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Position: Reference Coordinator

Location: Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH

Status: Full Time, permanent

Salary: $22.50/hr

Benefits: Full benefit package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, retirement plan, life insurance

Position Summary:

This position serves as the coordinator for Archives & Library public services, managing researcher access, appointments, communications, and service operations to ensure a high-quality research experience. It provides direct support to researchers through reference assistance, access to collections, and outreach activities. The role also performs technical responsibilities including serials cataloging, print acquisitions, and maintenance of research resources and tools. This is a highly public-facing position that balances customer service, coordination, and collections stewardship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reference Coordinator
• Coordinates the public services experience, including managing appointment calendaring system, managing the research reservations email account, assigning reference interviews in alignment with departmental standards and organizational expectations, and maintaining associated documentation and tools.
• Monthly researcher statistics
• Coordinate Society Archives requests
• Reading Room / Microfilm Room resource, collection, and supply upkeep and maintenance

• Serves on committees and teams as assigned.

• Attend conferences, workshops, and training sessions as part of ongoing professional development.
• Public Services
• Assists Archives & Library visitors in-person, email and phone at the Reference Desk and Microfilm Room.
• Responds to reference emails and returns voicemails.
• Retrieves requested materials and re-shelves materials to the closed stacks or Research Room.
• Contributes to the review and update of research guides and other digital tools as appropriate.
• Archives & Library
  • Assists with collection development and maintenance tasks, processing collections, acquisitions, cataloging, creating inventories, etc., as identified.
  • Assists with special projects as needed.
• Supports the purchase of new print materials acquisitions via organizational procedures
• Supports Serials processing and newspaper intake.
• Oversees staff check outs
• Outreach & Engagement
  • Contributes to outreach activities such as tours, presentations, workshops, webinars, or social media content promoting Archives & Library collections and services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field PLUS three to five years relevant working experience.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field PLUS one to three years relevant working experience.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Familiarity with archival collection management databases such as ArchivesSpace, WorldShare, and discovery layers.
• Familiarity with digital microfilm machines, like ViewScan machines.
• Familiarity with scanning hardware and software, like Bookeye scanners.
• Familiarity with library guide and calendaring systems like Springshare.
• Demonstrate ability to collaborate with outside partners and internal stakeholders.
• Comfortable communicating with staff and the public.
• Experience with archival principles and best practices.
• Proficiency in various office software suites and virtual platforms, including but not limited to Microsoft 365.

Required Competencies:

• Can locate and use resources to get things done, orchestrates multiple activities at one to accomplish a goal, uses resources effectively and efficiently, and arranges information in a useful manner.
• Assumes accountability of role and responsibilities; anticipates the needs of others.
• Able to process information in a consistent manner, simultaneously displaying adaptability when necessary.
• Able to carry out duties assigned by supervisor.
• Engages and collaborates with with a variety of internal and external colleagues and stakeholders, taking ownership of the process when appropriate.
• Sound judgement and the ability to make reasonable decisions in the absence of direction.

Work Environment:

• Work generally takes place onsite Monday through Friday for 8 hours; lunch break is not included. Work performed in an office, laboratory, stacks and/or field environment. The start time is semi-flexible, and there are opportunities for remote work depending on the priorities. Weekend work may be required for public service shifts in the library, and evening work may be required for programming. This position may require overnight in-state and occasionally out-of-state travel. Frequent contact with the public may be stressful at times.

To apply:

Please submit application materials through the Ohio History Connection application portal https://www.ohiohistory.org/jobs. Resume, cover letter, and other supporting documents can be attached in the "Resume" section. Please direct inquiries and accommodation requests to Human Resources, applicant@ohiohistory.org or by calling 614-297-2500.

Ohio History Connection is an equal opportunity employer.

All prospective employees are required to undergo a fingerprint background check processed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation & Identification (BCI) in accordance with the Volunteer Children's Act. Additionally, prospective employees will also submit to a drug test. Both will occur after the offer of employment is accepted. The results of the background check and drug test are not immediate disqualifiers to employment and are reviewed in accordance with Ohio History Connection policies and procedures. Inquiries must be directed to the Human Resources Director at 614-297-2390 or via email at applicant@ohiohistory.org.