Library Assistant III - Science Library

Library Assistant III – Science Library Circulation, Access Services, and Reserves Assistant

This is a full‑time, continuing, 12‑month (1.0) FTE Administrative Assistant position reporting to the STEM Librarian.

Reporting to the STEM Librarian/Head of the Science Library, the Library Assistant oversees the routine operations of the library, including managing the daily activities of the circulation desk and maintaining the stacks, course reserves, and the general library space, thereby ensuring pleasant, helpful, and anticipatory assistance to the Science Library’s visitors and users. This position plays a central role working with the Head of Circulation and Access Services in managing a team of 12 student assistant workers in day‑to‑day tasks and activities;

also works closely with fellow supervisors across Libraries to ensure efficient workflows and consistent and welcoming customer service. The position work week is Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This schedule may vary during semester breaks and Winter Term.

• Supervise circulation, reserve, and resource‑sharing (interlibrary loan and OhioLINK) operations, including the initiation of statistical reports and interpretation of library policies.
• Hire, train, evaluate, and direct the daily workflows of Science Library student assistants, ensuring student staff are well prepared to provide accurate, courteous, and professional service.
• Oversee routine running of the library, including student assistant schedules, stacks maintenance, inventory and maintenance of supplies, and work orders.
• Oversee student scheduling and payroll processes, including timecard approval.
• Provide high‑quality customer service by answering questions, resolving problems, interpreting and enforcing library policies, and making referrals to other staff as needed.
• Support equitable access to library services and collections and promote a positive image of the library through friendly, cooperative, and respectful interactions with patrons and colleagues.
• Write daily shift reports and communicate issues to other supervisors and staff.
• Prepare and maintain basic circulation reports and statistics.
• Assume major responsibility for Science Library facilities during scheduled hours, which may include opening and closing the library, and implementing appropriate safety and emergency procedures when needed.
• Participate in departmental administrative matters, including preparing reports and other activities.
• Prepare delinquent borrower reports and process fines, holds, and invoices.
• Determine when books need to be mended or rebound.
• Verify work processes, including binding and acquisitions.
• In addition, staff members in this classification may also perform the work characteristics of the other Library Assistant classifications.
• Contribute to departmental initiatives and special projects as assigned in support of broader library goals and operational needs.

• Troubleshoot basic departmental equipment problems (printers, copiers, circulation workstations).

• Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant library work experience.
• Strong public service orientation and demonstrated interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Keyboarding proficiency (minimum 35 wpm).
• Proficiency with standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets, databases).
• Aptitude in troubleshooting basic computer and mechanical issues.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to accuracy, and ability to multitask effectively.
• Positive references verifying reliability, judgment, and professionalism.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing inclusive and equitable library services.

• Experience working in a library, preferably with an integrated library system or automated circulation system.
• Knowledge of library operations and classification systems (Library of Congress, Dewey, and SuDocs).
• Supervisory or student staff management experience.
• Experience working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in busy or stressful situations.
• Abi…