Senior Library Expert - Special Collections - University Archives
Brown University
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Job Description:Job Summary
Performs skilled tasks and a broad range of library services in the Special Collections department, primarily in support of the University Archives collections. Provides library users with timely assistance and customer service, and provides library users with timely retrieval of library special collections materials upon request and within preferred time frame. Receives and processes informational materials for the Brown University Library, describes the intellectual content and attributes of the Library's information resources, and effectively organizes these resources for best use. This is a union position. Hybrid eligible.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities- Provides customer service and assistance to users in support of library services
- Receives and processes requests for material, as for example, class sessions, patrons who email information about their wants ahead of time, exhibits, online requests for information, etc.
- Provides instruction and guidance on how to identify, access, and use the archival collections, and develop information seeking skills to increase self-sufficiency
- Identifies, selects and creates physical or scanned copies of source material requested by users who come in person or request material by phone, mail, or email
- Accessions and processes acquisitions (encompassing purchases, transfers, and gifts) in a variety of languages and formats
- Processes and describes archives collections according to established guidelines and standards
- May support processing work for Manuscripts collections
- Catalogs (equivalent to AACR2 Level I or OCLC bibliographic formats Full Level encoding), describes, and assigns classifications to library materials in any format and language according to established guidelines
- Creates and edits minimal or full level bibliographic and holdings records for all formats
- Searches online and offline resources in order to describe library materials
- Identifies, investigates, and resolves description problems following established guidelines
- Applies various metadata standards to describe collections and encode finding aids
- Physically prepares material for use by patrons, including the creation of box and folder inventories
- Assists users in locating alternative information resources and services
- Facilitates referral of in-depth questions to specialists as appropriate
- Responds to and interacts with online users
- Pages, searches, charges, discharges, holds, scans, and copies library material
- Maintains business relationships with donors and/or University staff and departments and resolves problems related to the acquisition and/or transfer of library materials
- Assists supervisor and subject specialists on matters regarding the acquisition of and access to library materials
- Sorts, inventories, and displays gifts to assist with their selection and/or review
- Assists supervisor with generating and/or reviewing reports
- Trains and provides assistance to co-workers
- Trains and directs student assistants, interns, and volunteers
- Assists with the security of collections
- Provides customer service by staffing the Reader Services desk and Special Collections Reading Room as needed to ensure orderly and effective work
- Opens and closes building in the absence of other personnel
- Interprets library policies and procedures
- Answers directional, navigational, informational, and how-to queries
- Performs related duties as required
Supervisor: Head, Collection Services and Metadata
Works independently under general direction; makes independent judgments and decisions within scope of library policies and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree with subject specialty in history, English or literature, or equivalent level of education and/or experience (e.g., Associate's Degree plus 2 years of experience, or 4 years of experience)
- 2 years relevant work related experience preferred
- Strong computer skills, ability to use standard computer software packages
- Capacity to learn new technologies and systems necessary to for effective continued job performance
- Ability to interact favorably with co-workers and library users
- Oral and written communication skills
- Problem solving skills
- Ability to perform detailed work accurately with reasonable speed
- Knowledge of one or more foreign languages desirable
- Successful completion of a test may be required
- Possesses a willingness and ability to support a diverse and inclusive campus community
All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University. Library Union position which must be posted internally for 5 work days prior to posting for external candidates.
Best Consideration date: May 19, 2025
Benefits of Working at Brown:Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here .
Recruiting Start Date:2025-03-06
Job Posting Title:Senior Library Expert - Special Collections - University Archives
Department:University Library
Grade:Library Grades
Worker Type:Employee
Worker Sub-Type:
Regular
Time Type:Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:37.5
Position Work Location:Hybrid Eligible
Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:All positions require demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and other Brown and community stakeholders with diverse perspectives and demonstrated ability to contribute to an inclusive environment.
Submission Guidelines:Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
Still Have Questions?If you have any questions you may contact .
EEO Statement:Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.
As an EEO/AA employer , Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person's race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our University policies.
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