Library Service Assistant 4

Overview
With a primary focus on public services and under minimal direction of the Assistant Head of Beinecke Reading Room Operations, uses independent judgment to assist patrons and perform a wide variety of public service and technical service duties using knowledge of the policies, procedures, collections, indexes, and guides of the department, the University Library and Yale University as a whole, as well as knowledge of the content, organization, and restrictions of its collections. Will work primarily at 121 Wall Street (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library) and is cross trained to work at 120 High Street (Sterling Memorial Library). Conducts training and creates user documentation. 
 

Provides information and assistance to patrons, staff, and other library units in person, by phone, and electronically. Interviews patrons to determine scope and depth of research and assists them in registering and requesting collection material. Determines need for referral to other staff. Answers questions about restrictions on access or use of the materials and advises patrons on the impact of restrictions on their intended use.  

Instructs patrons in the use of technological tools (e.g., Aeon, Archives at Yale, Orbis, Quicksearch, as well as non-Yale platforms such as ArchiveGrid and WorldCat) to ensure that they are able to locate, request, and use both the Beinecke and Manuscripts and Archives’ collections of published and unpublished resources across all formats as well as those located at repositories external to Yale special collections. Maintains information regarding patrons and their use of collection materials in a confidential database, and statistical information about public services operations. Collects, records, organizes, analyzes, and summarizes statistical data on all aspects of public services. 

Monitors the use of collection materials and instructs patrons in reading room procedures designed to prevent damage or theft. Monitors on-site shelving and holds to ensure the accuracy of information in the location database. Using independent judgment and within established procedures and guidelines, responds to reference requests. Answers questions using collection materials, print, or electronic resources.  

Using independent judgment and within established procedures and guidelines, responds to digitization requests received by remote or in-person means, with responsibility for researching and identifying requested material from often incomplete information, assessing that material’s condition, as well as invoicing and concluding sales. Provides coverage at both Beinecke reading rooms when necessary. Trains and provides work direction to student assistants. 

Actively monitors collection materials used in public service locations to identify and address preservation and conservation concerns. Coordinates the transfer of materials to and from shelving areas, including the Library Shelving Facility, for staff and patron use. Processes Interlibrary Loan requests. Performs other related duties as needed. May serve on committees within the YUL system. May be assigned to work at West Campus location in West Haven, CT. May be required to assist with disaster recovery operations.  Shift will be Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, may work until 7pm some nights as necessary during the academic year.

Required Skills and Abilities 

1. Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate, orally and in writing, tactfully and effectively with a wide variety of people, train others, and use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation in written communications such as correspondence, reports, and documentation. 

2. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively on complex tasks with little supervision. 

3. Knowledge of current Windows operating systems, and knowledge of and ability to use standard office productivity packages (e.g., Microsoft Office) and mail/calendar packages (e.g., Outlook).  

4. References must indicate reliable attendance and punctuality, accuracy and attention to detail despite interruptions, ability to organize and prioritize your own work, ability to work with a diverse population, to work independently, and to function effectively as part of a team. 

5. Demonstrated ability to train and monitor the work of others. 

Preferred Skills and Abilities

Physical Requirements 

Ability to climb ladders, push heavy book trucks and lift heavy materials up to 50 lbs., stand for extended periods of time, and occasionally work in an environment with dust and/or mildew present.