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Library Assistant 1

Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine  

Galter Library, Library Assistant 1  

 

 

Job Summary     

 

Performs basic library tasks to support both Galter Health Sciences Library (GHSL) patrons and library staff.  Answers basic questions about library resources, including physical materials, electronic resources, computer hardware and software, and library digital initiatives. Provides superior customer service to internal and external customers and primarily serves as the first point of patron contact in a library that prides itself on exemplary service. Actively participates in departmental and all-staff meetings as well as one or more working groups based on personal interest and /or need.  

 

The individual filling this position will be required to work evening hours (11:45am – 8:15pm) and two weekend shifts (Sa – Su). This is an in-person position.  

 

PAY: Commensurate with qualifications and experience, starting salary $40,000 annually  

 

Circulation and Library Access? 

  • Provides first point of contact, answers questions, resolves problems, explains and enforces policies for library patrons in person, by phone, email, or chat.? Escalates concerns and refers patrons to appropriate staff when unable to provide resolution to questions.??? 

  • Manages patron access including library privileges and guest IDs; Enforces complex access policy.? 

  • Works independently at the desk, assisting patrons and performing full range of circulation functions in the integrated library system (ILS) including checking books out and in, placing holds on books, locating materials, editing patron records, placing other requests for materials, etc..?? 

  • Opens and/or closes the library regularly depending on work schedule.? May be solely responsible for the physical facility during some hours.?? 

  • Makes appointments and schedules library conference rooms.? 

 

Collection and Library Maintenance? 

  • Maintains physical collection and library space?? 

  • Regularly gathers statistics? 

  • Assists with the setup and/or breakdown of exhibits.? 

  • Creates, edits and posts signage for events, holidays and meetings.? 

  • Troubleshoots and resolves basic connectivity and usage issues with various library equipment (AV, computers, peripherals), and remote access to resources.? 

  • Coordinates maintenance and updates to equipment as needed.? Communicates with IT and shares information with the team.? 

 

Resource Sharing and Reserves? 

  • Answers questions and explains processes regarding interlibrary loan (ILL) and/or Reserves processes, policies and services.?? 

  • Processes ILL and Reserve requests.? 

  • Refers in-depth questions appropriately.? 

 

Research and Information Services? 

  • Staffs the service desk, monitors email, chat, and fields in-person / phone inquiries responding when appropriate. Triages difficult questions (reference / research) to the reference librarian on-call or the appropriate liaison librarian.? 

  • Locates known items in the ILS admin module and the public-facing library search discovery tool and bibliographic databases.? Assists and coaches users with similar searches.? 

  • Identifies relevant library resources (e.g. guides, resource lists) to answer user queries.? 

  • Provides basic support to Research and Information Services staff including data entry, full text searching, and clerical support (booking space, preparing handouts or other materials).? 

 

Digital Systems? 

  • Points users to troubleshooting resources.? 

  • Skillfully navigates the library's website and can point users to the appropriate section quickly.? 

  • Understands remote access to library resources and can explain basic steps needed for users to log in and gain access.? 

  • Troubleshoots basic connectivity issues for users working remotely or onsite.? 

 

Other? 

  • Performs other related duties as assigned.??? 

 

 

Working Conditions 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.? 

  • Physical requirements include daily lifting / carrying / moving of objects and books weighing up to 30 pounds.? 

  • Ability to reach, bend, climb, stoop, crouch, lift, push and/or pull objects and or furniture while shelving or maintaining the library.? 

  • The individual filling this position will be required to work regular evening hours Monday and Tuesday, Friday morning hours and two weekend shifts.? 

 

 

Minimum Qualifications 

  1. A high school diploma or equivalent required.? 

  1. Experience assisting customers in person, online, and/or over the phone in a fast-paced library, retail or similar environment required.? 

  1. Computer proficiency: successfully uses multiple software programs including email, office productivity software and file management required.? 

 

Minimum Competencies 

  1. Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills and ability to establish positive working relationships with a wide variety of people ranging from students to peers to faculty members.?? 

  1. Aptitude and desire to learn new skills and technologies.? 

  1. Adaptability. Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations.? 

  1. Strong sense of responsibility and reliability; must be able to assume responsibility for entire library facility during off-peak hours.?? 

