Library Assistant

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The University of Miami's Library has an exciting opportunity for a full time Library Assistant to work in Coral Gables, FL.

Primary responsibilities are providing customer service at the Access desk, assisting patrons with services and finding library materials.  Primary responsibilities include oversight at the desk, supervising students and ensuring referrals to library services especially services in the Learning Commons.  Additional responsibilities include welcoming patrons and guest, collecting the requested books from the stacks (“paging”) and participating in library opening and closing duties. Additional responsibilities include ensuring safe building operations and consistent excellent customer service experience for patrons, including resolving patron account issues.  Assist the night supervisor in maintaining a scholarly atmosphere within the library building.  This position may assume responsibility for opening or closing the library, as well as overall building responsibility when a supervisor is not on duty. May be assigned primary responsibility for overseeing specific collections areas, such as New Books.

This position is slated to work Tuesdays to Thursdays 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Fridays and Saturdays 2:00 pm 10:00 pm but subject to change as needed by the department. This position may be required to work during any of Richter Library's operations hours. The current hours for Richter Library are Monday through Thursday 7:30 am to 2:00 am, Friday 7:30 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am to 2:00 am and 24/7 during End-of-Semester Exam periods. As noted above, these hours are subject to change, depending upon the departmental needs in supporting the University community. During shortened and summer hours, the schedule will vary. 

Department Specific Functions:

Access Desk Responsibilities (50%)

• Supervision of services.
• Coordination of referrals to, and support of, the Learning Commons and all its services.
• Serves as a contact for staff and patron problem resolution.
• Monitors workflow and establishes priorities as needed.
• Coordinates staffing assignments with the Access Services Manager.
• Check in/out, and renew library, ILL and Reserve materials.  Maintain headcounts and paging workflow.
• Issue and update library patron permits/passes and Temporary CaneIDs.
• Answer questions regarding Circulation procedures and patron accounts, records and transactions.
• Monitor library entrance and public areas to ensure that patrons follow library policies.
• Negotiate situations involving fines, encumbrances, claims returned, or other problems that patrons have.
• Assist with library closing duties, clearing Stacks Tower, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors.
• Instruct and assist patrons with library equipment (e.g.  copy machines, microfilm readers, AV, etc.).
• Implements, interprets, and enforces departmental, library, and university policies and procedures as directed by supervisor and library administrators.
• Ensure that the library entrance and the circulation desk are neat and equipped with the necessary supplies (umbrella bags, calendars, stacks guides, passes, check staplers, hole punch, and paper cutter, etc.)
• Reports facilities complaints to Facilities Manager or other appropriate departments. Reports security problems to Public Safety.
• Effectively use SUMA, GIMLET and When2Work software to assist with Access Desk duties.

Assist with Stacks Maintenance, UML location & processing duties (40%).

• Assist in shelving or sorting returned materials as needed
• Process transit requests for library materials from all lending locations.
• Deliver and retrieve library materials from all lending locations.
• Assist remote storage supervisor with duties at the off-campus facility
• Perform searches for library materials and assist with inventory process.
• Monitor supply levels and order supplies as necessary.
• Maintain updated procedures manuals for processing duty.

Communications, Relationships, and Service (No percentage required.  Responsibility should be incorporated in total performance)

• Maintain friendly, welcoming, helpful, and supportive customer service behavior with all library customers.
• Establish effective and supportive interdepartmental relationships to increase unit effectiveness and disseminate information.
• Communicate frequently and effectively with all university staff, faculty, and administrators in a timely manner regarding procedures, policies, and other necessary information.
• Attend departmental meetings and writes reports, as required.
• Participate in library committees and task forces, as needed.

Other duties as assigned (10%).

• Assist with Stacks, Reserves, ILL and other library activities, as assigned.
• Participate in library committees and teams, as needed.

Percentages may vary dependent on service and operational needs of the Unit and Richter Library.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

Core Qualifications:

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• One year of relevant work experience; two years of related experience or two years of college preferred.
• Experience with maintenance of library collections preferred.
• Typing skills of at least 25 wpm.
• Experience with Microsoft Office or equivalent software including Word, Excel, and Outlook required.
• Fluency with Ex Libris Alma / Primo library systems platform or other Library systems and Circulation Modules preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Customer service skills required.
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds, push 50+ pounds and reach while on a stool.

Any relevant education, certifications and/or work experience may be considered.

The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.

With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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