Summer Library Assistant

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should attach a cover letter and resume/CV, both as PDF documents, to their application in the Newberry Career Center. Applications sent without both a resume and cover letter will not be considered. To be considered for this role, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable to apply for a job on this site because of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting us through the Jobs email link listed on the Newberry Career Center page.

ABOUT THE NEWBERRY: The Newberry collection—some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages—is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry’s reading rooms, exhibition galleries, program spaces, classrooms, and online digital resources. 

Since its founding in 1887, the Newberry has remained dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As individuals engage with Newberry collections and staff, they discover stories that bridge the past and present and illuminate the human condition. 

The Newberry’s community of discovery is driven by a shared commitment to promoting research, inspiring learning, and using inquiry across the humanities as a tool to engage critically in a vibrant democratic society.

SUMMARY: Reporting to the Reading Room Librarian for Public Service or the Reading Room Librarian for Collection Management, the Library Assistant assists in the public service of the reading rooms while maintaining the security and preservation of the collections.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Locate, charge, and deliver materials from the closed bookstacks to readers in the reading rooms and throughout the building; 
• Reshelve returned materials; 
• Monitor use of the reading room and assist readers with the proper handling of materials; 
• Interpret and enforce Newberry Library rules of conduct and reading room policies; 
• Accurately maintain circulation database (Aeon) through routing and charging; 
• Evaluate materials for conservation treatment and route as appropriate; 
• Maintain closed and open stacks by participating in shifts and other stacks management projects; 
• Answer correspondence including reference research and copy requests; 
• Process reproduction orders using a book friendly scanner; 
• Serve as the circulation desk attendant providing orientation, direction, and assistance, including some reference help, to a wide variety of readers, as needed; 
• Sign in and assist readers with requests and digital image order submissions, as needed; 
• All other duties as assigned to meet departmental and organizational goals.

Other responsibilities may include:

• Assist with coordination of presentations of library collection materials to classes and other groups; 
• Monitor use of library materials during presentations; 
• Interpret and enforce Newberry Library policy and regulations as they apply to collection presentations; 
• Assist with projects related to Reference collections and preparation of research guides

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required: 
  • High school diploma or GED certificate required; 
  • Commitment to providing high quality library services to a diverse group of students, scholars, staff, and researchers; 
  • Ability to communicate with diverse library users and staff in person, by email, and by telephone; 
  • Ability to work effectively with others in a team environment; 
  • Ability to work quickly and accurately within a high level of activity; 
  • Ability to sustain close attention to detail; 
  • Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills; 
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills; 

•  Preferred: 

  • Minimum of two years of college; 
  • Strong interest in the humanities;  
  • Previous library and/or public service work experience. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical strength, mobility, and endurance required for paging materials with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.   

SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, nonexempt position, working 35 hours per week, with normal hours generally from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. The incumbent must be available for the duration of the position, which is 12 weeks. The incumbent will work fully onsite.

BENEFITS: This position is ineligible for benefits.

THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER