Library Assistant 3

Required:

• College education can be substituted for library experience on a year for year basis up to three (3) years plus two years of relevant library experience.
• Two or more years of increasing responsibility in Interlibrary Loan services.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of library resource sharing systems such as WorldShare and Alma.
• Experience hiring, training and supervising students.

Position Description:

This position is in the Resource Sharing Service Area of Minitex, and serves as the functional lead for resource sharing verification. This position is responsible for managing the daily operations of multiple verification queues in Mira, the Minitex internal request management system, as well as processing Minitex requests at multiple campus locations. Flexible work schedule available. This position is fully on-site to start and then may transition to 3-4 days on site depending on the needs of the department.

Key Responsibilities/Duties and Percentage of time

Manages verification queues in Mira, the Minitex internal request management system. 60%

• Monitors and oversees the daily verification and review queues in Mira to ensure requests are processed in a timely manner.
• Analyzes workflow and directs staff to ensure coverage of queues for appropriate response times, and works with the Resource Sharing Manager on staff scheduling. Develops backup plans for staff absences and implements those plans when needed to ensure response times are met.
• Works with verification staff on processing requests, and handling requests with citation issues. Uses examples as a training tool to ensure similar requests are handled properly in the future.
• Identifies, plans and executes training for new staff, process changes, and areas identified for followup training.
• Identifies libraries with recurring errors and works with the Resource Sharing Manager to address.
• Hires, trains, supervises, and schedules students in the verification process. Follows up with students to ensure proper and continuous training with an eye towards advancing their skills.
• Processes incoming requests in the verification queues. This includes searching established tools to identify availability of items for referral or direct lending. When appropriate, requests should be moved onto the next part of the fulfillment process.
• Periodically reviews current processes with an eye toward improvement.
• Works closely with other functional leads to ensure information and changes are shared with all staff.
• Assists Resource Sharing Manager in using Mira statistics to analyze trends on requests volume. Make adjustments to workflow when necessary.

Processes requests for campus locations on the West Bank 30%

• Coordinates with functional lead for Campus locations to determine the daily processing needs at Wilson, Law, Andersen and Music libraries.
• Retrieves materials in Wilson, Law, Andersen and Music libraries and updates various systems to indicate request status. Determines the handling of problem requests. Specify or check bibliographic checklist tools to be used.
• Works with campus staff on identifying recurring issues, and training staff to ensure similar requests are handled properly in the future.
• Monitors Andersen queue to ensure requests are processed within the established timeframe. Communicate with subject experts to expedite request fulfillment.
• Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of the various campus libraries. Alerts resource sharing staff of any changes to the Collections and works with University Library staff when issues arise.
• Assists functional lead for Campus locations to oversee West Bank campus retrieval to ensure requests are processed in a timely manner.
• Assists with training of campus locations staff and oversight of student staff for the area as necessary.
• Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of the Interlibrary loan systems used in order to troubleshoot and communicate with partner libraries.

Enhances the overall effectiveness of Resource Sharing and Minitex Services. 10%

• Represents the interests of Resource Sharing, Minitex, and the University Libraries by attending meetings and collaborating with colleagues. Works closely with Resource Sharing Managers, Resource Sharing Management Group (RSMG), and co-workers in Resource Sharing to ensure a high level of efficiency and quality of processes.
• As appropriate, attends workshops, conferences, and other meetings, sharing information learned with other Minitex staff. Presents information at office meetings and meetings of interest to Resource Sharing and Minitex. Works with various groups and task teams that focus on office-wide or organizational concerns. Contributes to written com communication for Resource Sharing, including writing articles for publications attended for inside and outside the Minitex office.

Service Unit Overview:
Minitex is a publicly supported network of academic, public, school and special libraries in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota that work cooperatively to enhance the libraries’ services to their patron communities. Minitex’s suite of services promote effective delivery of needed information, partnerships, and sharing library resources including collections and electronic resources, bibliographic records, and reference services. Minitex pursues technological innovations to provide new opportunities for delivery of services. A program of the Office of Higher Education, Minitex operates as a division of the University Libraries, based at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus.

Resource Sharing is a service area in which Minitex participants submit requests for returnable and nonreturnable materials to the Minitex central office located at the University of Minnesota Libraries - Twin Cities. Staff uses physical and electronic resources from the University Libraries, as well as from libraries in the Minitex region, to fill requests. Staff participates in outreach to interlibrary loan staff at libraries in the Minitex region to provide leadership, expertise, and instruction for resource sharing functions. Resource Sharing staff continuously adapt workflow to incorporate new and emerging technology to ensure quick and accurate service.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).