Collections Project Assistant , Library Administration

Collections Project Assistant (6760C), Library Administration About UC Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty and staff. As a world‑leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice.

Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity‑focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full‑time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities.

The Library's Sciences Division consists of four libraries:
Bioscience, Natural Resources & Public Health;
Chemistry, Astronomy & Physics;
Earth Sciences & Map;
Engineering & Mathematical Sciences. The division staff include 10 librarians, 13 staff, and over 50 student employees, who collectively support the research, teaching, and study needs of students and faculty in the College of Chemistry, College of Engineering, College of Letters & Science’s Biological Sciences Division, College of Letters & Science’s Mathematical & Physical Sciences Division, Division of Computing, Data Science & Society’s Departments of EECS and Statistics, Department of Geography, School of Optometry, School of Public Health, and an array of Organized Research Units.

This position supports large‑scale collections projects for the Sciences Division. In addition, this position is responsible for the physical processing of new materials for the Chemistry, Astronomy & Physics Library.

The first review date for this job is: 12/05/2025.

• Performs advanced bibliographic verification; recalls SLF‑N materials and prepares deposits for the Systemwide Library Facility‑North (SLF‑N); evaluates brittle or disintegrating volumes for Google Books or storage eligibility.
• Assists technical processing staff with SLF‑N pulling and packing.
• Processes material for SLF‑N deposit.
• Coordinates purchasing and maintaining packing supplies inventory.
• Maintains storage statistics.
• Assists with coordinating stacks shifts to make space for newly acquired, returned, or merged collections.
• Assists with library collection planning, including measuring shelving space, pulling material for review and processing items to be withdrawn.

• Processes and prepares new monographs.
• Manages new bookshelf and displays.
• Processes withdrawals, transfers, and monographic replacements; processes Google Scanning materials.
• Pulls materials and updates catalog information.
• Processes materials returned from the project and oversees returning materials to the shelves.
• Assists with searches for missing items.

• Assists with circulation desk coverage as needed; assists RSD with the processing of AFN requests.
• Fields difficult communications and complaints referred from student employees; corresponds with faculty, staff, and other patrons.
• Answers basic reference questions and provides general public service information to patrons.

• Oversees binding operations for a small unit; performs post‑cataloging of the first issues of serial publications; processes transfers and withdrawals.
• Checks in all new/received issues; files claims for skipped or damaged issues.
• Analyzes serial order and payment problems, identifies lapsed orders and refers them to the Acquisitions Department for further action.
• Processes items going to and returning from the bindery,…