Library Assistant II

Position Title:
Library Assistant II

Job Group:
Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:
• Two years of library work experience, or A combination of related work experience, undergraduate education, and/or post-high school library training totaling three years.

Preferred Qualifications:
Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to successfully perform detailed processes based on a high number of variables.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff and library users, orally and in writing.
Experience with Microsoft Office suite or similar tools, and the ability to learn and use new technologies.
Ability to respond to a variety of queries from library users and staff requiring judgment in the application of unit policies.
Demonstrated commitment to creating a welcoming environment and contributing to a collaborative working and learning environment.

Job Description:

The Iowa State University Library is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time (40 hours per week) Library E-Resources Assistant position to join our collaborative team. The successful candidate will play a core role in ensuring that the library’s collections of online books, journals, videos and databases are accessible and discoverable to the Iowa State University campus and community, with particular responsibilities in the area of e-book and streaming video collections. This position maintains consistent records of e-resources, and investigates and resolves problems utilizing a variety of online information systems. Prior knowledge of library collections and services is preferred, but training is available. The successful candidate will be eager to learn new systems, perform with a consistently high level of focus and attention to detail, and work well both independently and as part of a team.

Characteristics Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages system records to facilitate the discovery and access of the library's e-resources, with a focus on proactive maintenance of video collections and e-book collections in the library's automation system.

• Utilizes a variety of vendor systems in collaboration with Metadata Services staff to improve bibliographic descriptions of e-books and streaming videos within licensed collections. Coordinates the creation or import of bibliographic records within e-book series and electronic standing orders.

• To ensure timely and effective access to new titles within the e-book and video collections, monitors and troubleshoots ongoing imports of bibliographic records from external systems.

• Monitors and acts on changes to the e-resources knowledge base to ensure the ongoing accuracy and stability of the library's e-resources access points.

• Takes ownership of simple or moderately complicated e-resources problem tickets related to e-book and video collections, resolving issues, providing timely and helpful responses to users, and escalating to E-Resources Librarian when necessary.

• Facilitates the new order process for some e-book collections and streaming video collections.

• Creates and manages system records to effectively document and monitor the library’s electronic resources licensing agreements.

• Provides support for library project work within and outside the department.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of unit’s routines, functions, policies, procedures, and forms.

• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and library users, orally and in writing.

• Knowledge of library terminology and academic and bibliographic vocabulary.

• Basic skill in utilizing a computer, software, online systems, and conventional office equipment.

• Ability to respond to a variety of queries from library users and staff requiring judgment in the application of unit policies.

• Ability to accurately follow and interpret oral and written instruction and exercise judgment in its application.

• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.

• Ability to exercise functional supervision over employees.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. 

Appointment Type:
Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
08

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?

Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:
March 12, 2024

Posting Close Date:
March 21, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R14215