Library Specialist II (Serials) (A)

Job Summary

The Library Specialist II provides information services through a variety of technical and administrative functions including acquisition and cataloging of materials, reference and research assistance, creation and maintenance of databases, supervision and training of student personnel, and the maintenance of and assistance with the use of computers and other equipment. The incumbent performs duties essential to support the efficient operation of the Morehead State University Library, following protocols, policies, and procedures for one or more assigned units.

Duties and Responsibilities

General

Performs basic and specialized tasks of the assigned unit with limited supervision; interprets established policies and procedures, and follows precedent in meeting organizational goals and objectives.
Uses substantial knowledge of library terminology and functional area procedures to assist students, faculty, staff, and the general public in locating materials and using library services; refers complex inquiries to others when appropriate.
Uses appropriate modules of the Library Integrated System to enter and retrieve information; may have authorization to edit data and/or use specialized functions.
Utilizes other technology applications as needed to accomplish tasks.
Applies sound judgment and considerable understanding of unit's policies to respond to user needs and to resolve services issues.
May be assigned full responsibility for student workers and/or graduate assistants.
Participates in unit planning.
Performs other job-related tasks as assigned
Contributes to the unit's efficiency and effectiveness through personal productivity, persistent teamwork, professional conduct, and a positive attitude.

Essential Unit Responsibilities

Generates orders and processes renewals for all serials (print and electronic) using the Library’s Integrated Library System (ILS).
Receives, processes, claims, distributes, and withdraws (as necessary) all serials and U.S. Government Documents
Processes serials invoices (paper and EDI) using the Library’s ILS.
Creates and maintains the bibliographic and holdings records for all serials and U.S. Government Documents (print and electronic) using the Library’s ILS, OCLC Connexion, and MARC and holdings standards, providing access to Library patrons.
Communicates with appropriate constituents (customer service representatives, collection development librarians, and academic departments and faculty).
Problem solves serials and U.S. Government Documents related issues.
Manages the binding of library materials.
Manages and maintains Library’s electronic journals.
Compiles statistics and prepares various reports.

Essential Individual Responsibilities

Checks in serial issues, supervises all receipt of serial issues including microfilm, microfiche, and newspapers.
Orders all serials, including downloading record from OCLC, creating holdings records, setting up a PO in the Acquisitions module, and setting up online check-in when the first issue arrives.
Creates receipt and invoice records for all serials, verifies accuracy of shipments, approves invoices for payment, verifies renewals, maintains serial vendor information, and makes budget transfer recommendations for periodical subscriptions.
Copy catalogs title changes for serials.
Maintains LHRs (Local Holdings Records) information on OCLC and in the local catalog.
Maintains and verifies online access to electronic journal subscriptions.
Systematically claims serial issues not received and resolves receipt problems with vendors.
Verifies bibliographic information for serial records by consulting OCLC, the Library’s ILS, vendor catalogs, vendor and publisher websites, and other bibliographic sources.
Serves as a resource person for questions about serial holdings and notifies public service areas of changes in status for serial titles.
Coordinates periodic inventory of serials in all formats.
May assist with bindery preparation as necessary.
Performs other serials related duties/projects as assigned by the Serials Department Head.
Serves as a leader and resource person for student workers in Serials. May assist in the training and supervising in the absence of the Department Head.
Serves on Library planning and/or service committees and attends appropriate continuing education workshops/seminars.
Assists in coordinating periodical inventory of serials in all formats.

Organizational Relationships

This is the second level of a career ladder of progressively more complex jobs. This position works under the immediate supervision of the Unit Head, works as a team member in the Unit, and interacts with staff, students, faculty, vendors, and the general public.

Minimum Requirements

Sixty hours completed college credit plus one year of library experience OR thirty hours completed college credit plus three years of library or other relevant experience OR high school diploma/GED plus five years of library or other relevant experience. Keyboarding skills and the ability to operate a PC. Proficiency in word processing applications. Good communication skills, written and oral.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

Previous library experience or demonstrated interest in library work. Knowledge of/ experience with serial publications. Experience with Microsoft Office (especially Microsoft Word). Experience with a library automation system. Ability to work under pressure. Ability to interact positively. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, adapt to evolving technology, and complete detailed work accurately. Ability to handle interruptions gracefully.

Working Conditions and Atmosphere

Position may require regularly schedule early morning, late evening, and/or weekend hours. Flexibility in scheduling to meet unit needs is required. Requires substantial use of a PC. Pressures may develop due to deadlines, workload, and/or interactions with the public. Work may require mobility and moderate lifting (up to 20 lbs.) of items such as bound volumes, boxes, or computer equipment.