Job Title: Library Specialist III – Events & Visual Communications Specialist
Classification: C3
Department: Library Access Support Services
Updated: November 2023

Job Summary

As a member of the Library Access Support Services department, the Library Specialist III – Events & Visual Communications Specialist supports several aspects of library services and operations in a Tuesday-Saturday role based at the Mary Idema Pew Library and is expected to work occasionally at other locations. 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.  Additionally, the Library Specialist III will be working in our user-centered service desk environment and will support operational needs including executing emergency and evacuation procedures during their scheduled shifts. Additional responsibilities include supporting other areas of the department as needed. 

University Libraries is a highly collaborative and student-centered organization that promotes an innovative and inclusive culture. University Libraries values work-life balance and provides flexibility in accomplishing work. 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 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 even 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

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.
• Works closely with the Libraries’ Programming and Outreach Manager and Library Access.
• Support 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 and calendars relating to events, posting of signs and reserving spaces within Libraries’ systems, submitting work orders to support space set-up and tear-down, and communicating between external partners and library staff on the day of events.

As a member of a team supporting operations and user services, contributes to its success throughout the year by: 

• Works regular shifts at the service point, overseeing all activity, including the frontline and behind-the-scenes services provided by student employees. 
• Delivers inclusive and positive 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.
• Responsible for identifying and responding 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.
• Responsible for opening and/or closing the library with a team of staff or student colleagues.

As a member of a team supporting Public Services, contributes to its success by:

• Assisting with the regular training of Public Services student colleagues.
• Acting as backup for the approval of Public Services student colleague timecards in the absence of the Public Services Coordinator.
• Helping to foster a healthy work environment for Library Access Services Support staff and student colleagues by working individually, collaboratively, and collectively towards achieving individual, departmental, and library goals.
• May direct student colleague work on a project-by-project basis. 

As a member of the University Libraries:

• Demonstrating flexibility, openness and receptivity to new ideas and approaches.
• Demonstrating innovation, creativity, and informed risk-taking.
• Aligns with and upholds University Competencies, University Libraries values in action, and user privacy principles. 
• Demonstrates the intercultural understanding and awareness required to work in a diverse workplace and serve a diverse population.   
• Actively contributes to the Libraries’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility commitment.
• Assisting with other duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Functions:

As a member of a collaborative department, also supports success by:

• Participating in User Experience research initiatives aimed at better understanding and improving user experience.
• Roaming the library to collect data, answer questions, and help with facilities and security-related issues.
• Participating in the promotion of library services.
• Demonstrating knowledge of design features and building facts in order to lead 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