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Serials Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MI (NOW HIRING)

Serials Assistant information

Do I need a degree to be a librarian assistant?

A librarian assistant typically does not need a college degree, but some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include organization, customer service, and familiarity with library systems or cataloging tools. Certification is not usually mandatory but can enhance job prospects.

What are Serials Assistants?

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.

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 the duties of an assistant?

A Serials Assistant is responsible for managing and cataloging serial publications such as journals, magazines, and newspapers. They handle tasks like processing subscriptions, maintaining records, updating databases, and ensuring timely distribution, often using library management software. Attention to detail and organizational skills are essential for this role.

What is the highest paying library job?

The highest paying library jobs are typically library directors or chief librarians, with salaries often exceeding $80,000 to $100,000 annually depending on the size and location of the institution. These roles require advanced degrees, such as a master's in library science, and extensive experience in library management and administration.

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 qualifications do I need to be an assistant librarian?

To become an assistant librarian, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, with many positions preferring or requiring a bachelor's degree in library science, information management, or a related field. Relevant skills include familiarity with library management systems, strong organizational abilities, and good communication skills; some roles may also require certification or training in library technology.
What are popular job titles related to Serials Assistant jobs in Rochester, MI? For Serials Assistant jobs in Rochester, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Serials Assistant jobs in Rochester, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Serials Assistant jobs in Rochester, MI are:
What cities near Rochester, MI are hiring for Serials Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, MI with the most Serials Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Serials Assistant job openings in Rochester, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Library Associate Senior, Public Services

Library Associate Senior, Public Services

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

251st of 552 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Perform procedural library work involving moderately complex clerical support for a public or technical service unit in the University Library System. Work activities necessitate proficiency in library methods and procedures and the ability to utilize on-line computer systems and standard office equipment. 

Essential Functions: 

Perform moderately complex clerical support for circulation, reference and media desk services. Process requests for book charges, discharges and renewals; library card registration. Create and process records and holds via the computerized library system. Collect fines and fees; deposit and record on-line status. Ensure proper and accurate shelving of materials. Assist library patrons with routine bibliographic searches (e.g. locate monographs, serials, periodicals, audio-visual tapes, microfiche and film); provide general instruction in the operation of on-line computer system, e.g. Imagine, Horizon, microfiche/film readers and copiers. 

Assist with bibliographic cataloging and acquisitions following established procedures. Operate computer terminal to access, enter and retrieve information involving multiple display formats and the coding and interpretation of data. Input, verify, interpret and edit on-line electronic records of journal subscriptions, bindery shipments, subject headings, authority records and other data pertaining to acquisitions, cataloging, bindery and circulation via OCLC system and bibliographic database. 

Perform bindery and preservation functions for the library. Update and maintain on-line data pertaining to materials in the bindery process. Prepare and ship materials to bindery. 

Review and verify computer generated reports to identify and correct routine errors of on-line data. Compile statistical data and prepare monthly and special reports regarding departmental operations. Maintain and update daily activity logs and work order requests. Process invoices to initiate vendor payment; deposit fines/fees into appropriate accounts; maintain billing status via computerized record. 

Provide functional supervision to a large number (7-10) of student assistants and full and parttime support personnel. Assign and monitor work activities. Train in appropriate methods and procedures. Answer and resolve routine inquiries; refer complex problems to appropriate personnel. 

Participate in general office functions as needed. Prepare and process appropriate University forms, paperwork and general correspondence. Operate standard and non-standard office equipment and machines, e.g. typewriter, photocopier, computer terminal, microfilm/fiche readers. Receive and answer telephone calls, take messages and direct inquiries and problems to appropriate personnel. Maintain department files; prepare materials for mail (i.e. interlibrary loan and DALNET information). 

Open and close building facility and maintain secure area. May be required to work evening and weekend shifts. Monitor supply and equipment inventory; order materials and contact vendor representatives as necessary. 

Perform related work as assigned. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This senior classification level is designed to provide moderately complex clerical support for either a public or technical service unit in the Library System. Work activities necessitate require proficiency in various library procedures, e.g. circulation, loan, reference, media, cataloging, acquisitions, bindery, preservation and receiving services. The incumbent is expected to operate a computer terminal to access, retrieve and enter information via OCLC, Horizon and Imagine systems. The incumbent is expected to have the ability to communicate effectively when assisting patrons with library procedures, methods and operations. Functional supervision is exercised over a large number (7-10) of student and part-time temporary support personnel. The incumbent may be expected to work an evening or weekend shift. Work activities include thinking within somewhat diversified procedures. This classification is generally located in a public or technical service unit in the University Library System. This classification reports to and receives work direction from a professional/administrative, academic staff or management level position. 


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