Library Assistant 2, Health Sciences Library – University of MN Twin Cities

Job Title: Library Assistant 3

Appointment Type/FTE: Labor-represented, 100%, continuing

Work Hours/Days: Monday – Thursday, 8:00am-4:30pm, Sunday 9:30am-6:00pm

Overview
The incumbent in this position works within the Access and Information Services, a unit within the Health Sciences Library at the University of Minnesota. The incumbent will staff the physical service desk and online chat and email service (LibAnswers); provide support for LibAnswers system maintenance; maintain currency with and provide training for peers on Health Sciences Library resources and tools; provide liaison support for consultations and searches; offer workshops in introductory information and data literacy courses, and provide additional support for programmatic work in Education & Research Services, Innovation and Learning Services, and the Wangensteen Historical Library as needed.

Essential Functions
Direct Public Service and Instruction for Library Users (15 hrs/wk = 37.5%)
● Staffs the Health Sciences Library service desk to provide reference, information and access services that require judgment and informed appraisal of the user’s needs, based on thorough working knowledge of relevant library policies, procedures, tools and facilities, and a particular focus on health sciences reference proficiency.
● Serves as a front-line staff for digital information services, answering questions in the campus-wide chat, email queues, LibAnswers and making referrals as appropriate.
● Provides consultation and literature searching services to Health Sciences affiliates as needed.
● Provides instruction in effective database search skills; beginning and advanced Boolean searching, truncation etc. Instructs users in use of other digital and physical materials.
● Refers users to appropriate resources.
● Instructs users on library equipment and technology (e.g., photocopier, scanner, Value Port, microform machines, laptops, and personal devices such as tablets, smartphones, mobile site assistance).
● Offers introductory library and data literacy training, examples might include citation manager and data resource training (Excel/Google Sheets) for library users.
● Collaborates with other units in HSL, including active cross-training with Wangensteen.

Departmental Support and Development (15 hrs/wk = 37.5%)
● Plans and provides training and feedback to staff members related to reference and information services, including chat and email transcripts. Ensures quality control for timing and quality of chat responses.
● Schedules and monitors staffing for the physical and digital service points in HSL.
● Provides initial training in health sciences reference for new staff and ongoing training for existing staff, ensuring high quality on-demand reference services.
● Participates actively as a member of the HSL Communications Team.
● Contributes to support of the Health Sciences Library liaison librarians on systematic reviews, library service offerings such as the Policy and News Media Service, and other requests as needed.
● Provides and participates in AIS cross-training across library locations.

Other Committee Work, Special Assignments & General Libraries Support (10 hrs/wk = 25.0%)
● Participates in programmatic services and activities in the Libraries, such Innovation and Experiential Learning and Open Research and Publishing

The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Minimum Qualifications
College education can be substituted for library or research experience on a year for year basis up to three (3) years plus two years of relevant library experience and/or five (5) years of relevant library or research experience.

Preferred Qualifications
Strong interpersonal skills including commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.
Demonstrated commitment to excellence in customer service
Demonstrated strong written communications skills (as evidenced by cover letter and resume)
Ability to work independently and in cooperation with colleagues and library users in a service-oriented, collaborative environment
Strong problem-solving, multitasking, and organizational skills
Experience offering library reference and research assistance
Familiarity with library resources, including using online databases
Aptitude for learning and applying new software and technologies
Public speaking and/or teaching experience

Department Overview

AIS’ primary goal is to provide convenient, timely and welcoming access to library resources, materials, services and spaces. This is achieved through providing assistance with circulation, information, and reference services; supporting online and print course materials through Digital Coursepacks, Electronic Reserves and Print Reserves; and assisting in the support for emerging and technology-rich service environments. Staff in Access and Information Services work closely with professional liaison and subject expert librarians to provide the best possible service to library customers.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

 

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu.

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 report complete vaccination against COVID-19 or submit documentation requesting a medical or religious exemption on their first day of employment. To learn more, please visit the University’s COVID-19 Response webpage.