Working Title: Access Services Specialist
Classification & Title: 4997, Library Assistant 3
Percent Time: 100% Technical
Department/Unit: Access and Information Services
Admin Unit: University Libraries
Work Schedule/Hours: 12:00 pm - 8:30 pm Sunday - Thursday

Salary Minimum: $51,147.20 Annually Depending on Qualifications
Service Unit Overview:
The Access & Information Services (AIS) department provides in-person and online reference and research support for library patrons, retrieves and routes library materials between UMTC campus libraries, circulates materials from service desks and directly to users' homes and offices, maintains an extensive physical collection, and oversees borrowing privileges and fines for the Twin Cities. The department functions as the "front door of the Libraries", reflecting that the spaces supported by the department are a core feature of the Libraries' mission to provide a successful student experience.
AIS is part of the Student Success Service Area, which includes and works with the Affordable Learning and Open Education (ALOE), Engagement, Outreach, & Community Partnerships (EOCP), and Student Experience, Learning & Accessibility (SELA) departments. This position will work in two libraries that span the East Bank and West Bank units of AIS.
The East Bank AIS Unit integrates experiential learning, course material services, and access services with undergraduate services. The unit comprises staff who provide general and specialized information services, including: makerspaces, media services, technology space support, all aspects of course materials, coordinated access services, undergraduate teaching and support, tutoring support, and instructional design.
The West Bank AIS Unit, within the Access and Information Services (AIS) Department, is housed within the Music and Wilson Libraries on the West Bank of the Minneapolis U of M Campus. The unit is made up of a number of functional areas that support staffing for 3 distinct service points, and facilitates daily operations and patron access to our resources. The unit supports collections that house over 2 million print volumes in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Professional Program subject areas.
Position Overview:
This Library Assistant 3 position provides information services in the Walter and Wilson Libraries. The position will act as a resource for student employees, help manage workflow in multiple library collections, and provide general support for the Student Success Service Area.
Essential Functions
Information and Access Services 70%

• Staffs the information services desks at Walter and Wilson, providing reference, information and access services that require judgment and informed appraisal of the user's needs, based on thorough working knowledge of relevant library policies, procedures, tools and facilities.
• Serves as a front-line staff for digital information services, answering questions in the campus-wide chat, email queues, Lib Answers and making referrals as appropriate.
• Instructs users in use of digital and physical materials.
• Provides instruction in effective database search skills; beginning and advanced Boolean searching, truncation etc.
• Continuously develops skills related to subject and new collections/materials/e-resources.
• Coordinates maintenance and repair of library equipment and facilities in cooperation with Computer Support and Networking and Facilities Operations Management. Communicates with users to follow up when necessary.
• Assists users with library equipment and technology (e.g., photocopier, scanner, ValuPort, microfiche/film machines, laptops, and personal devices such as tablets, smart phones, mobile site assistance, etc.).
• Creates and renews Public Workstation Access cards for guest users.
• Serves as backup to staff in branch libraries to assist users with software & hardware and to troubleshoot technology issues.
• Orders office supplies and printing supplies.
• Checks-in/checks-out material; processes recalls, renewals, returns, replacement copies, and problem books, and troubleshoots user access issues. Creates Circulation records for materials as needed.
• Communicates with other library units concerning records, holdings, policies, and procedures issues. Forwards items for corrections and/or repair to appropriate units.
• Processes Get-it holds and Rush Requests.
• Updates and corrects patron records, including address issues, blocks, holds, and notes; adjusts patron statuses, types, and expiration dates as necessary.
• Re-activates patron records for unregistered undergraduates and graduates, Special Borrowers, Friends of the Library, and proxy cards.
• Accepts fines payments and processes credit card payment transactions. Refers transactions requiring negotiation to Borrowing Privileges & Fines Specialist.
• Records, maintains and submits unit statistics using standardized recording forms.
• Takes appropriate action during emergencies.
• Promotes consistency of service standards, best practices and high standards for customer service.

Student Supervision 15%

• Works with students to improve performance, resolves student personnel problems.
• Adjusts scheduling and edits schedule as needed.
• Delivers timely and effective feedback to student staff.
• Develops effective communication mechanisms to ensure that students are aware of changes in policies and procedures.
• Assists in the creation and updating of training materials and other documentation for students.

Provides backup for miscellaneous student duties.
Stacks Management 10%

• Oversees all stack activities within multiple collections; plans for necessary work flow changes and directs staff to accomplish all activities.
• Oversees daily operations and management of stack services; resolves complex problems.
• Monitors stack growth and recommends ongoing or special shifts to provide adequate growth space for collections
• Coordinates and participates in larger collection shift work including measuring; determines staffing levels needed for shift, predicts project spending and submits special payroll funding requests to supervisor when necessary.

Committee Work, Special Assignments, General Department and Technology and Web support 5%

• Teaches and provides support for workshops, develops online tutorials and other learning objects.
• Provides backup support as needed for other activities of the department.
• Participates in committees or working groups, as related to skills and/or work assignments; collaborate with others to help plan, problem-solve, create work procedures and improve workflow.

Required Qualifications

• Two years of college coursework and/or relevant library experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative organizational environment.
• Strong commitment to providing excellent customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with integrated library systems
• Experience supporting accessibility to print and electronic information services
• Experience doing data entry

Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).