ASSISTANT TO THE LIBRARIAN FOR ACCESS AND USER SERVICES

Monday through Friday 8:15 AM-4:15 PM 

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Library Operations

This is a union clerical position. 

 

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

The New School was founded by forward-thinking educators in 1919 to defy the intellectual constraints of a traditional college education. The New School Libraries and Archives supports the faculty and students of the institution in their teaching, research, and learning through access to collections, services, and spaces.

The Access and User Services department of the New School Libraries is seeking a responsible and dependable Assistant to the Librarian. This is a union clerical position that reports to the Assistant Director for Library Operations. During the academic year the schedule will be Monday through Friday, 8:15 am to 4:15 pm; hours may be adjusted during intersession and summer periods to match library operating hours.

This position will be responsible for opening at least one library location Monday through Friday, and they will be in charge of ensuring two locations open at their scheduled time one to two days a week. 

The Assistant to the Librarian will hire, train, schedule, and manage a staff of approximately 25 student employees during the academic year in collaboration with another Assistant to the Librarian. In addition to managing student employees, the successful candidate will be comfortable assisting a variety of library patrons in person, online, and over the phone.

This is a Local 1205 Clerical Unit position subject to the terms and conditions agreed to in the Union Contract between Teamsters Local 1205 and The New School.

The New School is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups, as well as candidates who share this commitment. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Clerical Library Public Service Responsibilities

• Answer and direct patron generated questions through live interactions, phone, email, LibAnswers and chat services at all library locations. 

• Assist patron navigation with library reserves, online resources and the onsite physical collection. 

• Assist and direct patrons with library technology, including but not limited to scanning, printing, bookable conference rooms, and the library laptop lending service.

• Assist with library collaboration room booking schedules.

• Demonstrate understanding and competence in performing Aleph/Alma circulation operations including in-house, off site, and all consortium borrowing. 

• Perform all stack maintenance operations including off site processing, shelving and shifting.

• Must be physically able to move book carts, carry items and move throughout the library for patron service and supervisory responsibilities.  

• Open and close library locations as necessary. 

• Understand, apply and work with staff to document library policy. 

• Work with patrons and staff to efficiently process patrons disputes and fines.  

• Work with the Archives and Special Collections staff to make Special Collections material available at the University Center Library.

• Attend circulation staff meetings and perform library duties at all New School Libraries.

• Report to locations as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

 

Specific Services for Assistant to the Librarian 

• 1-2 days a week this position will be responsible for making sure 2 different library locations open at their scheduled time.

• Proactively schedule, supervise and train the student workforce. 

• Work with Human Resources to post job descriptions and hire student employees

• Work with the LCAS office, Student Financial Aid office and Human Resources office to manage students’ transition into the MyDay system. 

• Trained as a Myday student employee partner. 

• Complete management of the student staffing and student work schedules at designated location throughout the academic year.

• Responsible for working within department allotted OCSE funds. 

• Process orders through the My New Source tool for assigned location.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High degree of computer literacy, including the ability to use automated library systems. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills, written and oral communication skills. 

• Ability to discern problems and initiate appropriate actions toward resolutions.

• Library work experience or library coursework in progress. 

• Supervisory and or management experience. 

 

WORK MODE

• On-Campus Position - Employees in this position are expected to work on-campus during regularly scheduled work hours due to the nature of the work being that which is not feasible, or not in the best interest of the organization, to be performed remotely.

 

HOURLY RATE

$26.40 hourly rate - As per the CBA with the Local 1205 / IBT

35 hours per week

Apply online here