Laboratory Schools: Library Assistant, Lim Library at TechChicago Chicago, IL

About the Department

At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nursery through Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explore novel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provide excitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Lab education.

Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching and pride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Students in every grade have access to unparalleled resources, and all members of the Lab community benefit by partnerships and connections with the University of Chicago. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity. No less than scholarship, Lab’s mission prioritizes honoring diversity and exhibiting kindness.

We are committed to building and supporting a teaching and learning community where young people see aspects of their backgrounds and identities reflected around them, where they feel a deep sense of belonging, and where they discover and use their voices to full effect. Today, 53-59 percent of Lab’s student body are students of color. Families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes.

Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are also affiliated with the University of Chicago. Half of our families live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northwestern Indiana. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrate every facet of community members’ identities, and even where we disagree, we emphasize respect, civility, and maintaining a spirit of community.

Job Summary:

The Library Assistant II is responsible for performing a broad range of library tasks closely following departmental guidelines and procedures, including charging and discharging stacks materials; copy cataloging; placing book orders and processing new books; assisting with bill payment; logging periodicals and maintaining holding records; and repairing materials as needed. Performs work in accordance with Laboratory Schools Library standards and procedures.

• 40% Responsible for circulation desk functions including charging and discharging stacks materials, managing waiting lists, managing overdues, processing library fines, resolving basic fine appeals. Resolves simple problems related to lost/misplaced overdue items. Obtains and processes reserve requests. Creates and updates records. Prepares reserve material for use. Maintains and updates patron records and circulation policies. Empties bookdrop.
• 30% Searches databases and other online sources for library holdings, cataloging information, vendor and price information. Processes orders for additions to the collection, verifies materials received and ensures accuracy of billing records. Copy catalogs and processes new materials. Repairs damaged materials.
• 10% Assists with bill payment. Uses online systems for ordering and monitoring progress and payment. Inventories, orders, and manages library supplies.
• 10% Assists in routine training and oversight of student employees and clerical substitutes. Assists with shelving of library materials as necessary, including shifting stacks as needed. Straightens the library: checking for materials left on tables, chairs, floors, etc.
• 5% Assists librarians with a range of office duties including laminating, creating and updating documents, creating temporary library signage and bulletin board displays.
• 5% Other duties as assigned.

• Manage interpersonal relationships and interact/communicate with clarity, tact and courtesy with patrons, staff, faculty, students and others; communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Identify priorities; recognize and resolve or refer problems; work effectively with supervision and as a part of a team.
• Manage multiple work flows and prioritize appropriately.
• Use or learn a range of position-related software applications.
• Macintosh computer experience which includes spreadsheet, word processing, presentation…