Library Technician

Current Employees:

If you are a current Staff, Faculty or Temporary employee at the University of Miami, please click here to log in to Workday to use the internal application process. To learn how to apply for a faculty or staff position using the Career worklet, please review this tip sheet .

Reporting jointly to the Head of Preservation Strategies and the Head of Weeks Music Library, the Preservation/Conservation Technician is responsible for preservation and conservation activities at the Weeks Music Library, including performing in-house binding and repairs, selecting materials for conservation, training student workers to assist with preservation activities, and selecting and ordering preservation supplies. In addition, the position is responsible for managing the annual supply budget in coordination with the Head of the Weeks Music Library. This includes maintaining an inventory of supplies and ordering materials as needed. Finally, the position assists with staffing the circulation desk when needed, including circulating materials, answering patron questions, and helping to supervise student workers while at the desk.

This regular, full-time position works Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This schedule may be subject to change based on the operational needs of the department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

REPAIR AND BINDING (60%)

• In collaboration with the bindery lead at Weeks Music Library, select materials to be bound in-house or sent to commercial bindery.
• Assist in shelf preparation of new acquisitions as needed, including preparation/review of call number labels, stamping and security stripping.
• Perform in-house binding, repairs, and preservation of all music materials following best practices in preservation and collections care.
• Perform regular surveys of stacks to select materials for repair or possible replacement.
• Update catalog status of materials pulled for preservation and/or repairs.
• Use independent judgment to stabilize or repair the general collection; may include construction of new spines, re-backing or resewing.
• Perform various paper repair techniques to correct tears, stains, including endsheet replacement, tissue repair, removing and/or replacing old mends.
• Construct protective enclosures, including clamshell boxes, portfolios, envelopes and polyester encapsulations for materials which cannot be otherwise treated; measures fragile material for boxes to be made by outside vendors; constructs oversize binders for scores.
• Perform treatment and repair of materials in the Musical Theater Archive (library special collection).
• Train and direct staff and/or student workers in binding, repair, and preservation activities.
• Monitor processing/preservation budget(s) and invoices.
• Select and order preservation supplies as needed.
• Keep statistics of preservation work.

ACCESS SERVICES:  Participate in Access Services activities as needed. (30%)

• Provide customer service to patrons at the circulation desk.
• Check out, check in, and renew all music library materials.
• Help patrons with issues relating to their library accounts in accordance with library policies.
• Assist patrons with searching for and using library resources and services.
• Refer patrons to other service points as needed.
• Monitor study room bookings, book rooms for patrons as necessary, and approve/deny bookings as needed.
• Relay purchase suggestions from patrons to Head of Weeks Music Library.
• May supervise student employees during circulation desk shifts.
• Monitor entrance/exit gate, lobby area, and lost and found during circulation desk shifts.
• Open and/or close the library based on work schedule and according to opening/closing procedures.
• Notify appropriate parties of issues related to building security, needed repairs, and/or technology problems.

Supplies Manager: Manage supply budget in coordination with Head of Weeks Music Library (5%).

• Maintain inventories of supplies, ordering replacements as needed and according to budget.
• Keep up with innovations in supplies and make suggestions for improvements.
• Contact Purchasing and Accounts Payable Departments as needed.

OTHER DUTIES (5%)

• Assists with special Weeks Music Library or University of Miami Libraries projects as needed.

Communications, Relationships, and Service (ongoing)

• Maintain helpful and supportive customer service behavior with all library customers internal and external.
• Establish effective and supportive interdepartmental relationships and participate in cross training opportunities to increase library and unit effectiveness and to effectively disseminate information.
• Work closely with the Preservation Strategies Department
• Communicate frequently and effectively with all university staff, faculty, and administrators in a timely manner regarding procedures, policies, and other necessary information.
• In pursuit of the Libraries’ and University’s strategic objectives, models the University’s “DIRECCT” values (diversity, integrity, responsibility, excellence, compassion, creativity, and teamwork) and actively works to promote them.
• When possible, participate in committees and teams within and outside the libraries to provide service to the Libraries, University and the Community.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Primary supervisor is the Head of Preservation Strategies; secondary supervisor is the Head of Weeks Music Library.  

• SUPERVISION GIVEN

This individual supervises st

• LEVEL OF CONTACTS

The individual has regular contact with library patrons that include students, faculty, staff, visitors, and vendors.  In all contacts, the incumbent is expected to be professional and courteous.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum 3 years of related work experience in a library or cultural institution. Any relevant education, certifications and/or work experience may be considered.
• Ability to create preservation enclosures; including boxes and encapsulations.
• Ability to repair paper.
• Good manual dexterity.
• Analytic and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to share information and to participate in continuing education in conservation and the book arts for the benefit of the library’s conservation/preservation operations.
• Ability to work cooperatively and productively with others.
• Ability to work independently in a team environment.
• Effective oral and written English language communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Knowledge of music and foreign languages is highly desirable.
• Knowledge and experience with bookbinding methods and book and paper conservation techniques is highly desirable.

ON THE JOB TECHNICAL SKILLS

           

Position will develop proficiency in the following:

• Thorough knowledge of library and departmental policies and procedures.
• Good knowledge of Ex Libris’ Alma Integrated Library System and Primo Discovery Layer.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word and other Microsoft Office products, as necessary.
• Proficiency in using e-mail.
• Proficiency in using Workday to place orders.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff

Pay Grade:

A4