Newberry Library Hiring for Library Assistant at United States Full Time

ABOUT THE NEWBERRY: The Newberry collection—some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages—is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry’s reading rooms, exhibition galleries, program spaces, classrooms, and online digital resources.

Since its founding in 1887, the Newberry has remained dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As individuals engage with Newberry collections and staff, they discover stories that bridge the past and present and illuminate the human condition.

The Newberry’s community of discovery is driven by a shared commitment to promoting research, inspiring learning, and using inquiry across the humanities as a tool to engage critically in a vibrant democratic society.

SUMMARY: Reporting to the General Collections Services Librarian, the Library Assistant assists in the public service of the reading rooms.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Circulation and Collection Maintenance

Locate, charge, and deliver materials from the closed bookstacks to readers in the reading rooms and throughout the building.

Reshelve returned materials and shelve new materials

Assist readers with the proper handling of materials

Evaluate materials for ownership markings and or/conservation treatment and route as appropriate

Maintain closed and open stacks by participating in shifts and other stacks management projects

Circulation Desk

Serve as the circulation desk attendant providing orientation, direction, and assistance, including some reference help, to a wide variety of readers

Accurately maintain circulation database through routing and charging of material requests and signing readers into the reading room (Aeon, online circulation system)

Interpret and enforce Newberry Library policy and regulations as they apply to the reading room

Monitor use of the reading room

Organize and direct tasks for paging materials

Assist readers and staff with requests and orders for digital images

Other Duties

Process reproduction orders using a book-friendly scanner

Answer correspondence including reference research and copy requests

Assist with the training of student workers, new Library staff, and volunteers

Assist curators and librarians with additional potential projects in other areas of the Library including Reference, Collection Services, and Conservation

All other duties as assigned to meet departmental and organizational goals

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
High school diploma or GED certificate required;

Commitment to providing high quality library services to a diverse group of students, scholars, staff, and researchers;

Ability to communicate with diverse library users and staff in person, by email, and by telephone;

Ability to work effectively with others in a team environment;

Ability to work quickly and accurately within a high level of activity;

Ability to sustain close attention to detail;

Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills;

Excellent oral and written communication skills;

Preferred:
Minimum of two years of college;

Strong interest in the humanities;

Previous library and/or public service work experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical strength, mobility, and endurance required for paging materials with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, non-exempt position, working 35 hours per week, with normal hours generally from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. The incumbent will work onsite.

BENEFITS: The Newberry offers a comprehensive benefits package including a variety of health, dental, and vision insurances; generous paid time off (vacation time, sick leave, personal days, and paid holidays); a 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match; employer-provided basic life and long-term disability insurance; paid parental leave; and much more.

THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

View our statement concerning our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion here.