Library Specialist

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.

Reporting to the Library Information Desk Coordinator, the Information Desk Associate provides basic reference assistance at the library information desk or service point. The Information Desk Associate performs various complex resource management operations, including searching, and uses specialized knowledge to respond to requests about the library’s print and electronic resources, direct users to appropriate subject databases and provide basic instruction in their use. Assists in identifying or verifying citations and assists users with bibliographic management software. Performs circulation transactions and registration of users. Assists with computer workstations and troubleshoots and reports hardware or software problems. Monitors the physical environment and may manage building emergencies. Compiles statistics for all transactions. Interprets library polices and exercises judgment in resolving user problems.  

Performs related duties as assigned.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION: 

• Performs a variety of complex library services and operations requiring a specialized knowledge.
• May process, verify and change bibliographic information online.
• Responds to requests from university and external users for information and circulation transactions.
• Communicates library policies and procedures to user community.
• Handles specialized materials and instructs users in the use of internal and external information resources, using a knowledge of on-line databases.
• Searches databases to determine the availability of materials, oversees receipt/check-in of materials, and organizes/prepares materials for shelving.
• Ensures stacks are neat and shelves library materials in their appropriate location.
• Assist in weeding, shifting and other stacks projects.
• Assist in the use of library equipment, technology, and software.
• May assist in Historical Collections. Performs related responsibilities as required

Type of Supervision Received:

 

Reporting to the Library Information Desk Coordinator, the Information Desk Associate works closely with this supervisor and other Information Desk staff.

• General direction is provided by the Associate Director.
• Individual performance is informally reviewed on a regular basis and formally on an annual basis; progress toward unit and professional goals is a key component of performance evaluation process.

Type of Supervision Exercised:

• The Information Desk Associate does not supervise librarian, staff, or student employees. 
• Key Responsibilities & Duties
• Information and Reference Services:
• Establishes and maintains courteous, professional, and service-oriented presence at Information Desk, providing positive contact for WHSC Library customers from the university and external communities.
• Responds to basic and specialized information requests received in person, online or via telephone, utilizing knowledge of biomedical library resources, including databases, journals, book collections (print and electronic), and information management software. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of Health Sciences Center Library resources and sufficient familiarity with other university library resources to direct customers to other service points as needed.
• Assists customers in identifying relevant materials in library collection; uses reference interview techniques to identify and link customers to appropriate types of resources (clinical, educational, research). Directs customers to Informationists or other specialists as needed.

Library Operations and Security Oversight:

• Ensures the timely and secure opening and closing of the library, sharing this duty with other Information Desk Associates based on the weekly schedule; occasional schedule changes may be required to ensure that WHSC Library is operational for its scheduled hours. May contact Woodruff Library security, Emory Police, the lock shop, and Emory Card Office to resolve any troubles with the automatic door locks or other security issues. May assist in the training and monitoring of desk operations. Sometimes serves as sole staff-person in library on nights or weekends.
• Monitors entrance and exit gates registering non-Emory visitors via Kiosk. Operates the materials’ anti- theft system, checks backpacks, etc. for library materials when the alarm sounds.
• Assists in the investigation of library users during building emergencies. Uses independent judgment when handling building emergencies that occur evenings and weekends.

Circulation

• Directs customers to locations of specific library materials and aids in the check-out or scanning of physical materials; explains and assists with procedures to request items at the Library Service Center or other locations.
• Uses integrated library system to respond to circulation queries, including requests for renewal and holds, processing fines, resolving disputes and errors, placing items on semester-long course reserve; understands circulation policies and follows guidelines for special circumstances.

Technology

• Monitors public workstations and printers; supports customers and non-Emory visitors with log-in, basic assistance with programs or hardware, and the download or printing of electronic materials.
• Responds to problems with printing, connectivity, or hardware by troubleshooting and then referring to appropriate technical support.
• Directed/Self-Directed Learning and Professional Development
• Regularly surveys Health Sciences Center Library website to ensure accurate and up-to-date links and to familiarize with resources.
• Reads and contributes relevant information about resources, services, or procedures to Information Desk blog, sharing and communicating with other Information Desk staff.
• Maintains awareness of library and campus events, as well as university news and other developments related to the health sciences..

Serials

• Process serial issues received weekly; check-in issues and revise serials holdings record in library system.
• Weed current periodical issues and either recycle or donate issues.
• Seve as contact person for library staff and customers to answer questions regarding receipt of serial
• issues.

Historical Collections

• May monitor and provide assistance to visitors during use of historical collection materials.
• Performs related work as required by interest and demand.

Projects

• Participate in ongoing and special projects related to library’s collection; weeding, clean- up, updating titlelists, storage, etc.

Please visit our employment wesite for full job description https://libraries.emory.edu/about/employment-emory-libraries

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• maintain a regular work schedule including days, evenings, and weekends, with some flexibility in rescheduling hours to meet library demands; on time attendance is essential.
• Good interpersonal skills: ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) and to work cooperatively with other staff; ability to give accurate, precise directions.
• Excellent time management skills and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and follow through on tasks with minimal direction.
• Demonstrated proficiency with personal computers and software, working knowledge of standard computer office applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Excel and other productivity software. Good understanding of bibliographic information.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse educational environment and workplace, and an ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty and student population.
• Capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, forward-thinking research institution and to respond effectively to changing needs and priorities.
• Ability to perform moderately heavy physical work; lift up to 20 pounds, and push shelving cart.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, bend while reshelving or retrieving materials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree in a related field. Two years related experience. May require computer skills, special skills or proficiency in a foreign language.

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location.  Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.

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