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Serials Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Library Assistant III Job Summary: The Preservation Department supports the University of Wisconsin ... Organizing and preparing monographs and serials for commercial library binding and in-house ...

Serials Assistant information

What is a serials assistant?

Serials Assistants are library professionals who handle the organization, processing, and management of serial publications such as journals, magazines, and newspapers. Their responsibilities include checking in new issues, maintaining accurate records, assisting with subscription renewals, and resolving problems related to serials. They work closely with librarians and vendors to ensure patrons have timely access to periodicals, both in print and digital formats. This role is essential in academic, public, and special libraries to support research and information needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a serials assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Serials Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of library science principles, typically supported by a high school diploma or relevant library experience. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), serials management software, and bibliographic databases is often required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure accurate tracking, cataloging, and access to serial publications, supporting efficient library operations and patron satisfaction.

How does a serials assistant typically collaborate with librarians and academic staff?

As a Serials Assistant, you’ll regularly work alongside librarians and academic staff to ensure timely access to journals, periodicals, and other serial publications. This involves communicating about subscription updates, resolving access issues, and assisting with the evaluation of new resources. You may also help prepare usage reports or support training sessions on serials management systems, making collaboration and clear communication important aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Serials Assistant vs Library Assistant?

AspectSerials AssistantLibrary Assistant
CredentialsTypically requires a diploma or certificate in library science or related fieldOften requires a high school diploma or equivalent, some roles prefer library or information science courses
Work EnvironmentLibraries, archives, or institutions managing serial publicationsPublic, school, or academic libraries
Job ResponsibilitiesManaging serials, subscriptions, cataloging serial publications, handling renewalsAssisting patrons, shelving, cataloging, and general library support

While both roles work within library settings, Serials Assistants focus on managing serial publications and subscriptions, requiring specific knowledge of serials management. Library Assistants have broader responsibilities supporting overall library operations. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Serials Assistant jobs in Wisconsin?

For Serials Assistant jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Serials Assistant job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Preservation Binding Specialist

Madison, WI • On-site


University of Wisconsin-Madison
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

127th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$39K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category:
University Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Library Assistant III
Job Summary:
The Preservation Department supports the University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries' mission by ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of physical collections. Through preservation assessment, conservation, commercial library binding, and collection maintenance, the department works to extend the usable life of research materials and maintain their availability for current and future users. The department collaborates with units across the Libraries to preserve a wide range of circulating and special collections materials using established preservation standards and best practices.
The Preservation Binding Specialist supports these efforts by coordinating and performing the preparation of library materials for commercial library binding and in-house pamphlet binding. This position coordinates binding workflows, performs quality control, enters and maintains binding data in library and vendor systems, and communicates with the commercial bindery to resolve production issues. The position also trains and guides student employees, serves as a resource for library staff on binding procedures and preservation practices, and contributes to the development of workflows and procedures that support efficient, high-quality preservation services.
The successful candidate will perform a variety of duties, including, but not limited to:
  • Organizing and preparing monographs and serials for commercial library binding and in-house pamphlet binding;
  • Working with commercial library binder to resolve problems in fulfillment of binding contract;
  • Maintaining knowledge of preservationally sound commercial binding methods as specified in the Library Binding Standard and the Guide to the Library Binding Standard;
  • Maintaining knowledge of basic principles of preservation and collection maintenance.

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.
This position is full-time, 100%.
Ongoing/Renewable
Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Actively participate in an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful workplace (5%)
  • Provides complex support to the day-to-day operations of library services to provide guidance in the use of library information resources, operations, and policies; or to acquire, prepare, and preserve library information resources for use (50%)
  • Contributes to the development of policies and procedures (5%)
  • May create invoices, process complex orders, and resolve any purchasing discrepancies (5%)
  • Participates in committee work within the library and the university (0%)
  • Provides complex library services support in absence of a supervisory authority. Acts as a resource to other library staff (5%)
  • May assist and educate both face-to-face and remote customers in the use of technologies and tools to create, seek, use, and manage information (0%)
  • Conducts reference searches to locate relevant materials and answer questions as needed (0%)
  • Interprets policies and procedures to answer non-routine questions and resolve complex issues (5%)
  • Hires, trains, and guides student employees and monitors student workflows (5%)
  • Utilizes designated library systems, tools, standards, and practices to locate, retrieve, and organize; or describe, edit, preserve, and reformat a variety of library information resources (15%)
  • Utilizes library software and systems to retrieve, enter, and report on data using a wide variety of applications (5%)

Department:
Libraries, Preservation Services
Compensation:
Starting salary will be based on experience and qualifications. Well-qualified applicants can anticipate earning between $39,335 - $45,000, with final salary based on experience and qualifications.
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/univstaff.pdf.
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/).
Required Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated experience performing detailed, hands-on work with library and archival materials in a preservation context.
  • Demonstrated ability to follow established procedures and standards while exercising sound judgment, resolving routine problems, and maintaining accuracy in a production-oriented workflow.
  • Experience using computer systems and software applications to retrieve, enter, and maintain information with accuracy and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated experience with commercial library binding processes, book repair, pamphlet binding, or other library preservation workflows.
  • Experience training, guiding, or providing direction to student employees or other staff in a work setting.
  • Knowledge of preservation principles, library binding standards, and best practices for the care and maintenance of physical collections, including the ability to assess damaged materials and assign appropriate treatment options.

Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent required.
How to Apply:
Click the "Apply" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Applicants should attach a cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process.
References will be requested from finalists only and are not required with the initial application. Reference requests will be sent via email from SkillSurvey.
Failure to submit the required documents will result in no longer being considered for the position.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
Contact Information:
Caitlin Milnthorpe, caitlin.milnthorpe@wisc.edu, 608-263-4962
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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About University of Wisconsin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Wisconsin, based in Madison, WI, US, functions in the educational industry and is a renowned and respected institution for higher education. Its official website is wisc.edu. Established in 1848, this public research university is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education, research, creativity, and public service. It embodies a strong commitment to academic freedom and academic excellence. As a major contributor to the Wisconsin Idea, it aims to accomplish its mission of generating well-rounded individuals who will contribute substantially to society, the local community, and the global economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

Year founded

2005


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