Job Title: Library Specialist III - Operations & User Services
Classification: C3
Department: University Libraries, Operations & User Services
Updated: July 2022

Job Summary

As a member of the Operations and User Services department, the Library Specialist III works collaboratively to support all aspects of library services and operations, during standard business hours, based in downtown Grand Rapids at the Steelcase Library and Frey Foundation Learning Center and is expected to work occasionally at other locations. Responsibilities include working in our user-centered desk environment, supporting virtual services, opening and closing the library, and executing emergency and evacuation procedures. Additional responsibilities may expand as we identify a match of individual strengths to advance department needs.

University Libraries is a highly collaborative and student-centered organization that promotes an innovative and inclusive culture. GVSU Libraries values work-life balance and provides flexibility in accomplishing work. This position is a part of the Operations and User 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

(Note: Functions listed include tasks and systems to be learned on the job; prior experience in every listed area is not a prerequisite for the position.)

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

• Working regular shifts at the single service point, overseeing all activity, including the frontline and behind-the-scenes services provided by student employees.
• Supporting student employees by sharing relevant information and assisting with training initiatives, coaching them on performance and professional development, and ensuring they have a positive employment experience.
• Delivers exemplary 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, and at times working with Grand Valley Police Department and facilities to ensure that the library environment is safe and conductive to learning.
• Demonstrating flexibility, openness and receptivity to new ideas and approaches.
• Demonstrating innovation, creativity, and informed risk-taking.
• Broad collaboration and engagement in department activities.
• Providing onsite support for events, tours, and other programming hosted in the libraries.
• Roaming the library to collect data, answer questions, and help with facilities and security-related issues.
• Participating in and leading student work in projects around shelf-reading, relocation and deselection of materials in the Steelcase Reading Room and Steelcase ASRS.
• Demonstrating knowledge of the Curriculum Materials Library, including operation of equipment and maintenance of stacks.

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.
• Participating in the promotion of library services and programs.
• Demonstrating knowledge of design features and building facts and leading building tours.
• Supporting building and campus partners associated with University Libraries.
• Coordinating requests and ordering supplies as needed.
• Receiving, processing, and leading student work in scanning of Interlibrary Loan requests.
• Assisting with projects as assigned.

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.
• Possesses 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 the work of others.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Awareness of inclusion, equity, and accessibility needs to provide customer service equitable and welcoming to all.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience to successfully maintain satisfactory work performance and attendance records.
• Ability to maintain positive intercultural and interpersonal relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to learn specialized hardware and software.

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: This is a Monday-Friday daytime role. Library hours fluctuate throughout the year, and it is expected that people adjust accordingly. We are committed to working with individuals to minimize the negative impact of changing hours as best we can. Hours are subject to change. Base schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

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