Extra Help - Serials Assistant, Acquisitions Unit

Illinois State University; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

Illinois State University in Normal, IL, is seeking an Extra Help Serials Assistant in the Acquisitions Unit of Milner Library. The role supports the procurement of library resources, focusing on periodicals by processing subscriptions, renewals, and cancellations.

This temporary position offers up to 20 hours per week with flexible hours for Fall/Spring 2026. The Serials Assistant will handle data entry, track fiscal-year changes, and maintain title-level records, requiring attention to detail,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least one year experience with library systems, procedures, and practices.
• Experience with Microsoft Office.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to think critically and solve issues independently.
• Good communication skills.
• Good time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Complete provided training on library systems and standards.
• Track subscriptions and cancellations by fiscal year.
• Oversee the data and processing of print periodicals. Create and maintain title-level prediction patterns and check-in records. Examine in-coming materials routinely for title and frequency changes, and create new or edit existing title-level prediction patterns and check-in records as appropriate. Identify duplicates.
• Identify missing issues for titles acquired, and claim or report them for replacement, or otherwise troubleshoot and resolve the problem, as appropriate.

Skills

Library systems experience

Attention to detail

Strong organizational skills

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Title: Extra Help - Serials Assistant, Acquisitions Unit
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Milner Library

Job Summary

Milner Library’s Acquisition’s Unit is hiring an Extra Help Serials Assistant. The Acquisitions Unit supports the procurement of all library resources and performs work related to the selection, acquisition, and data entry of purchased and licensed content. The Serials Assistant performs technical, clerical and other duties related to the control of periodical and journal subscription, renewal and cancellation.

Job Duties

• Complete provided training on library systems and standards
• Track new subscriptions and cancellations by fiscal year
• Oversee the data and physical processing of print periodicals. Create and maintain title-level prediction patterns and check-in records. Examine in-coming materials routinely for title and frequency changes, and create new or edit existing title-level prediction patterns and check-in records as appropriate. Identify duplicates.
• Identify missing issues for titles acquired, and claim or report them for replacement, or otherwise troubleshoot and resolve the problem, as appropriate

This is a temporary extra help position for Fall/Spring 2026. Applicants must be available to work 20 hours per week. Hours are flexible.

Additional Information

Benefits include time away from work for eligible employees and the option to participate in the University’s 403(b) Plan.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$20.00 per hour

Required Qualifications

• 1. High school diploma or equivalent
• 2. At least one year experience with library systems, procedures, and practices
• 3. Experience with Microsoft Office
• 4. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• 5. Ability to think critically and solve issues independently
• 6. Good communication skills
• 7. Good time management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• 1. Coursework in Library and Information Science

Work Hours

Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm. Hours are flexible within this range.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• 1. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.
• 2. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.
• 3. Remain at a workstation for extended periods.

Proposed Starting Date

August 2026

Required Applicant Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Applicant Documents

• Certification of Retirement Annuity

Special Instructions for Applicants

Extra Help employees may only work up to 28 hours per week for all University employment and are paid for hours worked only. Extra Help employment does not guarantee permanent placement. Extra Help employees may only work up to 900 total hours.

Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois.

Contact Information for Applicants

Mackenzie Chapman
Human Resources
309-438-3092
[e-mail]

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at [phone]. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at [phone].