2. Experience and comfort with using computers in a work setting.
3. Good keyboarding skills and working knowledge of standard productivity software such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe Photoshop, scanning software, and e-mail.
4. Ability to organize and analyze information.
5. Good attention to detail and ability to complete work with a high level of accuracy.
6. Ability to communicate effectively both in person and remotely in oral and written forms.
7. Good interpersonal skills that will support courteous and professional interactions with library users and coworkers from diverse backgrounds.
8. Skill in understanding, interpreting, and accurately following directions given verbally or in writing.
9. Good judgment and good problem-solving skills.
10. Willingness to learn and subsequently implement new tasks and skills.
11. Ability to work independently and accept responsibility for work to be done.
12. Ability to maintain a positive attitude while coping with organizational change.
13. Ability to recognize the limits of the authority of this position and know when to appropriately refer matters to a higher authority.

Job Duties

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Provides direct user assistance on a scheduled basis or as needed at the departmental service desk. Assists library users in identifying, locating, and using departmental resources including books, maps, online catalog, digital collections, manuscript collections, photographs, film footage, finding aids, etc. Provides informal instruction in the use of departmental resources for individuals and groups. Answers reference questions for users in person, on the telephone, or online.
2. Interprets and assures the implementation of official library policies.
3. Performs general collection management functions that maintain the physical order and condition of resources in the department and the library. Assists with maintaining appropriate records and preserving materials through appropriate techniques. Assists with shifting of collections in the Special Collections Department or other areas of the library, and materials in and between the McWherter Library collections and remote storage in the Brister Hall. Monitors the physical conditions of the stack areas and the reading room to ensure that conditions are appropriate for collections and library users. Reports problems as appropriate. Checks order of materials in the collection on a regular basis to ensure items are arranged in correct order. Makes shelving/filing corrections as necessary. Identifies damaged items in the collection so appropriate repairs can be made.
4. Supports the development, maintenance, and use of collections housed in the Special Collections Department. Applies basic archival and conservation techniques in accessioning and processing items being added to or maintained in the collection. Creates and updates the finding aids for various resources in the collection, as needed. Assists in creating and maintaining the University Libraries’ digitized special collections in the Digital Commons Institutional Repository by providing continuity and consistency in the development, preservation, and display of, and access to, digital assets. Participates in the department’s digital lifecycle by scanning, logging, distributing, and maintaining digital assets from the collections for addition to Digital Commons or responding to user needs. Assists in creating and maintaining metadata for all digital objects created and existing within Special Collections.
5. Performs other duties as assigned. Collects and submits appropriate statistics related to departmental work. Serves on library committees and task forces as appropriate. Undertakes special assignments or projects assigned by the immediate supervisor or the Executive Director/Dean of University Libraries. Assists library users with using technology and equipment located in Special Collections and the University Libraries.
6. Maintains proficiency in areas of expertise and responsibility. Participates in appropriate training sessions offered for University Libraries’ faculty and staff. Participates in appropriate training sessions offered on campus or through Human Resources. Participates in appropriate professional development activities and/or organizations.