Library Assistant - Map Library

This is a one-year temporary position to support the work of the Map Library. The Library Assistant assists with coordinating the daily operations and support services for the Map Library. Specific responsibilities include performing circulation services, supervision of student employees, reference services, and routine catalog record cleanup. This work is done under the direction and supervision of the Map & Geospatial Information Librarian.

Schedule: On-site, Monday - Friday during business hours (between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.).

About the Department

The Social Sciences Department (SSD), as part of the University Libraries Research Service Area, advances the research and learning of the University's social sciences and professional program disciplines, departments, and colleges. The SSD liaisons and reference specialists provide course-integrated instruction, research consultations that range from simple to sustained and advanced, and connect their constituents to services and experts from around the Libraries. Social Sciences is also home to Mapping Prejudice, the Map Library, and the Government Publications Unit. The professionals who work in these units manage complex and specialized collections, provide focused research support, and serve on highly collaborative initiatives in and beyond the Libraries, such as the BTAA Geoportal, the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), and more. Social Sciences staff are tied together through our deep grounding in social science disciplinary subjects, content, methods, and related emerging approaches to research, teaching, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

Operations & Collection Maintenance (25%)

• Coordinate and supervise daily services, including circulating material, shelving, and filing.
• Supervise collection shifts; search for missing items; page items for GetIt requests.
• Perform conservation activities such as minor map repair and encapsulation. Supervise students performing conservation activities.
• Prepare and process materials for bindery.
• Communicate and follow up with IT Help Desk regarding public and staff computer and printer problems. Order supplies for the unit.

Reference Services (25%)

• Provide reference service (primarily in-person, via telephone, and email), using the resources of the Borchert Map Library.
• Monitor mapref email account and forward items to the Head of the Map Library as needed.
• Respond to users' requests by evaluating resource options, identifying appropriate reference and bibliographic resources and directing or assisting users as appropriate.
• Provide individual assistance in using Libraries Search and other databases for public use.
• Interpret library records and direct users to other sources of information outside the Map Library.
• Coordinate Digital Delivery scans of cartographic materials.
• Assist Head of the Map Library in maintaining the Map Library web site.

Personnel Management (25%)

• Schedule and supervise student workers.
• Prepare student employment payroll documents and biweekly hours reported. and assist with the management of the student payroll budget.
• Monitor Student Assistant work study funds and verification.
• Assign duties to Student Assistants and monitor and evaluate job performance.
• Maintain the student staff Google site.
• Act as liaison to University Libraries student supervisor community and University Libraries Human Resources regarding student employee related topics and issues.

Technical Services (25%)

• Prepare physical cartographic collections for processing; manage workflow of backlog materials.
• Supervise student processing of new depository maps, aerial photographs, and backlog material.
• Identify issues with and perform basic corrections to monograph records.
• Communicate with Cataloging & Metadata Services staff about issues, questions, or projects related to map and monograph catalog records.

Required:

• Five (5) years of relevant library or research experience, which can include at least three years of college education (in any major) plus (2) years of relevant library experience.
• Experience with library classification systems.
• Basic office skills (filing, alphabetizing, sorting, accurate typing).
• Attention to detail in an environment with repetitive tasks.
• Problem-solving and communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience with the Library of Congress classification system.
• Experience with processing and updating catalog records.
• Familiarity with handling old and fragile materials.
• Experience working with collections of cartographic materials.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the benefits of diversity and inclusion throughout an organization.
• Ability to make independent decisions and also collaborate as part of a team.

Physical Requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation (if applicable):

With or without reasonable accommodation, able to:

• frequently move and transport boxes weighing up to 30 pounds;
• frequently push, pull, and maneuver large heavy book trucks;
• frequently load and unload materials from book trucks and shelve materials on 7-shelf shelving units, including reaching overhead and maintaining balance.

Pay Range: $26.47 per hour

Time Appointment: 100% (40 hours/week), Temporary 1-year position

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please attach the following documents in Word or PDF Format (DO NOT copy and paste.)

• Resume.
• Cover Letter.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).