CTR FOR ADV RESEARCH - Collections Associate

Job Classification

  Hourly Full-time (35-40)

Position summary

Responsible for all aspects of the Center for Adventist Research’s extensive periodical collection [over 1,000 current titles + several thousand other titles] as well as assist Center administration and staff with a wide range of collection management projects.  This person will also serve shifts at the Center's main public service desk.

Qualifications summary

Education: 

• At least a bachelor’s degree


• Good speaking and writing knowledge of English


• A basic working knowledge of Seventh-day Adventist history is necessary

Experience/Skills: 

• Must be an accurate and proficient typist


• Ability to quickly find your way around the Internet and perform typical computer functions such as downloading and moving digital files 


• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office

Library Knowledge: 

• Some library training or experience is desirable.


• Familiarity with the James White Library’s [or other library system] online computer system is desirable

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Responsible for all aspects of the Center’s extensive periodical work.  This includes, but not limited to receiving, checking-in, shelving, handling requests for new titles, claiming missing issues, and binding.


2. Coordinate the preparation of online bibliographic and other records for those titles not currently on the Library’s computer system.


3. Augment existing bibliographic records for periodicals by including holding statements, and enhance bibliographic records as more information becomes available.


4. Check Internet sites for new periodical issues available electronically.


5. Handle new issues of electronic periodicals/newsletters.


6. Participate in organizing and cataloging functions of the Center, especially as it impacts the periodicals.


7. Supervision of student workers may be necessary.


8. Responsible to meet all patrons and to conduct the interface with them during assigned times to work at the Reception Desk as a Reference Specialist.


9. Serves as retrieval assistant as needed.


10. Performs other tasks assigned by Center administration.

Supervisory responsibilities

The CAR collections associate will supervise one or more student assistants in cooperation with Center administration.

Qualifications

Education: 

• At least a bachelor’s degree


• Good speaking and writing knowledge of English


• A basic working knowledge of Seventh-day Adventist history is necessary

Experience/Skills: 

• Must be an accurate and proficient typist


• Ability to quickly find your way around the Internet and perform typical computer functions such as downloading and moving digital files 


• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office

Library Knowledge: 

• Some library training or experience is desirable.


• Familiarity with the James White Library’s [or other library system] online computer system is desirable

Language: 

• Ability to read and write second or more commonly used language is desirable.

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Technical competencies

Proficient with Microsoft Office components.

Able to move around the Internet, download files, and move files once they are downloaded.

Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat Pro [not just Reader].

Familiarity with the James White Library catalog system or a similar system is an advantage.

Interpersonal interactions

Frequent and varied interactions with researchers who call or come to the Center.  This may involve doing doing basic online research while talking on the telephone.  Some interactions may be more challenging than others.

Regular interactions with the rest of the Center's staff.

Regular interactions with publishers and suppliers of periodicals around the world usually via e-mail, but other methods may be needed.

Physical demands

ADA Issues:  Requires the following physical abilities to perform job satisfactorily:

• Lift 40 pounds from the floor to a seven foot high shelf with the aid of a step stool.


• Bend to reach the floor and reach up to access seven foot high shelf.


• Able to see file folders in the top drawer of a five drawer file cabinet and access them.

The work involves lifting and moving bound volumes of periodicals and reaching 8 foot tall shelves to perform tasks.  Also, there is a need to move full book carts and sit at a desk for four hour time blocks.

Work environment

Typical office work environment.

Work area also includes the Center's various storage areas with 8 foot high book shelf units that you need to be able to access.  Involves walking and access to narrow spaces.