Archives & Special Collections Research Services Coordinator

at  University of Connecticut

JOB SUMMARY

The UConn Library seeks a customer service-focused Archives & Special Collections (ASC) Research Services Coordinator (Library Assistant 2). Reporting to the Head of Archives & Special Collections, the ASC Research Services Coordinator coordinates research and reference services at the UConn Library’s John P. McDonald Reading Room. This position provides users with excellent in-person and online research and reference services, supervises the Reading Room, retrieves archival materials for researcher use, and ensures user standards and ethics of the University and UConn Library are maintained. This position works closely with Archives and Special Collections colleagues to identify and implement policies, procedures, and workflows to create a positive user experience.
As an active member of the Library and guided by our Strategic Framework of Connect, Empower, and Engage and our core values of kindness and trust, curiosity and inquiry, equity and inclusion, and having fun, the successful candidate will make positive contributions to a culture of inclusion and respect in all interactions within the Library and across the University and will actively exemplify the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice (DEIAJ) in their daily work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of three years of related professional experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service and strong interpersonal oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice.
• Solid creative thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to recommend and implement workflow processes and patron-experience services.
• Current direct experience working with archival management programs and digital repository software.
• Ability to learn and work effectively in current office applications, software, and communication technologies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated success in managing an archival management program, such as Aeon or ArchivesSpace.
• Experience supervising student employees.
• Experience working with rare or fragile collections and materials in a professional capacity with a strong understanding of archival processes, procedures, and resources.
• Experience working with an active research community of researchers, including faculty, staff, and students in a higher education setting.

• Serves as the primary point of contact for archival research and information requests, delivering excellent DEIAJ-informed customer service, and assisting users in-person and via telephone, email, and other virtual modalities. Provides research and reference services in the John P. McDonald Reading Room, locates and retrieves materials for patron use.
• Supervises a team of student employees, including hiring, training, scheduling, and setting and managing priorities and workloads.
• Works with Archives & Special Collections colleagues to identify and implement policies, procedures, and workflows that directly support creating a positive user experience.
• Performs work related to collections maintenance, including shelving, sorting, shelf reading, and retrieval of material; assists Archives & Special Collections colleagues in carrying out collection projects.
• Manages digital reproduction services, including transfers of large and batch requests to Conservation & Digital Imaging.
• Identifies, collects, and reports statistics relating to Archives & Special Collections operations, programs, and events.
• Conducts special projects to support the goals and priorities of Archives & Special Collections and the research, teaching, and learning mission of the University.

Shared Expectations for Student Supervisors

• Hires, schedules, trains, and supervises student employees.
• Determines work assignments and provides feedback to each student employee.
• Approves student timecards and resolves time reporting and/or student payroll issues in a timely manner.
• Ensures student payroll expenditures remain within the approved budget.
• Maintains current student employee personnel records.
• Adheres to the policies and procedures as outlined in the UConn Library Student Employee Handbook and the UConn Student Employment Guide.

Shared Expectations for All Staff

• Applies the principles of the Library’s core values and Strategic Framework through active contribution and cooperation in achieving Area and Unit priorities and operational goals. Demonstrates reliable and effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates active learning in and communication of ongoing trends and developments related to professional and positional responsibilities.
• Works effectively in current applications, software, and communication tools as employed by the UConn Library and UConn.
• Exhibits appreciation of, sensitivity to, and respect for a diverse working environment, inclusive of all backgrounds and identifications.
• Performs duties parallel to position responsibilities as required.