Basic daily tasks will include newspaper/periodical check-in, shelving, shelf-reading, basic book repair, labeling and processing. Additional duties may include assisting with various departmental or library projects, preservation projects and cross-training in preparation of bindery shipments.
Hours: Minimum of 12-15 hours between Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m. Required to work over summer and breaks.
Description of Duties:
- 30 % Labeling materials to be placed in the library system: branches, main, university archives, Government Publications and Kansas Documents. This task includes using a computer generated program and various tools to complete processing of materials.
- 30% Basic Book Repair will include: Accurately measure books in need of archival enclosures and creating the enclosures. Cover book jackets using either polyethylene or Mylar covers. Print replacement pages for books and reattaching them. Students will perform book spine replacement process. Bind pamphlets or create pamphlet binders for specialty-sized pamphlets. Mend ripped or torn pages. Tighten book hinges. Clean books or pages. Open signature pages in bound books that have not been cut.
- 25 % Perform collection maintenance functions for Government Publications including but not limited to shelving, pulling items, shelf-reading, interfiling and discarding loose-leaf material, and shifting as needed. This work requires a thorough knowledge of the SuDoc and Kansas Document classification schemes, knowledge of departmental policies and procedures, the ability to work independently, and detailed attention to the transmittals for loose-leaf binder contents.
- 5% Database maintenance of holding and item records for microform titles. Depending on the assigned project, the task may also require use of specialized software to print call numbers and other information on envelopes or boxes. This task requires knowledge of cataloging rules and conventions, ability to follow detailed procedures, close attention to detail, and expertise with computers.
- 5% Assist with the daily mail sorting. Students will also prepare periodicals for shelving by alphabetizing and checking in items on Voyager holding. Students will back-up shelving when staff is not available.
- 5% Additional duties may include assisting with various departmental or library projects, and cross-training in preparation of bindery shipments and the processing in of returned bindery items.
All these steps will be taught to the successful applicant.
Physical Requirements:
*The student assistant should also be physically capable of transporting books, pallets, and boxes. *Candidates should not have high sensitivity to mold spores or dust as they are sometimes present in the work of this position.
Preferred special knowledge, skills and abilities:
*We seek individuals who can work independently without interaction with the public, yet still posses the ability to effectively communicate with library staff.
*Software Knowledge- Voyager Circulation, Voyager Cataloging, Microsoft Office Suite, Spine Label creation software, OCLC Connexion, ABLE Binding Software
*Ability to organize work efficiently and to perform detailed work under pressure. Errors can result in materials being inaccessible to library staff and patrons or in costly and time-consuming correction procedures.
*Preference for artwork, crafts, etc., and who will enjoy learning and executing book repair techniques.
*Prefer some library experience; ability to work with foreign languages.
Supervised by: Preservation Assistant. Student position will be reviewed every year collaboratively with others in Metadata and Preservation Unit.
