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CTR FOR ADV RESEARCH - Admin Asst Center for Adv Res

Job Classification

  Hourly Full-time (35-40)

Position summary

The primary function is to facilitate researcher use of Center materials, and supervising that use.  Additionally, this individual will assist communication and the smooth operation of the Center in its outreach and service activities through functioning as the administrative assistant for the Center. 

Qualifications summary

Education: Bachelor’s degree desired

Experience/Skills: 


  1. General proficiency with office skills, and must be a competent typist. 

  2. Six months is usually sufficient to gain familiarity with the customary routines and gain a basic working knowledge of the CAR collections. 

  3. One to two years are needed to become fully familiar with church, university, and library resources. 

  4. A user’s knowledge of the Library’s online computer system and databases is necessary. 

  5. Fluent in oral and written English. 

  6. A broad working knowledge of Seventh-day Adventist history and Seventh-day Adventist Church organization is necessary (will be further developed over time).



Library Knowledge:  Some library training is desirable.


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

Duties and responsibilities


  1. Responsible for the largest share of researcher contact at the Center.  This is for both researchers who physically come to the Center as well as those who contact the Center via phone, e-mail, or web ticket.  This responsibility is called a Center for Adventist Research  Reference Specialist.

  2. Responsible for collecting, distributing, and answering all Center electronic and paper mail in consultation with Center administration. 

  3. Responsible for answering and/or forwarding Center phones and departmental voice messages. 

  4. Performs secretarial functions for Center Administration. 

  5. Responsible for processing all Center monies. 

  6. Maintain Center statistical records.

  7. Perform initial processing of collection donations including thank you letter.

  8. Order necessary materials and supplies and keep stock items adequately supplied for Center use. 

  9. Coordinates off campus requests for materials.

  10. Coordinates Center social functions.

  11. Cooperate on various projects with Special Projects Coordinator in consultation with Center Administration.

  12. Greet and conduct tours on an as needed basis.

  13. Responsible for transcribing oral history interviews.

  14. Supervise student assistants as directed.

  15. Be aware of library departments and services to correctly direct patrons for service.  It is additionally important to maintain a familiarity with Andrews University, White Estate, and Seventh-day Adventist services and entities. 

  16. Perform other duties as assigned by Center administration.



Supervisory responsibilities

The CAR Administrative Assistant may supervise student assistants in cooperation with Center Administration.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree desired

Experience/Skills: 


  1. General proficiency with office skills, and must be a competent typist. 

  2. Six months is usually sufficient to gain familiarity with the customary routines and gain a basic working knowledge of the CAR collections. 

  3. One to two years are needed to become fully familiar with church, university, and library resources. 

  4. A user’s knowledge of the Library’s online computer system and databases is necessary. 

  5. Fluent in oral and written English. 

  6. A broad working knowledge of Seventh-day Adventist history and Seventh-day Adventist Church organization is necessary (will be further developed over time).



Library Knowledge:  Some library training is desirable.


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

Technical competencies

Comfortable with Excel spreadsheets.

Knowledge of Publisher and/or In-Design preferred.

Interpersonal interactions

Must be a team player and able to get along well and interact with a range of different personalities.  The Center has upwards of 30 different people working there and the ability to get along with them is important.

Working with a wide range of researchers also requires good interpersonal relations.

At times there will be extensive contacts within the Library, the University, and beyond.

Physical demands

Ability to function in this responsibility requires some degree of mobility in order to adequately meet and help researchers.  The ability to lift boxes weighing up to 40 pounds is a plus.

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


  1. Lift 20 pounds from the floor to a five-foot-high shelf.

  2. Bend to reach the floor and reach up to seven-foot-high shelf.

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

  4. Ability to type and perform repetitive actions with hands and arms. 

  5. View a computer screen for extended periods of time. 



Work environment

Typical office environment with the noise of conversation and photocopy/scanning machines.

The position has a lot of interruptions throughout the day.  The employee needs to be able to refocus quickly and efficently following these episodes.