Library Specialist - Communications Library - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign : Job Details

Library Specialist - Communications Library

Join to apply for the Library Specialist - Communications Library role at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Library Specialist - Communications Library

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Library Specialist - Communications Library role at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Library SpecialistCommunications LibraryUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignFunction: Assists in providing public services in the Communications Library such as circulation and reference assistance; managerial support such as hiring, scheduling, and supervision of student employees; and technical service duties such as processing course reserves, processing library materials; collection maintenance and conservation; and updating library records; regular work schedule is 7.5 hours Monday-Friday, 8-4 or 9-5 with option of 30-60 minute lunch, may be required to work evening and weekend hours in the case of a student worker absence.Duties And Responsibilities

• Public Service and Circulation: Assists patrons with reference questions, locating library materials; assists with the online catalog and online resources; interprets library policies and procedures; performs circulation duties; assists patrons with library equipment.
• Supervision of student employees. Includes hiring, training and supervision; provides initial and ongoing training and assessment in the use of library resources and public service, basic reference, shelving, collection maintenance, opening and closing procedures; emergency procedures and weekend and evening library supervision; schedules student employees according to library needs; communicates regularly with student employees regarding library operations and services; completes bi-weekly student payroll. Updates student assistant manual and documents for library procedures.
• Responsible for processing and managing course reserves. Creates short bib records for reserve materials; maintains course files; responsible for maintaining collection so that it is current and represents instructional needs of the College of Media, Department of Communication (LAS), and Department of Latina/o Studies.
• Manages circulation desk activities. Responsible for training staff in circulation procedures. Administers, implements, and interprets library policies to users and other Communications Library staff. Works with Librarian in development of new library policies. Updates circulation manual.
• Process incoming library materials including periodicals, books and newspapers. Maintains library records in Kardex and Alma/Primo; claims missing or late issues. Works with Acquisitions staff and vendor (EBSCO).
• Performs collection maintenance for library including: identify and refer materials to Preservation/Conservation units; recycles library newspapers; processes and collates materials for binding. Performs workfile maintenance on Online Catalog and Alma/Primo records, including barcode maintenance. Assists with collection maintenance projects such as shifting, weeding and transferring of materials.
• Assists users with Communications Library international TV news; resolving access problems/issues with satellite channel programming; and staff training.
• Assists librarian with special projects. Trains and instructs student workers on projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the following categories:
• work experience in a library or equivalent setting.
• college course work in any field as measured by the following conversion table
• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
• Associates degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
• 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
• Bachelors Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• This position requires strong interpersonal skills so that this person is able to assist library users, train and supervise other library employees and implement library policies and procedures.
• They must have basic computer skills so that they can use online resources, the internet, maintain and update library records and perform basic library operations.
• They should have a knowledge of academic libraries and the University of Illinois Library system (online catalog and Alma/Primo system), a strong knowledge and understanding of the UIUC Librarys resources and services and the ability to use and assist others with these resources.
• This person must also be willing to adjust to change in the work environment.

Responsibility

• Supervisory Controls: The Communications Librarian is the immediate supervisor of this position.The Library Specialist must work independently and without extensive supervision.Deadlines and objectives for various activities, such as reserves, are set by the librarian or by Library Administration, but the Library Specialist may use his/her judgment in determining schedules and procedures for achieving the objectives.Most work will not be regularly reviewed by the librarian, with the exception of the review of information services, since on-going training and updates of knowledge about resources will be required.The Librarian provides oversight or serves as a resource person for all areas of the job.
• Guidelines : The Library Specialist is responsible for keeping various library procedures manuals up-to-date and accurate.Guidelines for delivery of reference and information services related to instruction in the use of the resources of the Communications Library, and in-depth reference assistance are provided by the librarian.The Library Specialist provides initial-level reference assistance.The Library Specialist is also responsible for developing efficient routines and procedures related to technical and public service activities with consultation by the librarian, if necessary.

Difficulty

• Complexity : The technical requirements for reserves and circulation procedures are fairly straightforward, but other areas such as faculty liaison, public service, and student supervision are all areas that require judgment, communication and interpersonal skills, an understanding of the library's objectives and patrons' needs; and knowledge of library resources and collections.Functioning during the absence of the librarian requires a combination of technical skills, good judgment and problem solving skills; an understanding of public service objectives and guidelines; and the ability to deal with a diverse range of students, faculty, and visitors. All job areas not directly controlled by set procedures require sound decision-making, attention to detail, independent judgment based on knowledge of the job, and constant initiative to improve library operations and services.
• ScopeandEffect : The Library Specialist in the Communications Library impacts patrons in many ways, both directly and indirectly.This individual is instrumental in providing access to the collections and assistance with the use of library resources, all of which are vital services.In addition, the efficiency of job performance in the areas of problem-solving, accounting, records maintenance and processing affect a great number of staff and units in the Main Library as well as the Communications Library.

Personal Relationships:PersonalContacts : There is constant contact with library staff in the performance of daily operations and with patrons (students, staff, faculty, and visitors) in providing public service.Service is provided in person and by telephone, mail, Chat Reference, and/or e-mail.Purpose : It is important for the Library Specialist to be friendly and approachable at all times, and to be respectful and discreetEnvironmental Demands:Physical Requirements: The Library Specialist must be able to lift books and journals in order to shelve library materials, and go up and down stairs.Work Environment: The Library Specialist must be able to interact with and work closely with others, including co-workers, and especially students and faculty. It is important that this person be able to work with technology and in an online environment. This person must have the ability to adjust to change.Appointment InformationThis is a 100% full-time Civil Service Traditional Non-Exempt, Library Specialist position, appointed on a permanent basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The budgeted salary for the position is $44,167.50.Sponsorship for Work Authorization Not Available.For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at .Application Procedures & Deadline InformationApplications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 14, 2025, to ensure full consideration. Please create your candidate profile, upload a cover letter, your curriculum vitae or resume, and the names and email addresses of four professional references by the close date. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Amy Dannowitz at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-###-####.The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-###-####, or by emailing [email protected] .Requisition ID: 1032026Job Category: Administrative SupportApply at:

Seniority level

• Seniority levelEntry level

Employment type

• Employment typeFull-time

Job function

• Job functionOther
• IndustriesHigher Education

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign by 2x

Get notified about new Librarian jobs in Urbana, IL.

Library Assistant (Part-Time) - Access ServicesLibrary Assistant (Part-Time) - Access ServicesLibrary Specialist - Communications LibraryAssistant Archaeologist to the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for OsageAssistant Manager for the AAA Permits Office - ASM; Open until filled

Urbana, IL $48,000.00-$53,000.00 1 week ago

Administrative Assistant - Carle Illinois College of Medicine

Urbana, IL $75,000.00-$95,000.00 1 day ago

Patient Care Coordinator I - All About Eyes - Champaign

Urbana, IL $70,000.00-$78,000.00 1 day ago

Education Office Personnel (EOP) - High SchoolOffice Coordinator - Housekeeping (Evening)

Were unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

#J-18808-Ljbffr