Job Title: Library Specialist III - Periodicals
Classification: C3
Department: University Libraries
Updated: January 2019

Job Summary

Primary responsibility for receiving, processing, cataloging, claiming, and binding print and microforms periodical collections.

Essential Functions

• Singularly performs all physical processing and holdings information for the libraries periodical subscriptions received in several formats and housed in multiple library locations.
• Ensures integrity of periodical collection by negotiating with vendors regarding claims for items not received, lapsed subscriptions, inconsistent deliveries and renewals.
• Updates periodical holdings in electronic resource management system which allows discovery software to display print holdings.
• Catalogs GVSU projects or theses providing online access to print or electronic items.
• Manages bindery program including collecting, shipping, receiving and distributing bound items; ensures accuracy of bindery processes; maintains and updates affected catalog records; repairs damaged books and periodicals as needed.
• Updates periodical holdings in centralized databases to facilitate sharing resources with other libraries utilizing appropriate record schemas.
• Responds quickly to problems reported by faculty and staff by ascertaining relevant information and taking appropriate action.
• May assist User Experience team by staffing the service point a few hours per week.

Non-Essential Functions

• Reconciles invoices for payment through University Accounting.
• Assist in the supervision of student employees and the coordination of their work.
• Primary contact for document delivery staff regarding loan of periodical issues.
• May assist User Experience team by staffing the service point a few hours per week.
• Assist with energy issues by monitoring and reducing the use of lights, power and water as appropriate.
• Inform and explain to students and staff the energy compliance measures including light dimming and under floor air distribution systems.

Required Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Minimum of three years of relevant work experience.
• Ability to function as lead expert in maintaining a library print periodical collection.
• Demonstrated experience to successfully work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience to successfully maintain positive intercultural and interpersonal relationships.
• Demonstrated experience to successfully operate office equipment.
• Demonstrated experience to successfully provide quality customer service.
• Demonstrated experience to successfully maintain satisfactory work performance and attendance records.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Typing and spelling competency
• Demonstrated experience working with databases.
• Demonstrated experience to successfully use a variety of computer software applications.
• Demonstrated experience to successfully work independently, organize own work and coordinate work activities of others.
• Excellent grammar and proofreading skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college course work.
• Experience in periodical processing at academic libraries.
• Familiarity and experience with an integrated library system (Innovative preferred).
• Supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience to successfully perform mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy.

Supervision Received

Receives general instruction from a designated supervisor but is generally expected to work independently.

Supervision Exercised

Hire, train, supervise, schedule and coordinate the work of student employees and may act as lead worker to other PSS staff members within the department/unit/division. 

Physical Demands

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Standard hours for this position: 40-hour work week, start and end times to be agreed upon with supervisor.

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