Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Chester, CT

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This position provides coverage primarily at Marx Library and supports other Access and Public Services sites based on operational need. Provides frontline support for public services and operational functions, ensuring high-quality, user-centered access to library collections, services, and spaces. Delivers service desk support and facilitates referrals to librarians and subject specialists as needed. May serve as staff in charge during assigned shifts and contributes to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all library users. Assists faculty, students, staff, alumni, and visitors in navigating library resources through in-person, phone, email, and other communication channels. Serves as a knowledgeable representative of the department, articulating policies and procedures clearly and professionally. Troubleshoots patron account issues, identifies resolutions, and escalates concerns when appropriate. Processes and retrieves materials for patron requests and internal workflows. Exercises independent judgment when interviewing patrons to determine the scope and depth of requests, responding directly or referring users to appropriate resources or specialists. Creates and maintains documentation for departmental workflows and procedures. Collects, maintains, and reports library statistics and operational data. Coordinates and supports circulation, resource access, collections maintenance, facilities monitoring, technology support, and student employee supervision. Identifies and reports facilities, equipment, security, and safety concerns according to established procedures. Actively participates in training and professional development opportunities to deepen knowledge of Yale Library resources, collections, and services. Regularly evaluates workflows and contributes to improvements in service quality and operational efficiency.

May be called upon to assist with disaster recovery efforts, participate in departmental or library-wide committees, support special projects, and perform other duties that support the mission and operations of Yale Library.

Based on library assignment, operational needs, staffing requirements, and area responsibilities, incumbents may perform a variety of specialized Access and Public Services functions. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinates course reserves services, including processing print and electronic reserves and communicating with faculty regarding course materials.
• Supports Resource Sharing, Scan and Deliver services, retrieval requests, and related access workflows.
• Supports collection management and access activities, including serials and acquisitions workflows, bibliographic searching and verification, donor review, shelving, inventory projects, collection shifting, off-site storage transfers, retrieval services, and related collection maintenance functions.
• Provides support for special collections services, including monitoring use of materials, instructing patrons on handling procedures, and supporting archival activities.
• Maintains library privileges, patron accounts, and related access records.
• Supports library operations through opening and closing procedures, monitoring library spaces, reporting facilities, equipment, and security concerns, receiving deliveries, and maintaining access to collections and services.
• Participates in training, documentation, workflow development, assessment, service improvement initiatives, and departmental, library-wide, or cross-unit projects.
• May provide operational guidance and training to student employees.

Schedule: Sunday – Thursday 1:30pm – 10:00pm

Required Skills and Abilities 1. Demonstrated commitment to delivering high-quality, responsive, and user-centered service. Ability to develop positive working relationships with patrons, colleagues, and campus partners while contributing to an inclusive and welcoming environment. 2. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a busy service environment while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and professionalism despite frequent interruptions and competing priorities. 3. Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment. Demonstrated ability to coordinate, direct, or monitor the work of student employees and contribute effectively to team-based operations. 4. Demonstrated proficiency with office technology, productivity software, and library systems. Ability to learn new technologies and troubleshoot common software, hardware, and equipment issues. 5. Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated reliability, initiative, adaptability, and ability to prioritize and complete complex assignments accurately. Preferred Skills and Abilities 1. High level of familiarity with Alma Circulation, Interlibrary Loan and Reserves processing and software.

Physical Requirements Ability to push loaded book trucks; carry packages, boxes, or books up to 35 pounds; reach high shelves using step stools or ladders; bend to low shelving areas; stand or sit for scheduled hours; and tolerate dust and other conditions associated with library collections.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Serves as a primary source of information on established procedures and policies for staff and patrons. 2. May perform a range of public and technical services functions. 3. Oversees, instructs, revises, the work or coordinates work activities of staff. 4. Provides research assistance to patrons and staff in writing and at reference desk. 5. Interviews patron to determine scope and depth of request. Identifies and resolves problems. 6. Searches for bibliographic data with incomplete information or source material in catalogs, reference sources, files, and databases. 7. Acquires library material that has been recommended by patrons or librarians. 8. Oversees a unit budget. Monitors expenditures, reconciles statements and maintains records. Organizes special projects. 9. Performs functions incidental to library activities.

Required Education and Experience Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.