Library Accessibility Support Coordinator at American University

Summary

The Library Accessibility Support Coordinator works collaboratively as part of the Circulation Services unit within the Discovery, Access, and Assessment Department of the University Library. This position reports to the Circulation Services Manager and has three primary sets of responsibilities:

Answers questions, processes requests, and addresses concerns relating to the accessing and borrowing of library resources. Along with other staff in the unit, the position oversees the service point, preparing requests and circulating items from University Library collections, those of the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC), and others obtained via interlibrary loan. Collaboratively manage the unit’s student assistant and part-time staff, including responsibilities of hiring, scheduling, training, coaching, and evaluation.

Manages the University Library’s accessibility efforts to ensure that principles of universal design are followed whenever possible in offering resources and services to users. Works with other support service units on campus to incorporate the University Library in the University’s overall accessibility support efforts.

Takes the lead on assisting the Circulation Services Manager in troubleshooting user account issues related to authentication and authorization into online resources.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree.

  • 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.

  • Advanced 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 problems, work without supervision, make evaluative judgments independently, and formulate exceptions to policies and procedures.

  • Experience dealing with confidential information.

  • 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.

  • Experience managing projects.

  • Experience providing assistance with electronic resources access and troubleshooting related issues.

  • Experience providing reference/research assistance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree or equivalent.

  • Some education or experience in library science and familiarity with library-specific systems.

  • 1-3 years of relevant experience.

  • Experience using library management systems such as Ex Libris Alma/Primo VE/ other library support software such as Atlas Systems ILLiad/Ares, Springshare platform tools such as LibStaffer, LibCal, LibGuides / library authentication and authorization services like OpenAthens and EZproxy / University systems such as Workday, Colleague, ServiceNow, Microsoft Office 365, Canvas.

  • Experience in library consortia.

  • Experience supporting students with various disabilities.

  • Experience implementing or supporting Universal Design principles related to end-user services.

Access Services Specialist - Interlibrary Loan

Summary

The Access Services Specialist reports directly to the Access Services Department Head, along with 7.0 FTE positions. They play a key role in the success of the department by providing support for Resource Sharing, Print Collections, and Reserve Units. They must be proficient in the procedures of these services, and have a thorough knowledge of the library’s policies and services and the ability to effectively communicate them to the library users.

This position has been designated as Hybrid. 

Description

The Access Services Specialist provides support in the Resource Sharing Unit of Access Services by searching/acquiring/processing materials through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and Consortia Loan Service (CLS); pulling and shelving library material requested through ILL and CLS; and managing the activities and work of student employees during regularly scheduled shifts at Service Desks in Lauinger and Blommer libraries. This position supports the other Units within Access Service. Assignments vary to address cyclical, priority needs of the department.

The work schedule is 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Schedules may change according to the needs of the department, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School diploma – BA/BS preferred
  • 1 to 2 years of library experience
  • Thorough knowledge of standard library practices and procedures
  • Familiarity with the role of academic libraries meeting the information needs of students, faculty, and staff
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong public service orientation
  • Computer literacy, including ability to learn new software programs and technologies
  • Familiarity with Windows Operating System and Microsoft Office applications, especially Word and Excel
  • Familiarity with Google Apps, especially Gmail, calendar, and Drive
  • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and push carts weighing over 100 lbs.
  • Commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace, and ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty, students and staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with automated library systems – for example, ILLiad, RapidILL, and OCLC WorldShare ILL
  • Competence with Ex Libris ILS
  • Experience with bibliographic databases, spreadsheets, and cloud storage
  • Knowledge of high quality scanners, Internet resources, and tools
  • Familiarity with reformatting technologies (Adobe Capture, Adobe Acrobat)
  • Ability to adjust to periods of increased workflow and varying responsibilities
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a complex, changing environment
  • Ability to be diplomatic and negotiate disputes with stakeholders

 

About

The Georgetown University Library is an agile organization located in the nation’s capital, committed to advancing Georgetown University’s global leadership in academics and research, while also addressing the requirements of the changing landscape of higher education and the evolving nature of scholarly communication.  By providing preeminent services, collections and spaces, the Library contributes to the creation, dissemination and preservation of knowledge, as well as the transformation of learning and research.

The Library is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse staff dedicated to excellence in service, continuous learning, and leadership within the library profession.  With diversity as one of its Library’s core values, the Library not only seeks to actively recruit and retain a diverse workforce, but also ensures the acquisition of a diverse collection of materials and a climate of openness and respect for all traditions, cultures, and ideas.

The Library actively promotes its values - lifelong learning, collaboration, leadership, quality, integrity, and diversity in its daily tasks.  Whenever possible, the Library offers flexible work schedules and telework options, and supports continuous learning opportunities in order to achieve the highest quality of service that can be offered.

The safety and well-being of our colleagues and applicants is our first priority. For this position, the Georgetown University Library anticipates conducting on-site interviews for candidates in the final round. Please note that changes to the university and local health and safety guidelines may require modifications to the interview process, including a shift from in-person to virtual interviews, if warranted. 

