Date: Mar 20, 2023
Location: Washington, DC, US, 20016
Company: American University
Summary/Objective
Under the general supervision of the Course Reserves Manager, this position assists with managing the day-to-day operations of Course Reserves and the library’s Makerspace. Receives and processes requested materials for both print and electronic reserves. Collaborates with the Course Reserves Manager to ensures that requested materials comply with Copyright Law of the United States and obtains permission for their use. Responds directly to complicated user questions and issues. In collaboration with the Circulation staff, this position helps manage the student staff at the Circulation and Course Reserves service point. Under the oversight of the Course Reserves Manager, this position will assist in coordinating the work of the Library Student Advisory Council and provide outreach to faculty. This position will also assist the Course Reserves Manager in developing student onboarding processes for the Access Services unit. The incumbent is entrusted with project management responsibilities and the delegation of work. A significant amount of discretion and attentiveness to confidentiality is required in the administration of the privacy of user account data and the resolution of account problems.
This position reports directly to the Course Reserves Manager. The incumbent supervises approximately 15 part-time student assistants under the oversight of the Course Reserves Manager.
Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.
Union Eligibility
This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500.
Other Details
- Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
- Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
- To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive.
- Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Current American University Employees
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Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
Nearest Major Market: Washington DC
Essential Functions
Provide customer service at the first-floor service point. Circulate materials to the borrowing community. Assist the Course Reserves Manager in supervising the operations related to course reserves for print, electronic, and media materials for American University faculty coursework. In coordination with the Media Services department, assist in receiving and processing materials that are requested by university faculty and make them available in a timely manner. Provide a high level of guidance to university faculty regarding reserves, Canvas (LMS), and both federal and library copyright guidelines. Aid in informing faculty of the status of the requests as needed. May compile and analyze Reserve statistics on a monthly basis or as needed. Assist the Course Reserve Manager in maintaining the library’s reserves collection and organization of reserves materials, both physical, electronic and digital. Processing responsibilities include searching for materials within the library, ordering items that the library does not own through Acquisitions and e-Resources, requesting items from other WRLC libraries through the library catalog and Interlibrary Loan. Scan and prepare documents for electronic use and upload them to the library’s database platform. In collaboration with the Circulation Specialists, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate Student Assistants (approximately 30 per semester). Entrusted with project management responsibilities and delegation of work (routine and special) to be completed by the student staff. Verify the accuracy and productivity of student assistants. Participate in discussions about student assistant performance and planning. Under general oversight of the Course Reserves Manager and in conjunction with Media Services staff, manage the daily operations of the Makerspace. Perform unit responsibilities, including engaging in unit meetings, assisting with maintaining unit document, participating with shaping unit policies and procedures. Serve as essential services staff member in the event of a University closing due to inclement weather or emergency.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Full Time, 35 hours/week.Coordinator/Analyst B.Non-Exempt.This position is union-eligible.The ability to work evening (until 11:30 PM) and weekend hours is required. The position serves as an essential service and is required to work in the event of the University operating with limited staffing.
Minimum Qualifications:
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.1-3 years of relevant experience.Customer service and management/supervisory experience.Experience in accounting or handling financial/monetary transactions.Advanced Excel and/or other organizational/reporting software experience.Experience generating and analyzing reports.Experience working with a team to complete common objectives.Strong ability to prioritize and multi-task, including the ability to reprioritize tasks to resolve urgent complex issues that arise.Attention to detail and excellent communication skills – both oral and written – are essential.Ability to solve complicated problems, work without supervision, make evaluative judgments independently, and formulate exceptions to policies and procedures.Sound judgment with the ability to use discretion, maintain confidentiality, work independently, and complete projects by deadlines.Ability to resolve conflicts, handle stressful and/or emergency situations.Ability to participate in planning and implementing short and long-term goals, make evaluative judgments, formulate exceptions to policies and procedures, and work without supervision.Demonstrated experience managing projects.Experience providing assistance with electronic resources access and troubleshooting related issues.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred Education and Experience
Master's degree or equivalent.Some education or experience in library science and familiarity with library-specific systems.Experience providing reference/research assistance.Experience dealing with confidential information.2-4 years of relevant experience.Experience using Alma/Primo VE / Ares / Microsoft Office 365/Canvas (LMS).Experience in library consortia.
Get to Know American University
At American University we value open and honest inquiry, servant leadership, and the affirmation of the human dignity of all. We envision a thriving AU community where individuals of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included, and where equitable treatment, opportunities, and outcomes prevail.
Our diverse community of students, faculty, and staff represent every state and more than 150 countries. Our internationally recognized faculty are today's thought leaders in the areas of public policy, law, the arts, communications, international development, and more. Our staff are innovative, service-oriented, and dedicated to moving the university towards achieving its strategic goals. We are committed to an excellent experience for all of our students, faculty and staff and share a passion for creating change through our knowledge and our work.
Learn more about American University by clicking here.
About the Department
The AU Library’s Course Reserves unit is a small team that regularly collaborates with the library’s Circulation, Interlibrary Loan and Media Services units. The Course Reserves Team endeavors to support the AU community by preparing accessible options for course readings as well as enhance experience through creative engagement and community building. The culture of the team makes for a fun and dynamic place to work. Curiosity, reflection, inclusion and innovation are core to who we are and how we provide our services.