Libraries Specialist, Thun Library, Berks campus

The Pennsylvania State University; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 17,047 - 24,280; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting rate of $15.0 per hour

Job summary

The Thun Library at Penn State Berks is seeking a Libraries Specialist to assist patrons with advanced requests and support part-time staff, including supervising or mentoring duties. The role requires 15 hours per week across evenings and weekends during the academic year.

This position offers a collaborative team environment with training and accommodations as needed, starting at $15.00 per hour. Applications will be reviewed starting August 3, with interviews through September.

Qualifications

• Customer service experience.
• Non-students or students with supervisory / independent customer service experience.
• Ability to communicate clearly in person and in writing.
• Civility expectations per University Libraries guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Welcome patrons to the library.
• Check out/in books, equipment, and other materials.
• Confirm study room reservations.
• Provide guidance on user accounts and library services.
• Follow library procedures.
• Oversee library operations during opening or closing.
• Assist SLAs with service questions and permissions.
• Address building concerns and maintenance issues.
• Assist users with technology and refer to PSU IT as needed.
• Answer general questions about the library and Penn State Berks.
• Support advanced requests and refer in-depth questions to the team.
• Retrieve and shelve materials from a 68,000+ item collection.

Skills

Customer service

Effective communication

Civility and professionalism

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Thun Library at Penn State Berks is looking for a Libraries Specialist to assist library patrons with advanced requests, serve as a resource for other part‑time library employees, and navigate service interruptions. Applicants must commit to working 15 hours per week during open library hours, including evenings and weekends, with core hours changing during breaks and summer to align with the academic year. This position is ideal for non‑students, students with experience supervising or working independently in a customer service setting, and current Student Library Assistants. All are encouraged to apply. No prior library experience is required; library training will be provided.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Welcome students, staff, faculty, and community members to the library
• Check out/in books, equipment, and other library materials
• Confirm study room reservations
• Provide guidance on user accounts and library services
• Follow library operation processes and procedures
• May oversee library operations during opening or closing
• Assist Student Library Assistants (SLAs) with service questions and override permissions
• Address building concerns including disruptive patron behavior or maintenance issues
• Assist others with technology, referring to PSU IT when necessary
• Answer general questions about the library and the Penn State Berks campus
• Assist users and colleagues with advanced requests and support services
• Refer in‑depth questions to the library team and/or appropriate departments
• Retrieve and shelve materials correctly in a 68,000+ item collection
• Inform the library team of service concerns or suggestions

QUALIFICATIONS

• Customer service experience
• Non‑students, students with experience supervising or working independently in a customer service setting, and current Student Library Assistants
• Ability to clearly communicate through face‑to‑face and written communication
• All members of the University Libraries community are responsible for and expected to exemplify and promote civility by following the University Libraries Civility Statement and Guidelines.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER

• A supportive team to assist, train, and mentor you
• Reasonable accommodations
• Opportunities to work with Thun team members on special projects
• Starting rate of $15.0 per hour

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a cover letter explaining why this opportunity is an ideal position for you, a resume, and availability (morning, evening, and weekend). Applications will be reviewed beginning August 3, and interviews will be conducted through the end of September. For questions, contact Melissa Millar, Library Services Manager, at [e-mail].

BACKGROUND CHECKS / CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPU S SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.