  1. Attention to detail. Consistently displays accuracy and attention to detail.?? 

  1. Initiative. Exhibits energy and desire to achieve; sets ambitious goals and acts decisively; takes action that no one has requested to improve or enhance job results and avoid problems.? 

  1. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.?? 

  1. Ability to handle multiple short- and long-term tasks simultaneously.? 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

  1. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience; OR working toward a college degree.? 

  1. At least one year experience in library circulation, interlibrary loan, information technology, or equivalent environment (academic library preferred).? 

  1. Familiarity with standard library circulation methods and procedures.? 

  1. Familiarity with Alma integrated library system, ILLiad interlibrary loan management software, OCLC, and / or Ares course reserves management software.? 

  1. Bibliographic searching experience.? 

  1. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.? 

 

Preferred Competencies 

  1. Ability to search and locate known items in library databases (eg. EBSCOhost, Ovid, ProQuest, etc.), and online library catalogs (front and back end).? 

  1. Experience routing and filling lending and/or borrowing ILL requests in ILLiad or similar systems.? 

 

 

To apply for this position, applicants should visit https://galter.northwestern.edu/about/employment-opportunities to submit a cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae.   
 
For full consideration, please submit application by Friday, November 10, 2023.  

 

The Galter Health Sciences Library is a highly collaborative, innovative, and nurturing library. We share Northwestern’s commitment to excellence and foster the creation and sharing of knowledge among the faculty, staff, and students at the Feinberg School of Medicine and its affiliates. We work together to build and sustain an environment of inclusive excellence, recognizing the value of diversity as we carry out our mission. Galter Library encourages and supports a healthy work/life balance for our team and for our campus community.  

  

We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this opportunity. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States. 
Position: Library Assistant 1
Organization: Galter Library, Northwestern University
Location: Chicago,  IL 
United States
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience, starting salary $40,000 annually
Posting Start Date: 10/17/2023
Date Posted: 10/17/2023
Requirements

Working Conditions 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.? 

  • Physical requirements include daily lifting / carrying / moving of objects and books weighing up to 30 pounds.? 

  • Ability to reach, bend, climb, stoop, crouch, lift, push and/or pull objects and or furniture while shelving or maintaining the library.? 

  • The individual filling this position will be required to work regular evening hours Monday and Tuesday, Friday morning hours and two weekend shifts.? 

 

 

Minimum Qualifications 

  1. A high school diploma or equivalent required.? 

  1. Experience assisting customers in person, online, and/or over the phone in a fast-paced library, retail or similar environment required.? 

  1. Computer proficiency: successfully uses multiple software programs including email, office productivity software and file management required.? 

 

Minimum Competencies 

  1. Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills and ability to establish positive working relationships with a wide variety of people ranging from students to peers to faculty members.?? 

  1. Aptitude and desire to learn new skills and technologies.? 

  1. Adaptability. Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations.? 

  1. Strong sense of responsibility and reliability; must be able to assume responsibility for entire library facility during off-peak hours.?? 

  1. Attention to detail. Consistently displays accuracy and attention to detail.?? 

  1. Initiative. Exhibits energy and desire to achieve; sets ambitious goals and acts decisively; takes action that no one has requested to improve or enhance job results and avoid problems.? 

  1. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.?? 

  1. Ability to handle multiple short- and long-term tasks simultaneously.? 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

  1. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience; OR working toward a college degree.? 

  1. At least one year experience in library circulation, interlibrary loan, information technology, or equivalent environment (academic library preferred).? 

  1. Familiarity with standard library circulation methods and procedures.? 

  1. Familiarity with Alma integrated library system, ILLiad interlibrary loan management software, OCLC, and / or Ares course reserves management software.? 

  1. Bibliographic searching experience.? 

  1. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.? 

 

Preferred Competencies 

  1. Ability to search and locate known items in library databases (eg. EBSCOhost, Ovid, ProQuest, etc.), and online library catalogs (front and back end).? 

  1. Experience routing and filling lending and/or borrowing ILL requests in ILLiad or similar systems.? 
Status: This listing expires on: 12/16/2023
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Organization Information
Name:
Galter Library, Northwestern University
Address:


Chicago,  IL 60611
United States
Email:
galter-admin@northwestern.edu
Phone:
Fax:
Contact:
Steph Thor