Library Specialist

Vassar College

Library Specialist

Department: Music Library
Duration of Position: Academic year / Full time
Work Schedule:
Employee Type: Staff
Posting Date: 01/19/2022
Union Representation: CWA
Posting Number: AS177P
Pay Rate: $16.00 per hour

About Vassar College
Located in the scenic Mid-Hudson Valley, Vassar College is a highly selective, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Vassar is deeply committed to fostering a community that reflects the values of a liberal arts education and to promoting an environment of equality, diversity and inclusiveness. Vassar seeks to create a pluralistic community for all staff, faculty and students. Vassar College is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer, and applications from women, individuals with disabilities and members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.  Vassar College is a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus. Note: Vassar College has a universal vaccination policy requiring a COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster, for all employees except for those exempt for medical or religious reasons.

Position Summary and Responsibilities
The Vassar College Library is seeking a Library Specialist to be part of the team responsible for providing Music Library services to Vassar students, faculty, staff and members of the local community. This position reports to the Music Librarian and primary responsibilities include the acquisition and processing of music materials; copy cataloging of musical scores and other music materials; department office and budget management; and the performance of Circulation/Reserve Desk duties. The incoming Music Library Specialist will be trained broadly in a number of tasks, including music acquisitions, music binding, and copy cataloging.
Responsibilities:

• Acquisition of music materials: place, verify and receive orders, process invoices utilizing Vassar's integrated library system (ILS);
• Liaise with vendors; troubleshoot problems.
• Processing: according to existing protocols, ensure preservation by preparing/repairing music materials for use by musicians; create new protocols as needed; train and supervise student staff.
• Perform copy cataloging: utilize current national and local cataloging standards, OCLC, the ILS, music reference tools, and LC and local classification schemes.
• Manage department office: monitor budgets; reconcile credit card charges; order and receive supplies; monitor phone; perform weekly deliveries/mail pickups at various locations on campus.
• Work with other department staff to manage Circulation/Reserve Desk.
• Work with Vassar College staff, library colleagues, and off-site vendors to resolve issues related to incumbent's areas of responsibility.
• Compile reports and other statistical information for the Music Librarian.
• Attend and participate in appropriate meetings and workshops.
• May assist with technical support for music-related software and equipment in the Music Library.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will be able to: perform exacting work with attention to detail despite interruptions; work independently and as a member of a team; be comfortable prioritizing multiple, competing priorities; take initiative within the responsibilities of the job and in accordance with established practices and procedures, and be able to understand the inter-relatedness of tasks. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated with a strong sense of responsibility and curiosity. Candidate must be willing to be flexible and learn new skills. Candidate must also be able to provide service in a pleasant manner to library users from within or outside of Vassar College. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and pleasant telephone manner are also required. The candidate should have an understanding of the Music Library’s role in achieving the educational mission of a college or university. This will be demonstrated by coursework at the college level and/or equivalent experience within an academic setting. Coursework or background in classical music strongly preferred. Prior experience or training in music binding, copy cataloging, and /or library acquisitions strongly preferred. Previous library experience with OCLC, bibliographic records, and/or working with an integrated library system (such as Ex Libris’ Alma or Innovative Interface’s Sierra) is strongly preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, and FileMaker Pro (or equivalent) preferred; experience with campus software (Workday) desirable. Knowledge of one or more foreign languages useful. Candidate must be able to work for extended periods at a computer workstation, lift moderately heavy books and other library material, move items to and from shelves situated from floor to overhead level in tight quarters, wheel carts with library items through the facility, tolerate moderate levels of dust and odor generated during normal collections maintenance activities and movement of objects. Must be able to repeatedly climb stairs to retrieve items for waiting patrons.

Special Instructions to Applicants
To complete your on-line application, you will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references. All attachments must be in PDF format. Review of applications will begin immediately. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources, 845-437-5820.

For full consideration applicants should apply by:

All applicants must apply online at: https://employment.vassar.edu/postings/2393.

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