Title & Job Code: Library Assistant 2 (4996)
Working Title: CMP Library Assistant 2
Division: Collections & Content Strategy
Department/Unit: Collection Management and Preservation
Salary: $17.39 plus DOQ

Overview (This position is a temporary two year position)
This two year temporary position enables the libraries to advance urgent planning and prioritization for collections related to audiovisual digitization and preservation, and implementation of timely collection management projects related to an offsite collections facility.

This position is located within the Collection Management & Preservation Department, which provides strategic stewardship of the University of Minnesota Libraries content to ensure continuing access for future generations of users.  The department employs cost-effective strategies for managing the life cycle of content and collections, including stabilizing physical materials to ensure usability, reformatting materials to ensure long-term access to their content, implementing preventative preservation practices throughout the Libraries, and promoting preservation and providing educational opportunities for Libraries staff and users.

Essential Functions
Implement projects to manage the Libraries’ physical collections, including campus wide withdrawal projects (80%) 

• Oversee and assist in the pulling and physical processing of materials using lists; this includes processing items using the Libraries’ management system, as well as packing and shipping trucks.
• Prepare daily work, organize trucks, shipments, and project lists.
• Troubleshoot problems that arise.
• Meet project deadlines.
• Complete other unit related tasks and projects as assigned.
• Communicate with staff in individual library locations, as well as facilities and shipping staff, regarding logistics for pulling and moving shipments of materials.
• Travel to all University Libraries including East Bank, West Bank, St. Paul and off-campus locations as necessary to ensure adequate communication and project oversight.
• Communicate with Collection Management Operations Specialist on problem resolution and outcomes, and communicate with appropriate staff to ensure accurate follow-up on problems.
• Implement work related to retention commitments (validation, sending in gaps materials.
• Build, develop, and grow relationships vital to the success of all projects.
• Determine need for staff support and make recommendations to Operations Manager.
• Coordinate and supervise student workflow in the absence of the Collection Management Operations Specialist or Collection Management student supervisor.
• Post, hire, schedule, payroll and process Human Resources documents for student employees.
• Train student support staff.
• Manage project staff expectations and communicate with team members.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities appropriately.
• Coach, mentor, motivate and supervise project team members and influence them to take positive action and accountability for their assigned work. Create a welcoming environment for project team members.

Undertakes assessments of special and distinctive physical collections to surface priorities for physical and digital preservation.  Develops recommendations/ provides data to enable Digital Library Services and Collection Management and Preservation to prioritize and resource digitization and preservation projects (20%)

• Uses survey tool to collect item level data on material format, condition, age, as well as descriptive information for collections throughout Archive and Special Collections and distinctive collections throughout the Libraries
• Creates reports, spreadsheets and tools to describe and document assessment findings, including priorities most urgently at risk formats.
• Works closely with Digital Library Services and Collection Management staff to develop documentation in support of Strategic Digitization proposals and grants.
• Facilitate work with the Preservation Unit and, as needed, to ensure items designated for digitization are stabilized.
• Create and maintain documentation and statistics related to projects.

Required Qualifications:

• Two years of college coursework and/or relevant library experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving, multitasking, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills including commitment to fostering diversity in the workplace.
• The physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs from shelving to book trucks, and to push small and large library trucks (up to 500lbs) to and from loading docks.  Position requires reaching and stooping.
• Sensitivity to the handling of fragile and/or rare materials.
• Ability to work in an environment in which exposure to dust, dirt, and mold is possible
• Beginner-level proficiency in Gmail, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and equivalent Google Suite applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with using library resources, including online catalogs (Alma) and databases
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative on projects and stay on task
• Experience learning new software and technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail in an environment with repetitive tasks
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to a changing environment
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative on projects and stay on task
• Available to work in various campus library locations
• Interest in, or experience with, project management.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.