Library Specialist-Circulation and Course Reserves

Alabama A&M University; Normal (AL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Alabama-A in Normal, AL is seeking a Library Support Specialist to aid teaching, learning, and research outcomes by assisting patrons with digital and print resources and operating the ILS and SaaS platforms.

The role covers e-course reserves, user services, copyright guidance, and collaboration with archives. Requires 2+ years in an academic library and an associate degree or higher; bachelor’s preferred. Evening/weekend hours may be required.

Qualifications

• Requires Associate’s degree or two years of college; Bachelor preferred.
• Two or more years of experience in an academic library setting.
• Knowledge of library terminology and standard practices; LC and Dewey systems.

Responsibilities

• Supervises e-course reserve services and ensures links are properly placed in LMS or SaaS platform.
• Provides circulation, e-course reserve, and information services to patrons in person and virtually.
• Advises faculty on copyright, fair use policies, and course material selection.
• Assists faculty, students, and librarians to locate materials and evaluate needs.
• Supports University Archives/State Black Archives for research and visitor services.
• Maintains daily library and archives operations in collaboration with Access Services.
• Prepares monthly/annual reports and performs data analysis.
• Provides service desk coverage and supervises student assistants.

Skills

Excellent oral and written comms

Teamwork and collaboration

Independent work capability

Adaptability to diverse populations

Customer service

Education

Associate’s degree or two years of college coursework; Bachelor degree preferred

Two+ years of experience in an academic library setting

Tools

LC Classification System

Dewey Decimal System

Job description

Summary

This position reports to the Head of Access Services. The position supports teaching, learning, and research outcomes by assisting patrons in locating and retrieving information from digital and print resources and utilizing the Integrated Library System (ILS) and online services software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises the operation of the library’s electronic course reserve (“e-course reserve”) service, which provides students with access to digital course materials.
• Ensure links to e-course reserve materials are properly placed in the learning management system or online software SaaS platform.
• Use knowledge of library resources and provide circulation, e-course reserve, and information services to library patrons, face-to-face and virtually.
• Follows procedures to ensure copyright compliance and advises faculty on policies and procedures for fair use.
• Assists faculty, students, and librarians to evaluate needs and locate appropriate materials on time.
• Work within University Archives and State Black Archives to conduct historical research, perform visitor services, and assist archivists and curators.
• Maintain the daily operation of the library & archives in collaboration with the Access Service department and the Curator/Archivist (SBA).
• Ability to prepare written monthly/annual reports and perform data analysis.
• Reviews Library usage patterns and makes recommendations regarding services.
• Provides service desk coverage and supervision daily.
• Responsible for opening and/or closing of the library.
• Support, train, and supervise student assistants.
• Perform all related duties as assigned by a supervisor with reasonable accommodations.

Minimum Position Requirements (including years of experience, certifications, licenses, etc.)

• Associate’s degree or two (2) years of college level coursework. Bachelor degree is preferred.
• Two or more years of experience in an academic library setting.
• Must have knowledge of library terminology, standard library practices and techniques, LC and Dewey library classification system

Physical ability to

• Work for extended periods on a computer/laptop/tablet. Includes data entry/typing, reading, conducting training, and other job-related activities.
• Work at heights not to exceed 6 feet with the aid of a step stool.
• Push and/or pull book trucks; weight varies.
• Sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Lift and/or carry up to 20 pounds.
• Work some evening and weekend hours.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current technologies, personal computer and office software such as work-processing, excel spreadsheet, and database software.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties.
• Ability to demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of staff and students and of staff and students with physical and learning disabilities.