The George Washington University (GW) Libraries and Academic Innovation (LAI) is searching for a Library Assistant. GW LAI is a catalyst, a spark to generate new ideas and new possibilities. Responsive to the changing landscape of information and education, being sensitive both to traditional and emergent modes of communication, we bring together diverse constituents of faculty, students, and staff in a highly collaborative, dynamic, and deeply engaged intellectual community to support research, teaching and learning. As part of the larger George Washington University, we are a nexus where exciting things happen, where change happens, where growth happens.

The Melvin Gelman Library operates 24/7 during the regular academic year. Access Services staff must be available to work a combination of daytime, evening, night and weekend shifts. Access Services manages four major functions of the Gelman Library:

Under supervision, this library support position performs a variety of routine clerical, technical or public service duties to deliver quality customer service to library patrons and other library departments. This position provides faculty support including cataloguing and processing of textbooks and electronic syllabi, catalogues records, performs circulation activities and transactions, assists with basic searches, and performs filing. This position responds to and resolves common inquiries and routine problems, performs shelving responsibilities, and supports the interlibrary loan process. This position may assist in providing training to student employees, and performs routine record maintenance activities.

Reporting to the Library Supervisor, Access Services, the Library Assistant works within the division’s Access Services team and is responsible for:

Delivering high level of customer service to library patrons in a fast paced physical environment. Working in a team to perform daily Access Services duties: providing access to the building; verifying visitor eligibility; providing policy and procedural information to patrons; checking in and out materials; creating and correcting library accounts; basic cataloguing of circulating incidentals; shelving of returned materials and reserve items; and provides basic reference to patrons. Interpreting library policies and procedures and assists users in facilitating access to the building, collections, and services. Showing initiative while performing daily activities. Communicating effectively with the team to ensure that group goals are met. Working to resolve customer inquiries and problems by exercising discretion and judgment in selecting the best solution, based upon policies and customer circumstances. Consulting with management, as needed. Assisting in training and monitoring student employees on the use of automated systems, such as Alma and myALADIN, and other departmental duties. Participating in shelving activities which include sorting, shifting and shelving the collection according to Library of Congress call number system. Providing feedback and assisting with developing user guides, patron handouts, training materials, using word processing and other software.

The position is based at GW’s Foggy Bottom Campus in Washington, DC. The incumbent may perform other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Qualified candidates will hold a high school diploma/GED plus 1.5 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study. The degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.