Library Assistant III, Archives and Special Collections

• The Maxwell Library at Bridgewater State University seeks a new Library Assistant III for Archives and Special Collections. Library Services is dedicated to meeting the needs of its communities, to updating its service models as pedagogies and librarianship evolve, to renewing the knowledge and skills of librarians and staff as practices change, to deploying new technologies to improve interactions with library users and to enhance user experiences. Successful candidates will be staff members who can work with their colleagues to help meet the mission of the department in serving and supporting our diverse campus community.

The Clement C. Maxwell Library at BSU is open an average of 86 hours each week during the academic year. It is a busy, dynamic place with classrooms, academic and administrative offices throughout the building. The library serves all BSU students, faculty, staff, researchers from across the country and world, as well as the residents of the surrounding communities.

Bridgewater State University is an inclusive community dedicated to the lifelong success of all students, focused on the continuous improvement of its people, and responsible for leading innovation that benefits Southeastern Massachusetts, the commonwealth, and the world. Bridgewaters accessible environment of teaching and learning stimulates critical thinking, pursuit of new knowledge, and deeper understanding, the cultivation of meaningful and diverse interpersonal relationships, and fostering an appreciation for global engagement, all aimed at transforming lives and improving the human condition.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our institutional values, which ensure that all students are supported and succeed.

Bridgewater State University is equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups, and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Summary:

The Library Assistant III for Archives and Special Collections. Candidates for this position should possess advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of an archives assistant to support the maintenance, organization, and research use of materials in both physical and digital format. In addition, the Archives & Special Collections LAIII participates in library-wide meetings, provides excellent customer service, and performs other related duties as assigned.

Tour of Duty: 7:45 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday (Saturday and Sunday as days off)

Supervision: This position reports to the Head of Archives and Special Collections.

This is an AFSCME paraprofessional position and is subject to the terms of that union agreement (https://www.mass.edu/shared/collbargaining/AFSCME%202017-2020.pdf).

Position Type: AFSCME Classified

Essential Duties:

Process collections using local and national archival standards.

In consultation with supervisor, plan and install exhibitions.

In consultation with supervisor, assist with archival outreach efforts, including but not limited to creating flyers, brochures, and announcements.

Assist customers with using a variety of discovery tools, including but not limited to library catalog, finding aids, digital repositories, and other resources.Assist with digital asset initiatives, including digitizing material and working with ArchivesSpace.Hold, handle, and transport fragile material properly.

Provide general library and reference assistance in person, electronically, and by telephone.

Oversee researchers in the Reading Room to ensure the safety and security of the materials in use.

Refile, re-shelve, and as directed arrange Archives and Special Collections materials.

Gather, organize, and prepare monthly use and service statistics.

Assist with training, supervising, and evaluating student workers.

Attend workshops, seminars, and other educational opportunities to enhance job knowledge.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of Archives and Special Collections.

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must have at least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience as a library assistant or in a comparable position in the archives field.

Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills; the ability to communicate effectively and prepare reports.

• Ability to be around archival collections that have natural odors due to their age, such as leather bound ledgers and books.Ability to understand complex instructions, to act responsibly, to ask questions when in doubt, and to exercise judgment when appropriate.

Strong customer service orientation.

Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time, to bend, stoop, reach, push have book carts, and lift boxes up to 40 lbs.

Self-motivated and able to work under minimal supervision at times.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working in an archival setting.

Familiarity with performing patron driven research.

Knowledge/awareness of modern digital archival platforms used for collection metadata and/or digital storage.

Work Environment:

Bridgewater State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employee with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please complete and submit this electronic form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?BridgewaterStateUniv&layout_id=18

Special Conditions for Eligibility:

Please be aware that employment at Bridgewater State University is contingent upon completion of a successful background check. Bridgewater State University is an E-Verify employer.

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Salary Range: $1,874.61 bi-weekly (Grade 14, Step 1) Posting Number: S01166P Open Date: 12/20/2024 Close Date: 01/17/2025 Open Until Filled: No

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please note the following information is required to complete your application for this position: *a minimum of one (1) employment history entry. *a minimum of three (3) professional reference entries.

To apply, visit https://jobs.bridgew.edu/postings/29017

Bridgewater State University (BSU) is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer which actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce. We are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people.