Department:
Public Services - StaffPay Rate Type:
HourlyEmployee Type:
Job Summary:
The Circulation Specialist has primary responsibility for two significant areas within the Public Services (PS) department: oversight of the Libraries’ service points, and stacks management.
• The Libraries’, Miller and Bixler, each have one service point - the Circulation Specialist is responsible for ensuring that each service point delivers a well integrated service experience for students, faculty and staff. Miller and Bixler service points have their own unique elements and it is key to understand each function in order to best serve patrons. Oversight of service point staffing is an important piece of day-to-day operations, and creates an overall atmosphere to provide exceptional services to meet the needs of the Colby community.
• Stacks management: stacks management/maintenance is a general term for the work done in the libraries’ stacks (shelving units, housing libraries’ print materials). Management of the Libraries’ stacks is critical to the operation of the LIbraries, and ensures timely access to the Libraries’ print resources. The work of stack management consists of organization and maintenance of the Libraries’ print resources to include: re-shelving materials, shelf reading to ensure call number order is maintained, preparation of lists of missing materials, shifting materials, short and long term planning for space management, creation and maintenance of directional signage, oversight of Libraries’ student workers employed in stack management, and departmental and cross departmental collaboration.Essential Functions
To perform successfully in this position, an individual must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily as well as possess education/experience, employ the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed in representative fashion. Colby College actively supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This listing of essential duties is not all-inclusive, but representative; other duties may be assigned.
Under the direction of the Assistant Director for Public Services, the Circulation Specialist is responsible for the following duties:
- Maintains general operations at the libraries’ two service points, ensuring continuity of services, and service experiences.
- Regularly inspect stack ranges throughout the library to maintain appropriate book/shelve ratio, and collaborate with colleagues in Collections Management when adjustments need to be made.
- Generates daily, weekly and monthly notices/statements - promptly responds to patron inquiries.
- Participates in regular staffing at all service points; may include some nights and weekends.
- Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of all established circulation procedures and policies; makes recommendations for improvement as needed.
- Ensures circulation policies and procedures are communicated effectively to those assisting with staffing service points.
- Provides guidance and assistance to patrons regarding general and specific information about the library and library resources.
- Assists users with technical issues and use of all library equipment, including copiers/printers, computers, laptops, etc.
- Answers general questions regarding the use of libraries’ physical and digital resources, facilities, and assists patrons with the use of library equipment.
- Engages with external Public Services colleagues in Maine and beyond; maintains awareness of trends and innovations as related to circulation and stacks management, and makes recommendations as appropriate.
- Hires, trains, evaluates, monitors, and schedules library student assistants, in collaboration with the Public Services coordinator. The student’s duties ensure the library stacks are well kept, in order and easily accessible to patrons.
- Assists with the processing of MaineCat as needed.
Communication
- Participates and contributes to the CBB Access Services group; provides regular updates to Public Services staff.
- Maintains regular communication with the Public Services Coordinator and Resources Specialist in areas related to staffing service points and student supervision; promptly relays critical information.
- Working with the Digital Initiatives & Scholarly Technologies to create statistics and notices from Alma.
- Collaborates with Collections Management for summer book pulls and overcrowding of the stacks.
Statistics and Reporting
- Compiles annual statistics for reporting through IPEDS, including circulation activity.
- Provides annual narrative assessments, including statistics in circulation.
- Tracks statistics and processes for stack maintenance, to include, but not limited to: number of materials pulled/shifted, linear feet available for shelving (space management), shelf reading and missing lists.
- Create, assess, and improve (as needed) processes for collecting and assessing statistics.
Position Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Education and/or experience:
- High school diploma required.
- Time management skills - ability to independently set goals and priorities.
- Ability to adapt to change and handle multiple priorities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to assess workflows, and provide solutions where needed.
- Strong organizational skills, accuracy and attention to details.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, establishing priorities, and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community.
Physical/Mental Demands
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position and/or may be encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, an employee must be able to maintain appropriate confidentiality with regard to employee data, documents, issues, etc., and respect privacy needs of employees and past employees with regard to the same.
- The ability to comply with highly inflexible deadlines is required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position; there will be multiple occurrences of sudden, urgent task completion required.
- There may be occurrences of employees, past employees, members of the general public, and others who express opinions, may exhibit strong emotions, which will require the employee to interact professionally, diplomatically, and appropriately in such situations.
- While performing the essential duties of this position, an employee would frequently be required to move around the office space as well as within hallways, meeting rooms, and other parts of the campus facilities.
- There may be multiple/daily instances of prolonged personal computer use which would include keyboard and/or mouse usage as well as viewing a computer monitor.
- An employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds to perform essential position functions.
- Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
- The overall work environment requires the mental ability to shift focus quickly due to interruptions; an employee must be able to mentally track multiple projects and tasks as well.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; however, there may be unexpected instances of somewhat loud sounds.
- Occasional nights and weekends may be required.
To Aply:
Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the Colby College website. Please upload a cover letter and resume to your application.