Collection Services Assistant at Newberry Library – Chicago, Illinois

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should attach a cover letter and resume, both as PDF documents, to their application in the Newberry Career Center. Applications sent without both a resume and cover letter will not be considered. To be considered for this role, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

ABOUT THE NEWBERRY: The Newberry collection—some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages—is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry’s reading rooms, exhibition galleries, program spaces, classrooms, and online digital resources.

Since its founding in 1887, the Newberry has remained dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As individuals engage with Newberry collections and staff, they discover stories that bridge the past and present and illuminate the human condition.

The Newberry’s community of discovery is driven by a shared commitment to promoting research, inspiring learning, and using inquiry across the humanities as a tool to engage critically in a vibrant democratic society.

TITLE: Collection Services Assistant

DEPARTMENT: Collection Services

SUMMARY: Reporting to the Acquisitions Manager, the Collection Services Assistant is a member of the Acquisitions Section in the Collection Services Department. The Collection Services Assistant prepares library materials for shelving and assists in a variety of processing activities while working closely with the Acquisitions Manager and others throughout the Library.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Marks and creates flags and labels for library materials in all formats and consults on the labeling of complex materials;Assists in serials and monographs check-in, invoicing, and claiming activities;Assists in current monograph ordering;Sorts incoming and outgoing mail;Aids in gift acquisition tracking and documentation filing;Works closely with Managers to maintain the flow of library materials within the department and to Reader Services and Conservation Services for shelving or treatment;Participates in collection management activities including creating inventories, accessioning and physical inspection of new materials, and deaccessioning tasks;Performs other tasks or activities needed for the achievement of departmental goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or GED required; a minimum two years of college with strong humanities experience preferred;Experience navigating library catalogs/databases;Previous library experience preferred;Ability to work effectively with others in a team environment;Ability to work quickly and accurately within a high level of activity;Ability to sustain close attention to detail;Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills;Excellent oral and written communication skills;Responsiveness to changing needs and priorities;Knowledge of Microsoft applications, especially MS Word and Excel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical strength, mobility, manual dexterity, and endurance required to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, nonexempt position, working 35 hours per week, with normal hours generally from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The incumbent will work onsite.

BENEFITS: For more information, please see the "What We Offer" section on the Newberry Careers page.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.