Job Title: Library Specialist III – Events & Visual Communications Specialist
Classification: C3
Department: Library Access Support Services
Updated: March 2025

Job Summary

The responsibilities of this position include working in our user-centered desk environment, opening and/or closing the library, and executing emergency and evacuation processes as needed. Responsibilities include leading visual communication projects including creation of physical and digital signage, leading the social media workgroup, working closely with the Libraries’ Programming and Outreach Manager and serving as a communications point person for events in the Mary Idema Pew Library.  Additional responsibilities include overseeing student colleagues, coordinating programming, and supporting other areas of the department as needed. This position is a part of the Library Access Support Services department, which is responsible for supporting a set of behind the scenes and public-facing functions virtually and on our Allendale, Health, and Grand Rapids, Michigan campuses. This is a designated essential staff position in support of library operations and will be called upon to work onsite at times when the University changes operating status due to inclement weather or otherwise. Ability to work evenings and weekends; flexibility to work a variety of shifts; and significant functional independence are required.

Essential Functions

• Work regular shifts at the service point, monitoring in-person and virtual activity. This includes the frontline and behind-the-scenes services provided by student colleagues.
• Deliver high quality inclusive and accessible customer service while assisting users with a wide range of transactions and inquiries, in-person and virtually, including reference assistance requiring knowledge of the library’s services, holdings, website, and online databases.
• Identify and respond to security and safety issues that arise, implementing emergency procedures, handling of library user complaints, and at times working with Grand Valley Police Department and facilities to ensure that the library environment is safe and conducive to learning.
• Open or securely close the library in line with standard procedure.
• Demonstrate flexibility, openness and receptivity to new ideas and approaches.
• Demonstrate innovation, creativity, and informed risk-taking.
• Collaborate broadly and engage in department and libraries' initiatives and projects.
• Provide support for events, tours, and other programming hosted in the libraries.
• Roam the library to collect data, on an ongoing basis and for special projects. Roaming activities can include answering questions; identifying, reporting or addressing facilities issues; and assisting with security-related issues.
• Participate in rezoning of furniture in spaces throughout the Mary Idema Pew Library.
• Align with and uphold University Competencies, University Libraries values in action, and user privacy.
• Demonstrate the intercultural understanding and awareness required to work in a diverse workplace and serve a diverse population.
• Actively contribute to the Libraries’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility commitment.
• Help foster a healthy work environment for library and student colleagues by working individually, collaboratively, and collectively towards achieving individual, departmental, and library goals.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

As a member of a team supporting events and visual communication:

• Serves as the initial point of contact for visual communication needs which may include leading or delegating the creation of physical and digital signage, ensuring accessibility and consistency across platforms.
• Leads the workgroup tasked with maintaining the Libraries’ social media presence, and serves on the Libraries Communication Functional Group.
• Works closely with the Libraries’ Programming and Outreach Manager and Library Access Support Event Services staff to communicate about and coordinate support of events being hosted in the Mary Idema Pew Library; this may include updating and maintaining documentation, calendars relating to events, posting of signs, and reserving spaces within Libraries’ systems.  As well as, submitting work orders to support space set-up and tear-down, and communicating between external partners and library staff on the day of events.
• Leads for internal library room reservation procedures and approvals (EMS).
• Creates or delegates creation of digital media and graphics.

As a member of a team supporting Public Services (User Experience UX):

• Assists with the regular training of student colleagues.
• Acts as backup for the approval of student colleague timecards in the absence of the Public Services (UX) Lead.
• May direct student colleagues work on a project-by-project basis.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Participating in the promotion of library services.
• Demonstrating knowledge of design features and building facts by leading building tours.
• Supporting building and campus partners associated with University Libraries.

Required Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Minimum of three years of relevant work experience. 
• Experience with various computer software applications such as Microsoft Office and/or equivalent. 
• Demonstrated experience to successfully operate office equipment. 
• Data entry experience.
• Typing and spelling competency with grammar and proofreading skills.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience to successfully provide quality customer service.
• Demonstrated experience to successfully work independently, organize own work and coordinate work activities of others. 
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience to successfully maintain satisfactory work performance and attendance records.
• Ability to successfully maintain positive intercultural and interpersonal relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrates the intercultural understanding and awareness required to work in a diverse workplace and serve a diverse population to contribute to a healthy, inclusive working and learning environment.  
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
• Demonstrated experience in social media management.
• Experience or interest in graphic design and accessible visual design.
• Experience working in a library.

Supervision Received

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

Supervision Exercised

Hire, train, schedule and coordinate the work of student employees and may act as lead worker to 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.

Back to C3 Position Descriptions