 

Need Assistance:

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please click here for more information, or contact the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Affirmative Action (IDEAA) at 202-687-4798 or ideaa@georgetown.edu.

Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.

EEO Statement:

Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:

Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.

Serials Librarian

Summary

The Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library seeks a dynamic, collaborative information professional to manage the library’s serials collection of over 6,500 electronic journal titles. The Serials Librarian is responsible for the management of the library’s journal subscriptions, including budgeting, licensing, discovery, usage assessment, and user education. This position reports to the Associate Director, Library Operations, is a collaborative member of the Library Operations team, and supervises the Serials Manager, a full-time staff position.

The rank of the successful candidate will depend on the candidate’s skills and experience. Possible ranks include Librarian II and Librarian III. 

Description

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Manages daily operations in the Serials Department and the overall successful availability of all journals.
  2. Manages the serials portion of the collections budget, and ensures serials subscription costs stay within budgetary limits. Approves and tracks invoice payments throughout the fiscal year.
  3. Assesses and analyzes the serials collection on an ongoing basis to inform yearly renewal and selection decisions.
  4. Activates and maintains serials records in the Alma library services platform.
  5. Establishes and maintains positive relationships with vendors to negotiate license agreements and pricing of serials subscriptions, and to establish and ensure consistent access to serials holdings across multiple platforms. Collaborates with the Acquisitions Librarian in vendor negotiations as needed.
  6. Collaborates with collections librarians and staff at Gelman Library and Burns Law Library on shared subscription negotiations, shared collection decisions, negotiation of license agreements with vendors.
  7. Collaborates with, trains, and supervises the Serials Manager to maintain seamless on-site and off-site access to electronic journals through link checking and access troubleshooting, link resolver and user authentication management, IP range management, and holdings record management.
  8. Markets journal collection titles to users and educates users about access options and troubleshooting tips.
  9. Creates and maintains documentation of serials-related policies, procedures, and workflows.
  10. Participates in the Library’s instructional program as a Librarian Instructor, partnered with a Clinical Instructor with first and second-year medical students.
  11. Collaborates with the Metadata and Scholarly Publishing Librarian to ensure an accurate reflection of serial title changes in the online catalog.
  12. Participates in the Collection Development committee and has selector responsibilities for assigned liaison departments.
  13. Supports authors through education and consultations on journal selection, predatory publishing, open access publishing, and securing funding for article processing charges.
  14. Maintains current knowledge of trends in librarianship, especially electronic resources, their impact, and management issues. Provides leadership within the library on serials resources and their management.
  15. Participates in library-wide committees.
  16. Other duties may be assigned to reflect candidate strengths and interests and/or unit needs, and after discussion with the supervisor.


 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master’s in library or information science from an ALA-accredited school (or equivalent) or another Master’s degree or higher with relevant experience conferred by the start of employment.
  • 1-2 years experience working in a library setting.
  • Excellent oral (presentations, training workshops) and written (training materials, requested analyses, documentation, reports) communication skills.
  • Demonstrated organizational and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Coursework or experience with electronic serials or electronic resources management through library automated systems (such as Alma).
  • 2-3 years experience in either a health sciences library or an academic library.
  • Experience analyzing collections, budgets, workflows, and troubleshooting access issues.
  • Experience negotiating publisher/vendor licenses.
  • Strong data analysis skills and ability to use spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Office Excel or Google Sheets for analysis and reporting.
  • Experience working with SUSHI and COUNTER usage statistics.
  • Experience with serials workflow from identification of items to patron access for electronic serials.
  • Experience supporting Open Access initiatives.
About

The George Washington University (GW) is the largest research university in the nation’s capital. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., GW offers undergraduate and graduate programs in many disciplines including medicine, health sciences, public health, and nursing. Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library (Himmelfarb) serves the students, staff, and faculty of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, and School of Nursing. Himmelfarb’s collections consist of over 6,700 electronic texts, 6,500 journals, and 125+ databases in addition to print collections of approximately 75,000 items.

Learn more about working at Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library.

Benefits: 

The comprehensive benefits package includes 22 days/year paid annual leave; 12 days/year paid sick leave; paid winter break and 7 other holidays; medical, dental, and vision; 401(A) retirement plan, 4% base, and GW will match 150% of the first 4% of your 403(B) contributions, up to a maximum of 6% of your eligible compensation; tuition assistance; and paid parental leave. For benefits details, please visit GW Benefits.

Remote Work Eligibility: 

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule of two (2) days/week of remote work and three (3) days/week of on-site work.

Application Procedure:

We recognize that your experience and skills may not match up 100% to the job, but if you are interested and think you can succeed in this role, please apply! Himmelfarb Library supports staff with professional development and growth. When applying, highlight your experiences, including transferable skills, that address the job responsibilities and demonstrate your ability to thrive in this position and within the broader Himmelfarb Library and university communities.

To be considered for this position, please complete an online application and upload a cover letter, a current CV, or a resume, and provide the names and complete contact information for at least three (3) professional references. Review of applications will begin on March 15, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered. Employment offers are contingent on the satisfactory outcome of a standard background screening. 

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

 


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