Classroom Support Assistant

Yale Library Special Collections Classroom Support

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With a primary focus on special collections classroom support services and under minimal direction of the Program Manager for Operations, uses independent judgment to assist instructors and perform a wide variety of classroom support duties. Develops and maintains strong understanding of Yale Library and departmental policies, procedures, and systems as they relate to classrooms and general use of the Beinecke Library for instructional purposes. Develops familiarity with the content, organization, and restrictions of Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library collections. Works primarily in special collections classrooms within 121 Wall Street (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library) and 120 High Street (Sterling Memorial Library). Provides backup classroom support at 190 York Street (Haas Family Arts Library) or in other special collections classrooms as needed. Contributes to the maintenance of process documentation and workflow management systems. May perform collection transfer duties or provide reading room desk coverage. Performs additional related duties and assists with special projects as assigned. May be assigned to work at West Campus location in West Haven, CT.

• Provides information and assistance to patrons, staff, and other library units in person, by phone, and electronically. Interviews patrons to determine scope and depth of research and assists them in registering and requesting collection material. Determines need for referral to other staff. Answers questions about restrictions on access or use of the materials and advises patrons on the impact of restrictions on their intended use.

• Instructs patrons in the use of technological tools (e.g., Aeon, Archives at Yale, Orbis, Quicksearch, as well as non-Yale platforms such as ArchiveGrid and WorldCat) to ensure that they are able to locate, request, and use both the Beinecke and Manuscripts and Archives' collections of published and unpublished resources across all formats as well as those located at repositories external to Yale special collections.

• Maintains information regarding patrons and their use of collection materials in a confidential database, and statistical information about public services operations. Collects, records, organizes, analyzes, and summarizes statistical data on all aspects of public services.

• Monitors the use of collection materials and instructs patrons in reading room procedures designed to prevent damage or theft. Monitors on-site shelving and holds to ensure the accuracy of information in the location database.

• Using independent judgment and within established procedures and guidelines, responds to or reference requests. Answers questions using collection materials, print, or electronic resources.

• Using independent judgment and within established procedures and guidelines, responds to digitization requests received by remote or in-person means, with responsibility for researching and identifying requested material from often incomplete information, assessing that material's condition, as well as invoicing and concluding sales.

• Provides coverage at both Beinecke reading rooms when necessary.

• Trains and provides work direction to student assistants.

• Actively monitors collection materials used in public service locations to identify and address preservation and conservation concerns.

• Coordinates the transfer of materials to and from shelving areas, including the Library Shelving Facility, for staff and patron use.

• Processes Interlibrary Loan requests.

• Performs other related duties as needed.

• May serve on committees within the YUL system.

• May be assigned to work at West Campus location in West Haven, CT.

• May be required to assist with disaster recovery operations.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate, orally and in writing, tactfully and effectively with a wide variety of patrons and staff, train others, and use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation in written communications such as correspondence, reports, and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively on complex tasks with little supervision.
• Knowledge of current Windows operating systems, and knowledge of and ability to use standard office productivity packages (e.g., Microsoft Office) and mail/calendar packages (e.g., Outlook).
• References must indicate reliable attendance and punctuality, accuracy and attention to detail despite interruptions, ability to organize and prioritize your own work, ability to work with a diverse population, to work independently, and to function effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to train and monitor the work of others.

Physical Requirements

Ability to climb ladders, push heavy book trucks, escort book trucks in elevators, lift heavy materials up to 50 lbs., and occasionally work in an environment with dust and/or mildew present.

Principal Responsibilities

• Serves as a primary source of information on established procedures and policies for staff and patrons.
• May perform a range of public and technical services functions.
• Oversees, instructs, revises, the work or coordinates work activities of staff.
• Provides research assistance to patrons and staff in writing and at reference desk.
• Interviews patron to determine scope and depth of request. Identifies and resolves problems.
• Searches for bibliographic data with incomplete information or source material in catalogs, reference sources, files, and databases.
• Acquires library material that has been recommended by patrons or librarians.
• Oversees a unit budget. Monitors expenditures, reconciles statements and maintains records. Organizes special projects.
• Performs functions incidental to library activities.

Required Education and Experience

Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.