Collections Facility Operations Specialist

Working Title: Collections Facility Operations Specialist
Department: Collection Management & Preservation; Collections Facility Operations

Service Unit Overview:

This position is located within the Collection Management & Preservation Department, which provides strategic stewardship of the University of Minnesota Libraries content to ensure continuing access for future generations of users. The department employs cost-effective strategies for managing the life cycle of content and collections, including stabilizing physical materials to ensure usability, reformatting materials to ensure long-term access to their content, implementing preventative preservation practices throughout the Libraries, and promoting preservation and providing educational opportunities for Libraries staff and users.

The University of Minnesota Libraries Collections Facility includes 32' high density shelving and has the capacity to house over 3 million volumes in a climate controlled environment. The facility offers rapid retrieval and delivery of collections.

Position Overview:

Thisposition is based in the Collections Facility. The primary responsibility of this position is to support both the ingest project and daily operations by completing higher level troubleshooting and resolving complex issues that require deep expertise and independent judgement. This position will handle questions from users as well as student and temporary employees. This position will move books through the facility, suggest improvements to processing inefficiencies and assist with organizing daily operations workflows and recommending process improvements. This position retrieves and shelves materials in 32 foot high shelving bays using a Stock Picker. This position is expected to last approximately 2 years, with the potential for an extension based on project progress. The role may be extended for several additional months, depending on the project's needs.

Key Responsibilities/Duties and Percentage of time (must equal 100%):

Provide support for daily operations: 50%

• Troubleshoot complex issues within both Caiasoft, the inventory management system software used in the Collections Facility, and Alma, the automated catalog/discovery system used by the University of Minnesota Libraries. Detect and resolve systems errors; identify and troubleshoot request issues that might arise between systems and adjusts procedures to prevent recurring problems.
• Monitor the shared departmental inbox and respond to staff and patrons, using independent judgement to determine when messages need to be escalated to a supervisor
• Serve as an expert and main contact for Collections Facility Patron Claimed Returns, outstanding loans and other complex Alma Fulfillment issues; Communicate with other library units to solve overlapping problems or improve cross-departmental workflows and procedures.
• Model and communicate safety protocols to push trucks, lift trays, walk the stacks and operate a Stock Picker for all aspects of work at the Collections Facility; complete required certification program and ongoing training; foster a culture that values safety in every aspect of our work
• Process returns and shelve material with high level of accuracy.
• Process patron request jobs and retrieve material; prepare material for shipment outside of the building, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of material to our users
• Verify requests that come in from Minnesota Library Access Center (MLAC) owning locations
• Attend technical training and keep up to date with all system changes and updates for systems needed to perform daily operations, including Caiasoft, Alma, Zebra Label printer and other required tools
• Identify processing or operational inefficiencies, recommends and implements improvements
• Documents and updates workflows in coordination with other staff.

Provide support for the initial Ingest projects: 45%

• Process incoming items , ensuring highest level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Troubleshoot issues including replacing barcodes and running tray and address audits, using independent judgement to identify course of action to resolve complex issues and correct errors
• Use Zebra printer software to print unique tray barcoded labels; monitor supplies, maintain the equipment and communicate issues to ensure continued availability of essential equipment
• Provides training and acts as an expert resource for temporary and student workers

Committee & Departmental Participation 5%

• Attend and participate in regular department and unit meetings
• Attend training or working sessions in the Libraries
• Keep up with changes in library technology and productivity tools
• Participates in service area and libraries-wide committees that are relevant to personal and professional expertise.

Required:

• Five (5) years of relevant library experience; college education can be substituted for library experience on a year for year basis up to three (3) years, along with a minimum of two years of relevant library experience
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative organizational environment.
• Required to become certified in the proper use of an automated lift within the first two months of hire.
• Must be able to work at heights of up to 32 feet.
• Ability to lift and handle heavy loads (50 lbs regularly up to 80 lbs on occasion).

Preferred:

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide a high level of service in a library setting.
• Willingness to work in a dynamic collaborative environment.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Google applications.
• Experience working with Alma or inventory management systems, such as Caiasoft

Pay Range: $25.57/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).