Access and Resource Sharing Assistant @ UF libraries

Posted by Leila Gibradze on

JOB SUMMARY

The primary responsibility of the Access and Resource Sharing Assistant is to support the Access and Resource Sharing department by facilitating patron access to materials through resource sharing, including UBorrow and Interlibrary Loan borrowing, lending, and document delivery processes. With a primary focus on Interlibrary Loan Borrowing activities, the Access and Resource Sharing Assistant will be responsible for using a variety of sources to verify citations, send requests to potential lenders, problem solve issues related to borrowing requests, and maintain a professional, courteous, and customer focused demeanor while providing high quality customer service.

 

To support all students, staff and faculty, and foster excellence in a diverse and collaborative society, the Libraries are actively seeking candidates who bring culturally-rich lived experiences to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation, and perspectives.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Borrowing:

  • Performs borrowing functions in ILLiad.
  • Searches a variety of bibliographic databases, especially WorldCat, to verify and locate cited materials.
  • Performs UBorrow borrowing activities, use ALMA fulfillment function.
  • Corresponds via phone or e-mail with libraries throughout the world to resolve borrowing issues.
  • Assists in processing material in shipping systems.
  • Stays informed on current professional resource sharing topics related to copyright, Interlibrary Loan policies, updates, systems/software changes, and workflows.

 

Document Delivery:

  • Assists with the daily processing of Document Delivery requests for all UF affiliates.
  • Searches a variety of bibliographic files to verify citations and locate material.
  • Scans and uploads electronic and hard copy articles.
  • Communicates and reinforces ILL policies

 

Lending:

  • Assists in the lending functions of the ILL unit.
  • Performs key ILLiad functions including request renewal, status updates, and electronic request fulfillment through mail/fax/Odyssey.
  • Performs UBorrow lending activities and shipping tasks related to all lending material.
  • Processes material in ALMA circulation system.
  • Contacts branch libraries via phone or e-mail regarding loans of materials.

 

Customer Service and Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills:

  • Handles all incoming queries from library partners, insitutions, faculty, staff and patrons.
  • Provides assistance in the use of the ILLiad interlibrary loan system to all users.
  • Stays aware of department needs and priorities and exercises initiative to be as productive as possible.
  • Maintains active communication with Access and Resources Sharing Manager regarding issues which need further consideration

 

QUALIFICATIONS

We value a range of experience and perspectives. Applicants are encouraged to communicate in their application materials and subsequent interview conversations how their work and other experiences satisfy the following qualifications in ways that may not be obvious.

 

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent and two years of library or related clerical/customer service experience; or a bachelor’s degree.

 

Preferred:

  • Strong familiarity working with article or book citations across a broad range of subject matter, including material in foreign languages or international non-English databases
  • Strong Technology Literacy
  • Proven superior customer service skills
  • Excellent attention to detail, ability to prioritize, and stay organized
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Familiarity with library processes and procedures
  • Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing academic environment
  • Ability to learn Interlibrary Loan services, practices, and resources
  • Commitment to contributing to a respectful and caring community for all, including individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientation, and perspectives
  • Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills including oral and written communication
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to accomplish goals
  • Flexibility, and ability to adapt and work in a rapidly changing academic environment
  • Basic computer skills and experience with Microsoft Word and Outlook.

 

ACCESS AND RESOURCE SHARING

The Access and Resource Sharing Department provides leadership in the development, coordination and provision of services that facilitate user access to information resources. Access and Resource Sharing Department serves as the central point for distribution and clarification of policies and procedures for user access services. The unit supports scholarly research within the academic community through interlibrary loans, which include lending scholarly resources to other libraries, borrowing scholarly resources for UF patrons from other libraries, and supporting distance learners research needs through document delivery services; and Course Reserves, which include making available for student study, print and electronic resources selected by faculty for specific course work. Access and Resource Sharing Department personnel instruct students, faculty, and staff in copyright compliance and obtain copyright permissions for course reserve and interlibrary loan materials.

         

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA LIBRARIES

The libraries at the University of Florida form the largest academic information resource system in the state of Florida with seven libraries and two off-campus facilities. The George A. Smathers Libraries are comprised of six of the campus libraries, and the off-site facilities. In addition to this system, the Lawton Chiles Legal Information Center is part of the Levin College of Law. The Libraries hold over 6.27 million print volumes, 1.5 million e-books, 145,000 full-text electronic journals, over 1000 electronic databases, 1.3 million documents, over 15 million digitized pages from the Libraries’ collections and 1.4 million maps and images. Distinctive holdings include the Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica, Latin American and Caribbean Collection, Baldwin Library of Historical Children’s Literature and the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History. The Libraries maintain partnerships and engages in a variety of collaborative, international projects while engaging with the UF community. We are a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and other regional library consortia.

 

The library staff consists of more than 300 FTE librarians, technical/clerical staff and student assistants. The George A. Smathers Libraries are strong advocates for inclusion and intellectual freedom. The Libraries’ commitment to both is articulated in the Inclusion and Intellectual Freedom Statements. The Smathers Libraries will foster and maintain a culture that supports DEI, as values are foundational and permeates all aspects of our organization per Strategic Directions 4: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Support for professional development is central to the Smathers Libraries.  Supports include a formal mentoring program, a robust training program, release time for research and professional service, a comprehensive grants program, and funding for professional development travel.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, submit

  • a cover letter detailing your interest in, and qualifications for this position
  • your current resume or CV
  • a list of three references including their contact information (telephone number and
  • email address)

 

Apply by March 29, 2022.  Applications will be reviewed as received. Submit all application materials through the Jobs at UF online application system at Job Number 52091.  If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact Tina Marie Litchfield, George A. Smathers Libraries Human Resources Office, at tlitchfield@uflib.ufl.edu.