Stacks Maintenance and Retrieval Assistant, Library

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Stacks Maintenance Supervisor in Access and Delivery Services, the Stacks Maintenance Assistant has responsibility for a variety of activities necessary for maintaining the integrity of the Duke Libraries collections.  These include daily processing, sorting and shelving books; maintaining shelf space for collection growth in the Perkins and Bostock Libraries; helping to train new Stacks Maintenance students; assisting patrons in locating materials; and processing books for storage at LSC.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the planning, coordination, and oversight of stacks activities for materials shelved on all floors of the Perkins and Bostock libraries; shelves items on all floors of the Perkins and Bostock libraries; adjusts blocks of items on shelves as necessary to return items to their correct shelf locations.
• Searches for, retrieves and routes materials for patrons and library colleagues in a timely manner.
• Participates in the daily inspection of all library floors to return, retrieve and reshelve library materials used in-house by library patrons.
• Resolves minor mechanical problems involving compact shelving units.
• Checks in new items using the Alma Library Management System and performs other routine operations in the sorting area, sorts returned items in order; and prepares shelving trucks
• Lessens overcrowding on shelves throughout Perkins and Bostock Libraries’ stacks by shifting collections; updates and replaces stack signs and other guides as collections are shifted.
• Reports on the condition of stacks and library floors to the Stacks Maintenance Supervisor; reports other issues of concern to the Building Manager or appropriate library staff.
• Evaluates books for repair needs and routes to Preservation department; routes items with duplicate call numbers and other errors to appropriate individuals for resolution.
• Performs regular shelf-reading assignments, makes rounds of library floors to pick up and process materials, and reports on building maintenance problems
• Provides public service assistance to patrons in the stacks and in the sorting area.
• Shelves and maintains collections in specifically assigned collection areas.  Updates related guides as needed.
• Retrieves materials from locked stacks or other areas as needed.
• Maintains regularly scheduled shifts at the Perkins Service Desk, assisting in the support and training of student staff at the desk and ensuring user needs are addressed in a service-based and customer-oriented manner.
• Works in a manner that aligns with the Duke Libraries Strategic Plan and User Service Philosophy by providing helpful, reliable, and consistent service to internal and external customers as a result of fostering comfortable, empathetic interactions and accepting the responsibility to assist them and each other in harassing or discriminatory situations irrespective of race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other marginalized identity feature.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assists with training and supervision of Stacks Unit student employees.

Qualifications

It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning, and a commitment to creating a culture of inclusion that values and respects diversity of perspective, background, and experience.

Education

Required:  Two years post-secondary education or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Experience:

Required:  Three months relevant experience; strong oral and written communication skills; able to work independently and as a member of a team; basic proficiency using standard office productivity technology; ability to effectively organize and prioritize daily work; demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding customer service.

Preferred:   Prior experience working in a large academic library; knowledge of Library of Congress call number structure; training or experience in customer service; experience with on-line databases. Pleasant interpersonal skills for interacting with the public in a courteous and professional manner. 

Working Conditions

• Frequently moves library materials weighing up to and over 30 pounds.

• Frequently works in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible.
• Frequently positions self to reach high and low shelves.
• Normal office environment

• Occasional weekend shifts may be required.              
• Work will be performed onsite

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position. This description is subject to change at any time.

Salary and Benefits

We are committed to transparency and fairness in our hiring practice. The hiring range for this position is firm at $20.00 - $22.00.  Offers will reflect the candidate’s years of experience and internal equity.

Duke offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes both traditional benefits such as health insurance, leave time, and retirement, as well as wide-ranging work/life and cultural benefits. Details can be found at:  https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/.

Application

An electronic resume, cover letter, and list of 3 references should be submitted at https://careers.duke.edu/ - Search for Requisition ID #254738 . Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Applications which are missing any of the components listed above will not be reviewed.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.