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University of Iowa Library Assistant III

THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA LIBRARIES

Undergraduate Engagement – Circulation and User Services
Library Assistant III (GB28/pay grade 10)

The University of Iowa Libraries is seeking to fill a Library Assistant III position in Circulation and User Services. Reporting to the Circulation and User Services Librarian, this full time 100% FTE position, will be working at a single service point helping library users in need of directional, basic reference, circulation, or technology assistance, including referral to an appropriate expert on campus or within the libraries. Utilize Skype for Business (IM), email, telephone, or other technologies to communicate with colleagues and users. This position will interact diplomatically with the public in a public contact setting, with people of various social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds, and deliver excellent customer service. Skills include the ability to engage and communicate with patience, attentiveness, clarity, tact, and courtesy. Ability to infuse positive language into customer interactions.

Work Hours: Monday- Friday and occasional weekends. Position schedule is subject to change during summers, interim and holidays.

General performance expectations:

The individual in this position is expected to meet performance and behavior standards as determined by the supervisor. Staff members are also expected to comply with policies governing employee responsibilities and conduct, including those contained in the University Operations Manual.

Position duties and responsibilities:

  • Works multiple shifts at a single service point directly responding to students, faculty, staff, community borrowers, and the public in a courteous and informed manner.
  • Works closely with supervisor and library staff across departments to measure and optimize data collection to assess space and services in alignment with the libraries strategic plan and initiatives. Explores different approaches to solve end-users' problems and proposes effective solutions.
  • Assists in monitoring student spaces in the Learning Commons, first floor and group/study spaces throughout the library. Provides moderate levels of technical support as needed for group/study rooms, events, and activities.
  • Monitors occupancy metrics within the department, pinpointing trends that could inform decisions regarding staffing allocations or operational time adjustments. Ensures that Alma calendars accurately reflect the approved operating hours for both the Main Library and Annex. Monitors departmental occupancy statistics to identify patterns to assist in proposing library hours and services.
  • Collaborates with staff to establish preliminary operating hours for the Main Library across the academic year, including summer sessions, breaks, and interim periods, utilizing established hour templates. Upon approval, communicates these hours to relevant staff for implementing physical signage, updating online hours, managing access, and ensuring campus safety measures.
  • Gathers and consolidates information pertinent to the department and service points, facilitating streamlined communication both internally and externally. This includes ensuring consistency in branding and voice across user services and staff procedures.
  • Assists in the development and maintenance of public web pages describing the services and policies of the Circulation and User Services Department, as well as internal communication tools such as LibGuides and SharePoint.

Additional expectations

In addition to performing the duties described above according to the specified performance expectations, Libraries' staff need to meet Libraries’ and University expectations regarding:  

  • Attendance, punctuality and use of work resources (UI’s Policy on Ethics and Responsibilities and Work Rules) 
  • Continuous developmental growth (Libraries’ Development and Diversity Guidelines) 
  • Technology core competencies (Libraries’ IT Core Competency Checklist) 

Minimum Eligibility Requirements for the Classification:  

  1. Three years of library work experience, or
  1. A combination of related work experience, undergraduate education, and/or post-high school library training totaling four years.

Desired/Preferred Qualifications:

  • Exceptional communication and public relations skills that demonstrate a proactive approach to service (demonstrated ability to anticipate needs and take initiative)
  • Proficient experience with effective use of technology; hardware (PCs, printers, scanners, etc.) and software (Microsoft Office Suite, common web browsers, etc.). Ability to learn new technology as required for the position (Ex Libris Alma, WordPress, SpringShare, etc.)
  • Knowledge of University and Libraries policies and procedures
  • Ability to efficiently learn and perform technical and complex tasks with accuracy and attention to detail
  • Familiarity with video, audio, and microform formats and equipment
  • Demonstrated experience as a proactive and creative problem solver
  • Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with others and in groups and/or team settings
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively

Application details:

To apply for this position: http://phxc3c.rfer.us/UIOWAYKcK7P

In order to be eligible for interview, applicants must upload the following and mark them as “relevant files” when you upload the documents:

  1. Cover letter that clearly addresses how you meet the minimum eligibility requirement and any desired qualifications of this position. To ensure strongest consideration, applicants are encouraged to review all qualifications and state directly how they meet each of them. 
  2. Current resume

This job ad will be posted for at least 10 days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after that initial posting period. Please contact andrea-rost@uiowa.edu if you have any questions about the position. 

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. 

Starting salary minimum of Merit pay level 10 is $40,809.12.

Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu.  For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.