Circulation Assistant

Are you interested in being part of a growing and dynamic team? The Hoover Institution at Stanford University is seeking qualified candidates for the full-time position of Circulation Assistant for the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Please submit a cover letter and resume along with your online application for full consideration.

About Stanford University’s Hoover Institution: The Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace is a public policy research center devoted to the advanced study of economics, politics, history, and political economy—both domestic and foreign—as well as international affairs.

Founded in 1919 by Herbert Hoover before he became the thirty-first president of the United States, the Institution began as a repository of historical material gathered at the end of World War I. The library and archives have grown to be among the largest private repositories of documents on twentieth-century political and economic history. Over time the Institution expanded its mission from collecting archival material to conducting advanced research on contemporary history and economics and applying this scholarship to current public policy challenges.

With its eminent scholars and world-renowned library and archives, the Hoover Institution seeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity while securing and safeguarding peace for America and all humanity.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Circulation Assistant supports research services within the Hoover Institution Library & Archives ensuring researchers and Library & Archives staff have the material they need in a timely matter. The assistant performs circulation and stacks maintenance, and assists with reading room operations under general supervision, exercising some initiative.

CORE DUTIES*: 

• Monitor circulation and stack maintenance.
• Supervise and train lower level circulation staff.
• Perform a full range of activities relating to receiving library and archival materials (e.g. new acquisitions and shipments from auxiliary storage facilities).
• Perform opening and closing activities.
• Provide reference and research assistance.
• Perform complex cataloging tasks, including reviewing and modifying descriptive elements for materials in all formats, especially with regards to location/barcoding information.
• Perform a wide range of activities throughout a variety of digitization workflows for library and archival material in support of our reference scanning program.
• Draft reports and documentation for supervisor.

ADDITIONAL CORE DUTIES:

• Exercises judgment, tact, and customer service skills to ensure researcher and staff needs are met.
• Employs problem-solving skills to develop solutions when issues arise regarding circulation and access to material.

* The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities.  Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility.  Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience: 

Two-year college degree plus three or more years of experience in an academic library, or a combination of education and relevant experience. Preference for work experience in a large manuscript or archival repository.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of complex, information systems.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Demonstrated experience using judgment and initiative to analyze and recommend new procedures.

Desired/Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience using library automated systems (e.g., Aeon, ArchivesSpace).
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and work well under pressure.
• Ability to perform detailed tasks accurately and efficiently.

Certifications and Licenses:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Must be able to stand for many hours.
• Perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Work with books and in places that may be dusty.
• Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasps lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 15 pounds.
• Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, write by hand, kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other).
• Occasionally use a telephone, operate hand controls.
• Must be able to push and maneuver a fully-loaded cart weighing up to 650 pounds that requires an initial push force up to 50 pounds. Ability to lift 40-pound boxes or bundles.

*Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May work in confined spaces and at heights 4-10 feet; be exposed to dust and mold; may work extended hours, evenings and weekends.

WORK STANDARDS:  

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu .

The Hoover Institution at Stanford University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.