About the position
Amherst College invites applications for the Weekend Access Services Associate position, a part-time role that encompasses 20 hours of work per week during the academic year. The position starts at a competitive rate of $21.78 per hour. The Weekend Access Services Associate will oversee the weekend evening operations of the Robert Frost Library, taking full responsibility for the library during certain periods. This role is crucial in supporting the library's mission, especially given Amherst's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The successful candidate will demonstrate how they can contribute to this environment and support a broadly diverse community. In this position, the associate will supervise weekend Access Services student assistants, who are tasked with a variety of responsibilities. The associate will also support print and electronic reserve services during peak times and will be an active member of the Access Services department, regularly serving scheduled hours at the front desk. The work schedule is primarily Thursday through Saturday, with specific hours from 10 AM to 5 PM on Thursdays and 3 PM to 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. The associate will also adjust their schedule during academic breaks and exam periods to meet the library's operational needs. The role includes a variety of responsibilities, such as training and supervising student assistants, providing services and assistance to library users, maintaining a working knowledge of library policies, and supporting reserves operations during peak times. The associate will also be involved in stack and equipment maintenance, patron record management, and ensuring the overall functionality of library services during their shifts. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and development, as well as continued learning and career advancement within the college.
Responsibilities
- Oversees the weekend evening operations of the Robert Frost Library, including full responsibility for the library during some periods.
- Supervises weekend Access Services student assistants, ensuring consistent desk staffing and support.
- Assists in training student assistants, ensuring they understand and carry out library policies and procedures.
- Provides services and assistance to library users, including charging/discharging materials and maintaining borrower accounts.
- Maintains a working knowledge of library policies and procedures and engages in departmental discussions about best practices and policy changes.
- Processes print reserve material, adding items to course lists and adjusting online records during peak times.
- Participates in ensuring shelving accuracy by newly trained stack maintenance students.
- Maintains stock of circulating equipment, ensuring functionality and adequate supply.
- Arranges access to thesis lockers, communicating with borrowers and desk staff, and coordinating renewals.
- Expires patrons from monthly staff departure lists and updates unaffiliated patrons.
Requirements
- Associate's degree, or 3-5 years of experience in lieu of a degree.
- Demonstrated exceptional customer service, including creative problem-solving and a commitment to equitable access.
- Demonstrated close attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Proficient computer skills and demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technologies into existing operations.
- Ability to work closely and problem-solve with colleagues from all library departments, students, faculty, and staff.
- Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and tasks.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to effectively supporting a broadly diverse and intentionally inclusive community.
Nice-to-haves
- Bachelor's degree
- Experience working in an academic or research library.
Benefits
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Continued learning
- Career advancement
