What are the responsibilities and job description for the Library Technician IV-SU Libraries position at Syracuse University?
Job Description
Major purpose: As valued members of the Access and Resource Sharing Department, these two open Library Technician (Resource Sharing) positions will provide an efficient process for Interlibrary Loan (ILL) transactions in lending, borrowing, document delivery, and transport library materials on campus and at remote storage locations. Students, faculty, and staff depend upon these services to research and obtain resources from the Libraries’ collections and other institutions worldwide. The individuals in these positions should be attentive to detail, customer service oriented, and able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. The skills required for these positions include using computer software such as ILL software (ILLiad), the Library Information System (ALMA), standard office applications, and scanning software. These positions also require some coordination of specific tasks, training student assistants, troubleshooting problems, and ensuring that ILL shipments are appropriately processed.
Standard purpose: Under general guidance, utilizes a specialized knowledge of subjects, computer applications, or disciplines that apply to library processes and/or services or provides specialized knowledge of library functions. Utilizes a variety of systems and resources to provide access to library collections and performs the more complex technical functions requiring proficiency with technical protocols, digital technology, and data manipulation skills. Exercises initiative and independent judgment when providing service or interpreting, analyzing, and applying policies and procedures. Routinely analyzes and resolves complex problems that may impact other Library departments or the organization, and/or external parties and organizations.
Education and Experience
Best Combination Of
General Information Services (45%)
Please complete the online application.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Major purpose: As valued members of the Access and Resource Sharing Department, these two open Library Technician (Resource Sharing) positions will provide an efficient process for Interlibrary Loan (ILL) transactions in lending, borrowing, document delivery, and transport library materials on campus and at remote storage locations. Students, faculty, and staff depend upon these services to research and obtain resources from the Libraries’ collections and other institutions worldwide. The individuals in these positions should be attentive to detail, customer service oriented, and able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. The skills required for these positions include using computer software such as ILL software (ILLiad), the Library Information System (ALMA), standard office applications, and scanning software. These positions also require some coordination of specific tasks, training student assistants, troubleshooting problems, and ensuring that ILL shipments are appropriately processed.
Standard purpose: Under general guidance, utilizes a specialized knowledge of subjects, computer applications, or disciplines that apply to library processes and/or services or provides specialized knowledge of library functions. Utilizes a variety of systems and resources to provide access to library collections and performs the more complex technical functions requiring proficiency with technical protocols, digital technology, and data manipulation skills. Exercises initiative and independent judgment when providing service or interpreting, analyzing, and applying policies and procedures. Routinely analyzes and resolves complex problems that may impact other Library departments or the organization, and/or external parties and organizations.
Education and Experience
- Valid driver’s license required.
- Associate degree and at least 2 years of work in a public service setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Library experience preferred.
- Prior experience in public service or customer service preferred.
- Prior experience as a delivery driver preferred.
Best Combination Of
- Possess a strong work ethic, including excellent time management, punctuality, reliability, and ability to prioritize tasks and projects.
- Strong customer service skills and commitment to providing service effectively in a diverse environment.
- Knowledge or experience with Adobe Acrobat and the ability to create, edit, download, and upload electronic files.
- Experience in searching databases and verifying content.
- Experience with ILLiad, OCLC, and/or other combinations of bibliographic management and/or resource-sharing systems.
- Ability to use necessary library materials, bibliographic materials, and office equipment.
- Attention to detail, demonstrated capacity for carrying out tasks in an accurate and timely manner, and ability to check own work for accuracy.
- Ability to manage and prioritize tasks and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment with a fluctuating workload and frequent distractions and interruptions.
- Ability to initiate and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, managers, and other libraries.
- Ability to work harmoniously and as a team player, thrive in a team-based environment, and foster teamwork among others.
- Data manipulation including consolidating, manipulating, interpreting, and reporting. Demonstrated proficiency and capabilities with personal computers and standard computer office applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Teams or other productivity software, and the web.
General Information Services (45%)
- Process interlibrary loan (ILL), document delivery, course reserve, and alternate format requests efficiently.
- Troubleshoot and resolve patron and (ILL) service issues while providing excellent customer service in person, via email, and by phone.
- Utilize specialized library software and systems (e.g., Alma, Illiad, Ares, and Library of Congress and Dewey Decimal classification systems).
- Fulfill alternate format requests, operating equipment, and specialized software to scan and reformat library materials in compliance with guidelines.
- Conduct research using online catalogs, databases, reference sources, and technical manuals to support job responsibilities.
- Operate library vehicles safely and responsibly.
- Locate, retrieve, scan, and deliver materials for electronic and physical requests.
- Sort, deliver, and retrieve library materials on campus and at remote storage locations in a timely manner.
- Use stacker lifts, hand trucks, carts, and other equipment for retrieving and transporting library materials.
- Assist with ILL shipping functions, including quality control checks to ensure proper processing.
- Exercise independent judgment and demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills.
- Manage borrowing and lending requests through systems (e.g., ILLiad and OCLC).
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to ILL requests, including damaged, lost, or overdue items. Work with faculty to acquire, process, and manage course materials for student access.
- Coordinate specified ILL tasks such as billing, supply management, shipping, and other duties.
- Direct and advise student employees on their daily tasks.
- Perform collection maintenance at libraries and off-site locations.
- Assist with physical inventory projects, including searching for lost, claims-returned, and missing books.
- Assist with special projects as needed.
- Respond promptly to all departmental communications.
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, managers, and other departments.
- Follow departmental customer service guidelines in interactions with faculty, staff, students, and external institutions.
- Participate in A&RS department activities, including policy discussions, professional development, and support for departmental working groups.
- Ensure compliance with copyright guidelines and institutional policies. Evaluate workflows and recommend improvements for efficiency.
- Use independent judgment to select appropriate formats and technologies for service delivery.
- Perform troubleshooting of issues.
- Maintain knowledge of current resource-sharing practices.
- Other duties as assigned based on fluctuating needs and workflows.
- Must be able to repetitively bend, lift, reach, walk, and carry daily. This is a physical, fast-paced, outdoor position that involves continual lifting, lowering and carrying packages that typically weigh 25 – 35 lbs. and may weigh up to 50 lbs. and pushing and pulling a cart with wheels up to 125 pounds.
- Cognitive, auditory, verbal ability sufficient to receive information from and respond to inquiries/requests from staff and clients, etc.
- Frequent twisting and bending of head, neck, and torso (50% of shift).
- Frequent walking back and forth throughout the library (50% of shift).
- Full range of arm movement required (extension, twisting, and bending of arm and shoulder, reaching overhead, etc.) (80% – 95% of shift).
- Hand and wrist dexterity, fine motor skills (e.g., for data entry, materials processing etc.).
- May require stooping and/or crouching (20% of shift).
- May require bending at the waist; able to bend to below the knee (35% shift).
- Visual and cognitive capability sufficient to see, read titles and materials, follow instructions.
- Operate delivery vehicles, stacker lift, short ladders/step stools, hand trucks, carts, digital copiers/scanners, and PCs.
- Use PCs running Windows 10 operating systems, MS Office Suite 365, web browser, other Windows applications, and library systems software.
- Operate hand trucks, carts, and other equipment to retrieve and move library materials.
- Operate digital copiers and scanners for digital scanning and electronic delivery of library materials.
- Interact with and safely utilize step stools and/or a short ladder within the library stacks or office space.
- Experience with data manipulation, including consolidating, manipulating, interpreting, and reporting.
Please complete the online application.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
