Senior Library Assistant, Circulation & Serials

Rhode Island School of Design; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Senior Library Assistant, Circulation & Serials to join Fleet Library. The role focuses on processing and maintenance of serials, supporting the Circulation Desk, and supervising student assistants in a campus environment committed to inclusion.

The successful candidate will provide knowledgeable customer service, open and close the library as scheduled, and contribute to ongoing serials management and inventory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least 2 years of customer service experience, preferably in a library.
• Proficiency with library systems and basic office software; strong communication skills.
• Commitment to inclusive service and ability to work with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop the serials collection; monitor budget and liaise with vendors.
• Oversee Circulation/Reserve Desk; check out/in/renew materials and assist patrons.
• Open/close library, ensure safety, and supervise student staff.
• Train and supervise student employees; enforce library policies.

Skills

Library shelving

Sierra

Customer service

Office/inventory software

Attention to detail

Vendor communication

Team supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Sierra

Workday

EBSCOnet

Bindery systems

EBSCO holdings management

Job description

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Senior Library Assistant, Circulation & Serials to join Fleet Library.

The Senior Library Assistant is responsible for processing and maintenance of serials. Each day you will ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the Circulation/Reserve Desk and provide knowledgeable customer service. You will assist library users with a variety of needs and inquiries, supervise student assistants, and open and close the library as scheduled.

The successful candidate will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

• Maintain and develop the library serials collection. Monitor serials budget, collaborate with librarians to select and deselect titles, ensuring community requests and departmental interests are considered. Communicate with vendors, order and receive subscriptions, and maintain accurate serials records; claim missing issues and process serial gifts. Monitor and update digital access links to serials. Liaise with commercial bindery; prepare serials and monographs for bindery shipment. Maintain current periodicals shelving as well as back issues in the reading room and on-site storage stacks. Conduct semiannual serials inventory. Maintain statistical data related to serials use.
• Monitor the Circulation/Reserve Desk and related customer service operations. Answer inquiries related to library materials, circulation, and access; assist library users; respond to informational requests and refer patrons to appropriate library contacts as needed. Check out, check in and renew library materials.
• Ensure library equipment is ready for operation. Open and close the library as scheduled; monitor library spaces; and notify area supervisors of needed maintenance/repairs and the Public Safety department of any security/safety issues. Contribute to routine shelving and stacks maintenance.
• Provide on-site support and guidance for student employees; assign shelving, shelf reading, and other tasks as needed; assist with training and supervision.
• Understand and be familiar with library policies and procedures; ensure that policies are carried out; and make recommendations for modifications to the supervisor.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in customer service, preferably in a library setting, are required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for the minimum educational requirement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Library shelving and inventory experience.
• Proficiency with library management systems, preferably Sierra, is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, or other software used for maintaining records, inventory management, and data entry.
• Attention to detail, basic analytical skills, and the ability to work with multiple diverse populations in an artistic setting.
• Print and electronic serials management experience is preferred
• Experience with Workday financial systems, bindery systems, serials vendors (EBSCOnet preferred) and EBSCO holdings management tools is preferred.
• Awareness of contemporary art and design publishing trends impacting serials is preferred.
• Experience communicating with vendors, accepting and packing shipments is preferred.
• Supervisory experience (other staff and/or student employees) is preferred.
• Commitment to supporting an inclusive work environment and the ability to work respectfully and effectively across differences in background, role, and perspective.

Union:

No

Work Schedule:

35 hours per week; 12 months per year

Schedule: Sunday - Thursday 2pm-10pm

Summer schedule: Monday - Friday 10am-6pm

Employment Status:

Full-time; Non-Exempt; Regular

Grade:

825NE

Work Modality

On-campus

Documents Needed to Apply:

Resume (Required)

Cover Letter (Required)

Salary Grade Structure

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity

RISD recognizes inclusion and belonging as fundamental to its learning and working community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to this community and to our commitment to excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.