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Serials Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hinds Community College

Catalog Librarian

Raymond, MS · On-site

Works with administrative branch librarians and their staff to ensure serials holdings are current ... Assists in the training of new library employees, student assistants, and library technical ...

Hinds Community College

Catalog Librarian

Raymond, MS · On-site

... serials, inter-library loan, and other technical processes of the library. All Hinds Community ... Assistsin the trainingof new library employees, student assistants, and library technical ...

Hinds Community College

Catalog Librarian

Raymond, MS · On-site

... serials, inter-library loan, and other technical processes of the library. All Hinds Community ... Assistsin the trainingof new library employees, student assistants, and library technical ...

William and Mary

Assistant Circulation/Reserve Supervisor

$43K - $49K/yr

Assistant Circulation/Reserve Supervisor Department: CC00210 WM001 | SLAW | Law Library Job Family ... serials filing for the law library. • Help create and run reports for the department. • Check ...

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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.
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Infographic showing various Serials Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Senior Library Specialist - University Library

Senior Library Specialist - University Library

University of Illinois

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

The Senior Library Specialist (SLS) serves as a resource for complex acquisitions and cataloging functions, including electronic monographs and serials. Responsibilities include ordering and payment processing, copy cataloging using various metadata standards and classification schemes, identifying and correcting cataloging problems in the global (OCLC) database, providing access, and performing local record maintenance. The Senior Library Specialist responds to inquiries from Daley and LHS library staff, provides training and consultation, and independently researches and resolves complex bibliographic and acquisitions problems.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Acquisition Functions

  • Perform pre-order searching of electronic orders for bibliographic verification prior to regular and highly complex ordering and receipt of monographic and serial electronic resources.
  • Input, update, and maintain highly complex electronic and foreign acquisitions data in Library databases, as well as simple routine domestic acquisitions data. Activate links to make electronic resources available to users.
  • Assist with managing the workflow of ordering, renewing, and payment for resources, foreign and complex domestic orders, including the creation of purchase orders and invoices for acquisitions within the library acquisitions system.
  • Assist with the annual renewal of electronic serials with EBSCO and works with selectors to coordinate timely, accurate placement of orders.
  • Analyze and respond to complex queries internally as well as with foreign and domestic vendors, and delegate questions to staff as appropriate.
  • Analyze status reports from vendors for foreign and domestic orders.
  • Identify new titles, title changes, titles without order records for renewals or processing.

Cataloging and Database Maintenance Functions

  • Create brief bibliographic records for electronic resources for eventual overlay in record loads.
  • Make complex adaptations to bibliographic data available in the OCLC database to create local records for all formats, including materials in foreign languages.
  • Verify bibliographic accuracy of Shelf Ready titles that have been imported into the local database. Identify, correct and update problem records.
  • Search the authority files of OCLC for subject, name and series titles verification.
  • Interpret and apply metadata standards, including Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) codes, OCLC Bibliographic
  • Formats and Standards, Resource Description and Access (RDA), and the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR).
  • Monitor electronic resources listserv and troubleshooting queries.
  • Perform other complex related duties and participates in special projects as assigned.
University of Illinois logo

About University of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Illinois, located in Urbana, Illinois, US, is a prominent entity in the higher education sector. Operating its official functions through its website uillinois.edu, the institution provides a range of educational programs and services. The University was founded in 1867 and has since grown dramatically both in size and reputation. Its core values are embodied in its mission to enhance the lives of its students and citizens in the state, nation, and world through leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development. The university boasts several notable achievements including producing Nobel laureates and Pulitzer prize winners. It is renowned for its research programs and is known for significant advancements across various fields including engineering, science, and humanities.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Urbana, IL, US

Year founded

1974

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