Chico – California State University, Chico – Special Collections Specialist (Library Services)

Url: https://jobs.csuchico.edu/postings/3557

Closing Date: 3/14/16

Primary Duties  

Working independently, under the general direction of the department head, the Special Collections Assistant performs complex, specialized technical and paraprofessional library duties and manages the digitization processes and procedures used to preserve and make accessible the maps, documents, and photographs in the special collections. Responsibilities include creating and maintaining digital collections, to support the teaching and learning mission of the university, as well as providing reference and instruction services to enable the discovery and access to collection materials. Additionally, this position provides lead work direction to other library and clerical staff, as well as student workers, and may assist in supporting the unit’s other administrative activities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:

·        Overall library policies and procedures and an in-depth knowledge of library operations, policies and procedures pertaining to assigned functional area, and the ability to interpret them, including a solid understanding of individual work functions and the ability to adapt work procedures.

·        External online databases, system and resources, including the ability to perform complex online searches.

·        Library policies and practices associated with the ethical use of, and access to, library and online resources,

·        All aspects of lead work direction including assisting in employee selection, training employees in new work procedures, assigning work, organizing work flow and establishing priorities, reviewing work, providing input to performance evaluations and promoting teamwork to optimize effectiveness.

Working knowledge of:

·        Library collection and its organization, as well as classification schemes.

·        Demonstrated expertise in creating, correcting and interpreting bibliographic records.

·        National standards pertaining to library operations, including a thorough knowledge of institutional standards pertaining to copyright and intellectual property protection and the ability to interpret and apply them, as well as explain them to patrons, to ensure compliance.

·        Library accounting and budget procedures and allocation processes, and ability to apply this knowledge to assist in handling vendor accounts and the budget process.

·        Campus human resource practices and payroll procedures.

·        Full proficiency in all technical aspects of work assignments, including library and archives cataloging standards such as MARC and DACS utilizing a standard cataloging utility.

·        Demonstrated proficiency in English grammar, punctuation and spelling.

·        General knowledge of digital asset management systems such as CONTENTdm.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

·        Demonstrated competency using standard and specialized systems such as PC, slide scanner, flat bed scanner, large format scanner, various conservation/restoration chemicals and equipment, Microsoft Office programs such as Outlook, Word, and Excel, Adobe Photoshop, etc.

·        Strong written and verbal communication skills to be able to prepare internal library reports and written and visual presentations on library resources and present them to library patrons, including students.

·        Strong organizational skills to oversee and lead work flow in assigned area.

·        Strong communication and interpretive skills to work with the public and assist patrons with basic inquiries, be able to assist in resolving patron problems and complaints, assess patron information needs, direct them appropriately in locating and using library materials, inform them of applicable library policies and procedures, orient and guide patrons in the use of more complex library and online resources.

·        Demonstrated problem solving and research skills to address standard and non-standard work problems.

REQUIRED ABILITY:

·        Serve as the library’s resource person for these collections and perform general conservation and digitization assistance.

·        Manage, restore, and conserve – Both physically and digitally, the library’s historic photograph, map, and rare book collections.

·        Investigate and research more complex problems, including analyzing and interpreting information.

·        Interpret the library unit’s policies and procedures and apply them accurately in performing work functions, as well as the ability to evaluate procedures and recommend changes.

·        Fully utilize standard and non-standard features of various online resources and standard desktop software packages, such as word processing and spreadsheets, to perform technical work or assist patrons.

·        Compile and present information in an organized manner.

·        Effectively provide lead work direction and training to student workers and an understanding of employment and payroll procedures related to student workers.

·        Quickly learn and apply policies and procedures related to assigned functional work area.

·        Use standard features of office support technology and standard software packages.

·        Perform standard arithmetic operations.

·        Work under minimal supervision to perform assigned work.

·        Work within a diverse environment and be service-oriented in working with patrons and other library staff, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within and outside the library.

·        Use the library system(s) and subsystem(s) module(s) to perform assigned duties.

·        Access various online resources and databases used within the library and to use their standard features to perform technical work and/or assist patrons.

Required Education and/or Experience 

The above qualifications are normally obtained through the completion of a high school education or equivalent certification PLUS three years of related library and/or clerical experience, a bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

AND

One year of job related library experience.

Recruitment Preferences             

·        A degree in library science or archives is preferred.

·        Experience working with digital, archival, or special collections is preferred.

·      A master’s degree in a job related field is preferred.