Library Associate Duties
SUMMARY
This is the fifth level of a six-level series. This position
performs advanced-level activities in administering, acquiring,
organizing, preserving, or interpreting information resources
that support a specialized library, archives, or records
function. A person in this position also coordinates specialized
workflows or the work of the unit/department by developing
and/or directing processes and procedures. Responsibilities are
complex and performed within a general outline of expected
results. Employees at this level exercise a high degree of
authority, independence and initiative in setting priorities,
decision-making and creative problem-solving that requires
careful interpretation and frequent use of discretionary
judgment. Employees at this level may hire, train, and/or
supervise student assistants. They may also be responsible for
hiring, training, and evaluating regular staff. Contacts my be
within or outside of the unit/department, as well as with a
diverse patron population, to resolve problems and coordinate
and expedite materials/information processing , coordinate and
advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions,
elicit opinions or give recommendations to resolve common and
uncommon issues or problems. Exceptional circumstances may
warrant collaboration with a department head or other higher
authority. Work is measured by observation of goal-directed
results achieved and is subject to occasional supervisory
review. Goals that are directed imply that the supervisor
provides directions for the goals set by the employee.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Acquiring: Applies technical and bibliographic expertise to
collection building by using established quality standards and
production routines, includes assisting with the resolution of
problems encountered by staff within the
department/section/unit.
Organizing: Facilitates the organization of collections and
services as well as participates in maintaining standards and
expanding scope and content of information resources at the
Libraries by performing a range of tasks associated with the
physical and intellectual organization of Library materials and
the description of these materials using a variety of access
tools including online catalog/databases (Gil/Galileo) and
archival finding aids and by knowing and adhering to established
standards for these activities and performing activities that
support maintenance of these standards. This may include
database creation and maintenance and/or collection management
of library materials for accuracy and ease of access.
Interpreting: Cultivates and promotes interactions with faculty,
students, researchers, visitors, and library staff through
interpretation of the libraries' collections, resources, and
policies. This may include teaching, training, or conveying of
information related to libraries' resources, policies and
procedures.
Preserving: Ensures the general preservation and specific
conservation needs of the Libraries' general and special
collections by understanding and adhering to appropriate
standards and procedures for care, handling, and security and by
maintaining awareness of and reporting evidence of current or
impending threats to materials' physical condition (adverse
environmental conditions, the presence of mold, inadequate
shelving or storage media, mishandling by staff or patrons).
Provides a safe environment for libraries' materials and users
by knowing and performing the duties as outlined in the library
emergency procedures. Surveys the collections to determine
general condition as well to identify specific materials in need
of more acute care. Prepares reports and maintains records
related to condition of library and archival collections.
Preserves fragile materials by performing tasks to provide
acceptable more durable surrogate copies such as microfilming,
digitizing, photocopying, and making user copies of visual and
audiovisual materials. When appropriate, identifies and
evaluates structural problems of materials including
embrittlement, mold-damage, and damage from fire and water or
persistent use and then selects from and performs a range of
treatments to provide increased stability. Participates in
setting guidelines for preservation activities and provides
training for students and staff in basic preservation of
archival and library materials. Orders supplies for providing
appropriate housing and maintenance of library and archival
materials.
Supervising: Develops and maintains a competent and productive
staff by hiring, training, evaluating, by monitoring work
progress and by making recommendations for other personnel
actions. May coordinate special projects by assisting in the
developing and/or directing of processes and procedures.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelors degree AND two years related progressively responsible
library experience; OR six years progressively responsible
library, archives, information center or related work
experience; OR any equivalent combination of experience,
training and/or education from which comparable knowledge,
skills and abilities have been achieved.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Extensive knowledge and experience with standard library systems
and in-depth application of specialized library systems.
Skill in verbal and written communication.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working
relationships.
Skill in organizing and prioritizing work activities.
Skill in the use of personal computers and related software.
Ability to occasionally lift and move heavy materials and
equipment.
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