Library Assistant - Course Reserves Coordinator

Title: Library Assistant - Course Reserves Coordinator

Position Purpose:

One of several in the Access Services Department, this position has primary responsibility for managing the Library’s course reserves collection. Reporting to the Head of Access Services, they coordinate the organization, maintenance, and processing of all required texts and films in this distinctively comprehensive and inclusive service at Bates College. They also perform general circulation duties, including: training and supervising student assistants, answering questions, locating materials, stacks maintenance and solving problems with printers, audio visual equipment and other standard library machines. Schedule requires evening (4:30 pm – 1:00 am) and weekend shifts, and varies during college breaks. Candidates with demonstrated success in working with marginalized and underrepresented populations are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be experienced in equity, inclusion and anti-racism practices in this area.

Job Duties:

• Coordinates the collection and processing of all types of required materials being placed on reserve for student use including traditional print resources, electronic resources, and multimedia resources. 
• Assists and advises faculty and staff on the use of the reserve collection, working with the College copyright specialist to assure that items placed on reserve comply with copyright law, obtaining copyright permissions for course related materials when needed. 
• Understands and can explain licensing terms for electronic resources. 
• Builds and maintains content lists and generates statistics for course reserves operations; communicates with faculty and colleagues to ensure that appropriate content is owned, ordered, or scanned and made available for use. 
• Assists with the general operation of the Circulation and Audio Video service desks. Follows established Access Services procedures.
• Responsible for the accurate check-out and check-in of library materials, and proficient use of library software is required. 
• Responsible for the security of the library building at closing. 
• Directs patrons (including: Bates College faculty, staff, students, affiliates, alumni, members of the local community, and patrons from Bowdoin and Colby Colleges, and summer program participants) to materials and facilities contained within the library. 
• Assists patrons with use of library catalog, computers, access to electronic and remote resources, printers, scanners, microform reader/printers, and audio/video equipment. 
• Answers general questions about the use of the library materials and facilities, refers patrons with research questions to the reference librarians. 
• Supervises and trains Public Service student assistants working at the Circulation and Audio Video service desks on a daily basis. 
• Assists with the processing of MaineCat. 
• Answers and directs phone calls within the library. 
• Assists with maintenance of the patron database. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience working in an academic library is required.

Experience

Advanced library skills required to assist with the day to day operation of public services at the Circulation and Audio Video Desks.

Skills and Knowledge

• Commitment to equity and inclusion, and serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community.
• The ability to assist library patrons with library catalog searches. 
• The ability to teach library skills, and the proper use of library equipment, to student assistants and patrons is required. 
• Excellent communication (written, verbal and presentation) skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage time effectively. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships. Must be flexible, collaborative and have a positive attitude. 
• Proficiency with spreadsheet programs. 
• Ability to work independently, adapt to change and handle multiple priorities with minimal supervision. 
• Personal commitment to excellence and the mission of a top-tier small liberal arts college. 

 

Benefits:  Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, 9% retirement contribution with potential for an additional 3% match, 10 days of vacation*, 13 paid holidays, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more), and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug- and smoke-free workplace.