Position Introduction:

The User Services Assistant is a 12-month temporary PEAK position in the Special Research Collections division of University Libraries. The Assistant supports delivering services to library users accessing and conducting research in the Libraries’ extensive holdings of distinctive primary source collections including rare books and manuscripts, archival records, historic photographs, maps, archival media, and architectural drawings. The Assistant supports delivery of services to both in-person and distance/online users. This position reports to the Head of User Services, Special Research Collections and serves on a team that provides public services to users of the Libraries’ Special Research Collections including reference, access, and instructional services.

The Assistant responds to routine email inquiries requesting access to collection materials, providing users with information about departmental policies and delivering access to digitized collection materials. The Assistant schedules and prepares for in-person researchers, requesting or retrieving collection materials and communicating reading room policies and procedures. The Assistant participates in monitoring the Special Research Collections reading room, fielding and responding to questions and referring researchers to curators, archivists, and librarians in the department as appropriate. The Assistant supports preparing for instruction sessions and tours, retrieving collection items and arranging them for students and library visitors. The Assistant demonstrates professionalism and courtesy in user interactions and communicates and enforces policies for the security and safe handling of rare and valuable materials.

The successful candidate will be required to have the following skills:

• Ability to perform highly detail-oriented tasks and coordinate with appropriate personnel as required
• Ability to perform tasks in adherence with established standards, processes, and workflows
• Ability to provide public services in a gracious, welcoming, and professional manner
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to build and sustain effective interpersonal relationships and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work with minimal supervision on daily tasks and complete work within deadlines
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook
• Ability to work in stressful situations and meet deadlines in a timely manner

Required Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 12 months office, clerical, or administrative experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of office procedures
• Office management and customer service skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Required Certifications and Licenses:

• None

Department Preferences:

• Relevant library experience
• Experience providing customer service in a front-facing role
• Bachelor’s degree, any subject area
• Must be able to climb stairs, lift/carry up to fifty pounds, push loaded carts, and engage in regular bending, stretching, reaching, and stooping. Ability to sit and/or work at a computer monitor for up to eight hours.