Senior Library Assistant

Overview

The Hirsh Health Sciences Library supports the educational, research, and patient care missions of Tufts University, particularly across all programs on the Health Sciences Campus. Reporting through the Research and Instruction Department, Access Services is a highly visible, student-centered unit that assists patrons in person, by phone, and online via chat. Staff operate a physical service desk, located in the Center for Medical Education, seven days a week from early morning through late evening. The department facilitates access to library resources and services, circulates materials, oversees and provides access to the reserves collection, manages study room use, and assists with scanning and printing. Staff maintain a working awareness of daily library operations, provide information on library services and policies, make referrals in close collaboration with other departments, and support collections maintenance as well as other areas of library operations. The staff in the department exercise a degree of autonomy in resolving or referring complex questions, in addition to other duties.

What You'll Do

The Senior Library Assistant for Access Services works in person at the Library Service Desk for the full duration of their schedule. The role ensures efficient, professional, and user-centered service by providing point-of-need assistance with information access, technology questions, and addressing general inquiries.

The position has primary responsibility for the reserves collection, independently managing workflows and schedules to ensure timely processing and access. This includes regular communication with faculty, coordinating course materials, creating and maintaining reserves records, and adding and managing content within the learning management system (Canvas). The person in this position is in charge of opening the library and the only full-time staff member present on Saturdays, working closely with student staff on a regular basis.

• Provides service to library patrons at the Library Service Desk and online

• Assist users with access to the physical library and electronic resources

• Support service desk operations, including on-call schedule for librarians

• Help users with printing, scanning, and other technology needs

• Circulate material

• Create and maintain patron records

• Send standard follow up emails, such as overdue notices

• Maintain desk supplies

• Post signage, including library hours and holiday notices

• Interpret and apply library policies

• Monitor shared communication channels

• Accurately refer users to appropriate staff members when needed for information, reference, or technical questions

• Answers email and chat questions

• Primary staff member on Saturdays

• Manage access to reserve materials

• Plan and follow a schedule for reserve availability

• Process and maintain the reserves collection

• Create and maintain necessary documentation

• Contact faculty and librarians in a timely manner to ensure access to reserve materials for courses

• Coordinate with library staff for material acquisition

• Maintain appropriate records in Alma/Primo

• Use Leganto and Canvas to make reserves available

• Library operations

• Serve on Hirsh and library-wide committees as assigned

• Assist with document delivery/interlibrary loan requests and data collection

• Participate in the library's orientation, teaching, and reference efforts as assigned

• Contribute to website and other access services documentation updates

• Other projects and tasks as assigned

• Gather and report library use statistics

• Perform daily patron count and twice-yearly affiliation survey using Qualtrics

• Run and interpret regular analytics in Alma/Primo

• Special Work Schedule Requirements: Tuesday-Friday 7:30AM-3:30PM, Saturday 10AM-6PM

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Associate's Degree
• 3-5 years of related experience
• Proficient in common office technologies and use of an integrated library system
• Demonstrated problem solving skills
• Ability to interact and work with a diverse user group in person, via phone, email, or chat without prior scripting
• Outstanding customer service and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in an academic or special library environment with knowledge of Ex Libris Alma/Primo/Leganto and Canvas
• Demonstrated high level of good judgement and critical thinking
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and related skills
• Must be helpful, approachable, and flexible enough to handle unexpected requests and situations professionally
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Exhibit enthusiasm and initiative, and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously

Please include a cover letter with your submission.

Pay Range

Minimum $24.70, Midpoint $29.50, Maximum $34.20

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.