Job Description:

Job Summary
Performs skilled tasks and a broad range of library services in the Special Collections department, primarily in support of the University Archives collections. Provides library users with timely assistance and customer service, and provides library users with timely retrieval of library special collections materials upon request and within preferred time frame. Receives and processes informational materials for the Brown University Library, describes the intellectual content and attributes of the Library's information resources, and effectively organizes these resources for best use. This is a union position. Hybrid eligible.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

Provides customer service and assistance to users in support of library servicesReceives and processes requests for material, as for example, class sessions, patrons who email information about their wants ahead of time, exhibits, online requests for information, etc.Provides instruction and guidance on how to identify, access, and use the archival collections, and develop information seeking skills to increase self-sufficiencyIdentifies, selects and creates physical or scanned copies of source material requested by users who come in person or request material by phone, mail, or emailAccessions and processes acquisitions (encompassing purchases, transfers, and gifts) in a variety of languages and formatsProcesses and describes archives collections according to established guidelines and standardsMay support processing work for Manuscripts collectionsCatalogs (equivalent to AACR2 Level I or OCLC bibliographic formats Full Level encoding), describes, and assigns classifications to library materials in any format and language according to established guidelinesCreates and edits minimal or full level bibliographic and holdings records for all formatsSearches online and offline resources in order to describe library materialsIdentifies, investigates, and resolves description problems following established guidelinesApplies various metadata standards to describe collections and encode finding aidsPhysically prepares material for use by patrons, including the creation of box and folder inventoriesAssists users in locating alternative information resources and servicesFacilitates referral of in-depth questions to specialists as appropriateResponds to and interacts with online usersPages, searches, charges, discharges, holds, scans, and copies library materialMaintains business relationships with donors and/or University staff and departments and resolves problems related to the acquisition and/or transfer of library materialsAssists supervisor and subject specialists on matters regarding the acquisition of and access to library materialsSorts, inventories, and displays gifts to assist with their selection and/or reviewAssists supervisor with generating and/or reviewing reportsTrains and provides assistance to co-workersTrains and directs student assistants, interns, and volunteersAssists with the security of collectionsProvides customer service by staffing the Reader Services desk and Special Collections Reading Room as needed to ensure orderly and effective workOpens and closes building in the absence of other personnelInterprets library policies and proceduresAnswers directional, navigational, informational, and how-to queriesPerforms related duties as required

Supervisor: Head, Collection Services and Metadata

Works independently under general direction; makes independent judgments and decisions within scope of library policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with subject specialty in history, English or literature, or equivalent level of education and/or experience (e.g., Associate’s Degree plus 2 years of experience, or 4 years of experience)2 years relevant work related experience preferredStrong computer skills, ability to use standard computer software packagesCapacity to learn new technologies and systems necessary to for effective continued job performanceAbility to interact favorably with co-workers and library usersOral and written communication skillsProblem solving skillsAbility to perform detailed work accurately with reasonable speedKnowledge of one or more foreign languages desirableSuccessful completion of a test may be requiredPossesses a willingness and ability to support a diverse and inclusive campus community

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University. Library Union position which must be posted internally for 5 work days prior to posting for external candidates.

Best Consideration date:  May 19, 2025

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

Recruiting Start Date:

2025-03-06

Job Posting Title:

Senior Library Expert - Special Collections - University Archives

Department:

University Library

Grade:

Library Grades

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid Eligible

 

Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

All positions require demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and other Brown and community stakeholders with diverse perspectives and demonstrated ability to contribute to an inclusive environment.

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

EEO Statement:

Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.

As an EEO/AA employer, Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our University policies.