Library Assistant

Overview

The Hirsh Health Sciences Library provides collections and services that support the educational, research, and patient care missions of Tufts University, and specifically all programs on the Health Sciences Campus. The Research and Instruction Department is a highly visible and customer service-oriented department that serves as the primary and first point patrons come to for assistance - with various library services and resources. The Research and Instruction staff help patrons access services and resources, circulate materials, provide referrals; assist patrons in scanning & printing; provide information about the library and its policies; work closely with other library departments to provide outstanding customer service, -in person, and electronically.

What You'll Do

The Library Reference Assistant is responsible for carrying out all the daily activities of the Library Service Desk in an effective, customer-oriented, and professional manner. Duties include coverage at the Library Service Desk, comprising but not limited to assisting patrons with access to the library and library resources, contributing to Library knowledge bases, interpreting library holdings via the online catalog, providing library materials, operating the circulation system, checking library materials in and out, and creating and maintaining patron records. This position also includes communicating library policies to staff and library users; assisting with printing and scanning; answering basic reference questions and accurate referral of complicated inquiries to appropriate staff members; and the ability to work with the reserve module, create sets and other advanced functions of the library system . This position is also responsible for assisting with Library Service Desk statistics and Interlibrary Loan functions. This is an on-site position.

This is a permanent, part-time position for 20 hours per week. Hours are afternoons and Fridays until 7 pm.

• Customer Service:
  Provides outstanding customer service to internal and external customers. Assists library users with circulating HHSL materials (borrowing and check-in); locates items in the HHSL library catalog and beyond; disseminates and elucidates library policy to patrons; registers new patrons; troubleshoots printer/scanner and computer problems and refers to University IT as needed; assists with routine Circulation functions such as, reserves processing, and intra-University Requests processing as needed. The sole permanent staff member on duty Friday evenings until closing.
• Provides basic reference and research service. Makes timely and appropriate referrals for questions and problems to the Research and Instruction Librarians.
  Monitors library chat service. Maintains Library Service Desk supplies.
• Technology:
  Tracks borrowing and overdues; records statistics and provide back up for Interlibrary Loan service; contribute to Circulation Dept. wiki; blog and Library knowledge base; assists in daily statistics recording
• Other circulation or Research & Instruction department related projects/duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Associate's Degree
• 1-2 years related experience
• Library circulation systems: MS Office products

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 1-2 years experience in a library, academic or special
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong commitment to outstanding public service.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently.
• Enthusiasm and initiative, and the ability to prioritize diverse responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Good organizational skills.
• High-level problem-solving and technical skills.
• Ability to meet and exceed customer needs and expectations.
• Comfortable with various technologies and programs.

Pay Range

Minimum $20.50, Midpoint $24.40, Maximum $28.30

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.