Reader Services and Administrative Assistant
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This job was posted by : For more information, please see: Department Library R & L - SCRC Public Services About the Department Library About the Department Standard Language: Widely known as guardian of one of the largest academic library collections in North America, the University of Chicago Library is redefining its role as a provider of services within an increasingly open global knowledge ecosystem. We value open and equitable access to knowledge, freedom of speech and inquiry, and working in partnership within and beyond the UChicago community. We are creating a working environment that embraces innovation and respect and that celebrates and develops staff. As part of the University of Chicago, we offer a wide variety of strong benefits and programs to academics and staff. From a choice of comprehensive health plan options and wellness programs, short and long-term disability insurance, continuing education opportunities including educational assistance plans, competitive retirement plans and paid time off (vacation, personal and university holidays), we're committed to providing benefits and a work environment that matters Job Information Job Summary: Under the direction of the Public Services Supervisor, and following Special Collections Research Center's (SCRC) guidelines, the Reader Services and Administrative Assistant (RSAA) performs both a broad range of complex library tasks and administrative support duties. This position shares responsibility for staffing the SCRC circulation desk and oversees circulation and use of materials in the Reading Room. This position applies specialized technical and bibliographic skills and/or subject knowledge to support access to the collections. The RSAA provides administrative support for the Director of Special Collections, and for Center-wide activities. Responsibilities: Reader Services Support: Shares responsibility with the 2nd Reader Services & Administrative Assistant for welcoming and providing preliminary orientation to Special Collections classes, researchers, and visitors. Registers new researchers and assists with setting up new Aeon user accounts, explains guidelines for use of Special Collections materials. Shares responsibility with the 2nd Reader Services & Administrative Assistant for prompt and accurate circulation of materials in the reading room, including transactions with readers, and routing items for holds, preservation attention, and reshelving; as well as for all associated record-keeping. Shares responsibility with the 2nd Reader Services & Administrative Assistant for oversight of the Special Collections reading room and all public areas on the first floor of the department, monitors circulation of materials and people within these spaces. Responds to onsite and remote PDF scan requests through LibAnswers as assigned. Shares responsibility with the 2nd Reader Services & Administrative Assistant for referring onsite and remote reference queries to the Center's Reader Services Librarian and other staff members. Serves as back up for paging duties. Works Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in rotation with other staff. Administrative Support: Answers the main telephone; sorts and routes mail. Maintains select pages on the Center's public website and the Library intranet, Loop. Maintains the Center's paper files. Manages applications and correspondence for Platzman Fellowship; maintains spreadsheets and administrative information about each cohort of Fellows; provides assistance with arrangements for on-site visits by Fellows. Provides support for events hosted in SCRC, including liaising with event contact person, handling cate ing, and facilitating room setup with Library Building Services. Manages correspondence and related administrative support for the SCRC Director. Produces and distributes documents and reports including the annual reports for the department and division. Maintains and compiles select SCRC reader services statistics Serves as the SCRC contact within the Library and the University for supplies and office equipment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Competencies: Manage interpersonal relationships and interact/communicate with clarity, tact, and courtesy with patrons, staff, faculty, students, and others; communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing; identify priorities; recognize and resolve or refer problems; work effectively with supervisor and as a part of a team; and use or learn a range of position-related software applications. Demonstrated ability to read and interpret complex documentation required. Demonstrated strong organization skills and attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to sustain attention to detail over long stretches of time, required. Demonstrated ability to handle confidential