Job Summary:

Summary:
The Library Access Services Project Specialist is responsible for the maintenance of the Library’s physical collection. Under the supervision of the Director of Collections Strategy and Library Operations, this position coordinates, oversees, and implements varied collection maintenance projects from inventorying the collection to weeding it, and more. Additionally, the Specialist ensures that issues related to the physical spaces in the library are addressed. In doing so this critical role ensures access to our spaces and our resources. The Project Specialist may also cover breaks and select shifts at the Circulation and Help Desk. The position grounds all facets of this work in Barnard College’s “commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity” (Diversity & Inclusion).

This position reports to the Director of Collection Strategy and Library Operations and is part of the Library Access Team at Barnard Library and Academic Information Services. All members of the s team cross-train and provide logistical support for one another;; participate in ongoing learning; build Library relationships across Barnard and Columbia; raise the profile of the Library; and work toward equity and inclusion to contribute to a thriving work environment and a user-focused commitment to accessibility.

Position is 35 hours per week during Library open hours, including coverage of Saturdays and Sundays; must be able to work weekends. Desk coverage shifts require starting ½ hour before the Library opens and/or ending at Library close.

 

 

Job Description:

Duties & Responsibilities:

Collections Management, Library Operations, & Access Services Work 

Implements collection maintenance projects to ensure the condition and accessibility of collections. This position is a project manager who holds and tracks and completes projects from start to finish. Project areas include but are not limited to:

Shelf maintenance projects, for example:

• Inventory - seasonal and ongoing

• Shelf clean-up

• Managing missing books cycle and reporting

• Weeding and recycling weeded books

• Shelf shifting when needed; call number sign management and updates

• Review of materials in storage

• Updating and maintaining oversize stickers

• Readability/accessibility of labels across the collection

Student engagement projects, for example:

• Sign design updates and sign management

• Assessing and updating all Operations Team practices for environmental responsibility

• Coordinating space including chair placement

• Display management: online and physical

Event planning support as neededCirculation & Help Desk

Services the  Circulation & Help Desk, a central access point for Library services and collections, including, but not limited to these responsibilities:

Executes best practices for all operations of the library service desk, including basic reference, referrals, and excellent customer service, including sharing information about policies and collections (including the main collection, reserves, media, and zines), resolving problems, and clearing blocks (includes accessing and protecting users’ confidential circulation records) at the desk and in the Library in person, by email, by phone, and on chat reference.

Creating a user-centered, welcoming and accessible environment s for all students, alums, staff, and faculty. . 

Troubleshooting and supporting spaces and equipment in connection with the collection throughout the library:

When needed, working with BCIT, BLAIS and AV, to ensure maintenance and function of equipment throughout the library user space, including maintenance for printers, computers, scanners, adjustable-height desks, etc.

When needed, reporting or placing work orders with Barnard Facilities and Custodial Services to ensure maintenance and repair of all building facilities related to the collection area when needed, including furniture, lighting, etc, should issues arise during the evening shift.

 

Operations Team Responsibilities

Practice excellence in customer service across the organization and with users. Internal and external customer service work includes: contributing to user-focused accessibility of the Barnard Library, and collaborating with the Student Engagement and Access Services Librarian to consider the impact of daily work on and evolve practices to affirm staff and users of historically underserved identities.

Contribute to Operations Team projects, including serving as backup for Library Operations Team workflows and training Library Operations Team members to prepare them to serve as backup for collection maintenance and digitization.

Partners with Director of CSLO and colleagues in CARES
(Community Accountability, Response, and Emergency Services), Facilities, Capital Projects, AV, BCIT, and others as need to maintain library collections, equipment, and furniture, and to ensure accessible, safe, and effective library spaces for all users

Build and maintain positive connections with colleagues across Operations Team, BLAIS, Barnard, and the Columbia University Libraries in order to support the work of the Operations Team.

Perform other duties as assigned.

 

 

Skills, Qualifications & Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated excellence in  service and multi-tasking in a fast-paced and vibrant environment.

• Demonstrated excellence in supporting use of and troubleshooting technologies.

• Evidence of strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Evidence of excellence in written and asynchronous communication with colleagues.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to contribute to a team environment.

• Experience with service in an academic library and/or with undergraduate students, faculty, and staff.

• Demonstrated ability to plan, document, prioritize, complete, and communicate about projects.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in education and/or libraries.

 

Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of work experience in an academic and public service environment with a focus on  affirming people of historically marginalized identities required; prefer at least 1 year working in a library.

• Experience with software and programming including, not limited to: integrated library system (Voyager currently used), Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, scanner software, media stations, macros, html/drupal, email.

 

Salary: $31.25 - $31.25/hr.

 

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift items weighing as much as 25 lbs. Ability to carry, lift, and shelve books and equipment. Ability to push full book carts.

• Tolerance for possible exposure to dust and mold on books and shelves.

• Ability to perform office tasks such as sitting and/or standing, moving, computing, and answering telephone for moderate to prolonged periods of time combined with moderate reaching, bending, and lifting.

 

 

Apply online here