POSITION TITLE: Library Assistant IV-Access Services

AGENCY: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

SALARY: Grade 16

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Library Assistant IV is responsible for performing day-to-day activities in Access Services. These activities include assisting patrons with circulating materials by charging, renewing, and discharging library materials; providing technical support to patrons using library computers, printers, or connecting personal devices to the university network; supervising student workers; and assuming responsibility for the operation of the library in the absence of a supervisor, especially during night and weekend hours.

The Library Assistant IV performs a range of duties relating to access services as well as assisting users in the discovery and use of resources. Primary responsibility may lie within a single department or division, however, due to the interoperability of library systems and patron services needs, individuals may be cross-trained in multiple departments or participate in library-wide projects/initiatives.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Receives direct supervision from the Library Circulation Manager who provides procedural and technical guidance, assigns work and reviews performance through inspection, reports and conferences for effectiveness and compliance with established standards, procedures, policies, and rules.

DIRECT REPORTING STAFF:

Exercises supervision of 30-40 student employees.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists with the daily operations of library services in Access Services.

• Assist library users, using a high degree of independent judgement in providing information concerning materials, library rules and procedures, and library facilities; suggest and explain the proper methods of locating and using materials to facilitate patrons' use of the library. Refer questions as appropriate to others in the library or on campus.

• Responsible for processing course reserve material, while adhering to the rules of copyright.

• Shares in the inventory of laptops and other equipment at the end of shift. Reports appropriate notifications on status to appropriate staff.

• Train, supervise, and evaluate performance of Access Services student employees during assigned shift.

• Provide customer service from the Access Services desk including responding to library and technology inquiries and initial reference assistance from students, faculty, staff and the public.

• Assist patrons with software, technology, and printing questions including instruction in the operation of computers, printers, and/or other equipment.

• Prepare and/or adjust functional work schedules of student employees to maintain efficient workflows and adequate service.

• Responsible for library book displays by choosing monthly and/or special topics and processing items for display.
Collaborates with other university departments for recommendations.

• Use COIN to search for patron information. Place and remove library holds on student records.

• Share in the daily operation of stacks maintenance by assigning, monitoring, and managing stack maintenance projects.

• May assume other duties of positions of an LA IV and/or below based on the needs of the department.

• Assist with library headcount statistics by ensuring timely headcounts are taken and data is documented.

• Confer with security guards on any issues that may arise. Elevate and communicate to proper UMD supervisor any issues that may arise concerning security personnel.

• Report safety, security, and maintenance problems to ensure that facilities, equipment, and furnishings are properly maintained.

• Participate in the development of library policy by considering library goals and objectives, by utilizing statistical and other information, and by conferring with supervisors.

• Charge, renew, and discharge library materials using automated and manual systems to record the disposition of library materials.

• Monitor the borrowing of library materials (print, media, and the accompanying equipment) by determining the eligibility of borrowers (including those in special programs) and by contacting users for the return of books and materials.

• Records payments of fees and item replacements, ensuring reconciliation of item and patron records

• Troubleshoot common technical issues. Report any unresolved issues to proper department contact.

• Communicate and collaborate with all co-workers and direct supervisor regarding shift related issues.

• Assist with library programming and support initiatives such as workshops that occur in library spaces.

• Maintain communication with any campus partners sharing space in the library and report issues if necessary.

• Participate in Access Service Division team projects during summer, intersession, and other semester breaks.

• Attend professional meetings and training sessions as a representative of the library to obtain information for the library's use and to gain knowledge of library theory and current practices.

• Make closing announcements and assist security staff in the clearing of the building.

• May offer workshops and training sessions on software/electronic resources for student assistants, patrons, and/or library staff.

• May serve on library or university committees.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time paraprofessional or clerical experience as a library assistant and (B) of which at least one year must have been in supervisory capacity, or (C) any combination of the required experience and the substitution below.

1. An Associate’s or higher degree may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience. *

* Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE:

• Knowledge of the methods used in the preparation of charts, graphs, and tables.
• Knowledge of the methods of general report writing.
• Ability to understand, explain, and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc., governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to gather information by examining records and documents and by questioning individuals.
• Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to determine proper format and procedure for assembling items of information.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to prepare and use charts, graphs, and tables.
• Ability to prepare general reports.
• Ability to write concisely, to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
• Ability to deal tactfully with others.
• Ability to adjust to varying or changing situations to meet emergencies or changing program requirements.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.

QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB:

• Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Knowledge of the organizational structure and functions of the assigned agency.
• Knowledge of the proper procedures for making and receiving agency telephone calls.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms.
• Knowledge of the Jaws, rules and regulations governing the state personnel system.
• Knowledge of state budgetary procedures relating to positions, salaries, and personnel practices.
• Knowledge of the laws, rules, policies, and procedures governing Federal Grant Administration.
• Knowledge of state procedures governing the purchasing and requisitioning of supplies and equipment.
• Knowledge of state accounting and budgetary procedures including terminology.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of supervision.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time paraprofessional or clerical experience as a library assistant and (B) of which at least one year must have been in supervisory capacity, or (C) any combination of the required experience and the substitution below.

1. An Associate’s or higher degree may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience. *

* Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience.

DEPARTMENT:  Claire Carney Library

SALARY: $55,012.62 - $77,989.34 

HOURS: Sunday-Thursday 3pm-11pm This position is designated as essential personnel during inclement weather situations.

GRADE: 16

UNION: AFSCME

UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:

75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Life Insurance
Long Term Disability
State Pension Retirement Plan
Optional Retirement Savings Plans
Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
Twelve (12) paid holidays.
Paid personal, vacation, and sick time.
And more!

Benefits for AFSCME Union- AFSCME

Applicants must be authorized for employment in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.

To apply please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and the contact information for three professional references.

The deadline for internal applicants is July 18, 2024.