Job Description

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:

The George Washington University (GW) Libraries and Academic Innovation (LAI) is searching for a Senior Library Assistant. GW LAI is a catalyst, a spark to generate new ideas and new possibilities. Responsive to the changing landscape of information and education, being sensitive both to traditional and emergent modes of communication, we bring together diverse constituents of faculty, students, and staff in a highly collaborative, dynamic, and deeply engaged intellectual community to support research, teaching and learning. As part of the larger George Washington University, we are a nexus where exciting things happen, where change happens, where growth happens.

The Melvin Gelman Library operates 24/7 during the regular academic year. Access Services staff must be available to work a combination of daytime, evening, night and weekend shifts. Access Services manages four major functions of the Gelman Library:

• Resource Sharing processes course reserves, consortium and inter library loan items, and make print and electronic materials accessible to patrons.
• Entrance Services is the first point of contact for all patrons and visitors to the Gelman Library. They manage visitor sign-ins, the building’s Lost and Found, and most keyed access to the building.
• Circulation Services maintains a high level of customer service, checks in and out circulating materials, and collects and assess fines on customer accounts.
• Shelving responsibilities are shared among all staff. It is fielded through the Check Out desk where carts are prepared with materials to be re-shelved in the stacks areas.

Under supervision, this library support position performs a variety of routine clerical, technical or public service duties to deliver quality customer service to library patrons and other library departments. This position provides faculty support including cataloguing and processing of textbooks and electronic syllabi, catalogues records, performs circulation activities and transactions, assists with basic searches, and performs filing. This position responds to and resolves common inquiries and routine problems, performs shelving responsibilities, and supports the interlibrary loan process. This position may assist in providing training to student employees and performs routine record maintenance activities.

Reporting to the Library Supervisor, Access Services, the Senior Library Assistant works within the division’s Access Services team and is responsible for:

• Delivering high level of customer service to library patrons in a fast-paced physical environment.
• Working in a team to perform daily Access Services duties: providing access to the building; verifying visitor eligibility; providing policy and procedural information to patrons; checking in and out materials; creating and correcting library accounts; basic cataloguing of circulating incidentals; shelving of returned materials and reserve items; and provides basic reference to patrons.
• Interpreting library policies and procedures and assists users in facilitating access to the building, collections, and services.
• Showing initiative while performing daily activities. Communicating effectively with the team to ensure that group goals are met.
• Working to resolve customer inquiries and problems by exercising discretion and judgment in selecting the best solution, based upon policies and customer circumstances. Consulting with management, as needed.
• Assisting in training and monitoring student employees on the use of automated systems, such as Alma and MyAccount, and other departmental duties.
• Participating in shelving activities which include sorting, shifting and shelving the collection according to Library of Congress call number system.
• Providing feedback and assisting with developing user guides, patron handouts, training materials, using word processing and other software.

The incumbent may perform other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

The position is based at GW’s Foggy Bottom Campus in Washington, DC. The incumbent may perform other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a high school diploma/GED plus 1.5 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to push and pull heavy book trucks and book tubs (weighing 50-100 pounds).
• Ability to frequently stoop and bend to retrieve items from shelves.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.
• One (1) year customer service experience (preferably in a library setting) is desired.
• Public or Academic Library experience desired.
• Willingness, availability and flexibility to work a combination of daytime, evening, night, weekend and overnight hours required.
• Ability to work independently and diplomatically with patrons and library staff.
• Ability to give attention to detail.
• Demonstrate the ability to:
  • Provide routine information about existing policy and procedure, by phone, written correspondence, e-mail, and in person.
  • Actively listen and respond to routine inquiries, requests, and patron concerns.
  • Correctly refer patron to other service points and management as needed.
  • Ability to prioritize and individually handle simultaneous events and situations that occur during peak periods within a shift.
• Ability to recognize the basic elements in a bibliographic citation is desired.
• Knowledge of Library of Congress Call number classification, or ability to learn preferred.
• Working knowledge of word processing programs, electronic filing, and ability to learn variety of systems and software including BANNER, Alma, and Illiad is desired.

Hiring Range

$18.06 - $23.50

GW Staff Approach to Pay

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location:

Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department:

University Libraries

Family

Libraries

Sub-Family

Library Services - Staff

Stream

Service and Support

Level

Level 2

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Part-Time

Hours Per Week:

20

Work Schedule:

Friday and Saturday 10:00pm - 9:00am

Will this job require the employee to work on site?

Yes

Employee Onsite Status

On-campus (in person)

Telework:

No

Required Background Check:

Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only?

No

Posting Number:

S013553

Job Open Date:

04/01/2025

Job Close Date:

If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:

Background Screening

Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement:

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

The George Washington University

Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, Remote job, Work visa, Shift work, Night shift, Weekend work, Saturday, Afternoon shift,

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