Library Assistant

The George Washington University (GW) Libraries and Academic Innovation (LAI) is searching for a 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 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. The 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.

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department: University Libraries

Hours Per Week: 20

Hiring Range $20.88

Work Schedule: Friday 10p-9am, Saturday 10p-9a

Telework: No

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

Posting Number: T000806

Job Open Date: 01/17/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

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/Affirmative Action 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 university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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.