25-89 Special Collections Technician (Library Technician) – Library Services

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s Library Services team invites applicants for the position of Special Collections Technician.  The hours of this position are Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm with alternate work schedule during breaks, intersessions, and winter and summer sessions.

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance;  along with many wellness programs; generous retirement plans; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.

The University Libraries empower intellectual exploration through building connections, collections, and community.    As an active partner in the University’s academic programs, the libraries are a major contributor to WCU’s core mission of student success. The faculty members serve as both instructors of information literacy and stewards of library resources. The staff members support the operation of the libraries whether it be assisting patrons at help desks, making the various library resources ready for patron use, or providing access to library technology.

In support of student and faculty research, the Special Collections Technician contributes to the day-to-day operations of Special Collections including accessioning and processing unique and valuable materials; scanning and uploading digitized images; supervising and training student assistants; assisting researchers in accessing and using materials; preparing and installing exhibits; maintaining social media accounts; and assisting with events.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate knowledge of archival theories and practices; experience with archival management tools; excellent customer service skills; and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a diverse campus community including faculty, staff, students, and community members while contributing to a positive and professional work environment.

 Responsibilities include:

• Work collaboratively with library staff, faculty, and student employees to maintain Special Collections workflows
• Arrange and describe collections to create finding aids according to the Society of American Archivists Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)
• Hire, schedule, train, and supervise student employees and part-time library assistants
• Assist patrons to access Special Collections materials and resources
• Provide general reference to assist patrons to locate readily available sources
• Assist with the maintenance of Special Collections’ digital collections including digitization, maintaining data sets, and uploading content 
• Perform stacks management tasks including as shelving and inventor
• Collaboratively plan and create promotional and informational material for Special Collections
• Assist with the planning and coordination of Special Collections events and exhibitions
• Maintain Special Collections’ social media content
• Participate in professional development to remain current on archival theory and practices
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Four years of library-clerical work including two years of advanced library clerical work comparable to Library Assistant II, and graduation from high school OR
• Two years of advanced library clerical work, and an associate degree or equivalent training with major course work in library science OR
• Bachelor's degree

• Knowledge of library techniques, procedures, and working tools used in accessing, cataloging, circulating; and maintaining library materials
• Knowledge of the methods and procedures used in bibliography preparation and the use of library research materials
• Knowledge of reader comprehension and interest levels of library patrons
• Skill in the application of the techniques and procedures used in cataloging
• Ability to apply library methods and principles in circulation and providing reader services
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other library personnel and the public

• Experience processing archival collections according to DACS 
• Experience utilizing archival management tools, such as ArchivesSpace, as well as CMS, such as CONTENTdm
• Experience with Special Collections materials exhibition techniques
• Customer service experience
• Supervisory experience
• Experience working with digitization and editing software and equipment

Candidates should apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa.  Applications allow for cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. (All required for consideration). 

Review of applications will begin immediately. Applicants must successfully complete the interview process to be considered as a finalist.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances WCU’s educational mission and strategic Plan for Excellence. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment background checks.