LIBRARY ASSISTANT/ SPECIAL COLLECTIONS – GENEALOGY
REPORTS TO: SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIAN
JOB LOCATION: SPECIAL COLLECTIONS/ SECOND FLOOR
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: High School Diploma
JOB FUNCTION: Performs circulation, reference, interlibrary loan, and technical service functions
related to the operations of the Special Collections Department.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 100% clerical
JOB DUTIES:
I. Circulation
• Conducts routine circulation tasks; checking-in and out, entering patron registrations, updating
patron files, updating bibliographic files, and shelving returned material.
• Retains accurate statistics of circulation transactions.
• Assists other staff members with complex circulation transactions.
• Conducts troubleshooting of automated circulation system.
II. Patron Service
• Offers assistance to patrons.
• Assists Patrons with locating and using library resources and materials, and requesting
interlibrary loan material.
• Provides extensive reference assistance to patrons in person, by telephone, or via email
• Retains accurate statistics of reference transactions.
• Retrieves archival materials when requested.
III. Technical Service
• Processes new Special Collections Department acquisitions.
• Conducts Special Collections Department simple material mending.
IV. Clerical
• Produces and distributes Special Collections Department publications, handouts, and fliers as
directed by the Special Collections Librarian.
• Updates the Special Collections Department portion of the Willard Library website as needed.
• Conducts Special Collections interlibrary loan material notification, shipping, and material
retrieval as necessary.
• Participates in the materials selection and de-selection process.
• Answers the departmental telephone in a courteous, professional manner and routes all
incoming calls to the appropriate department or individual or takes and relays a message as
required and/or requested.
• Assists the Special Collections Librarian and Archivist with and attends Special Collections and
Archives Departments’ events and programs as necessary.
• Attends workshops, library meetings, and seminars as requested by the Special Collections
Librarian.
• Recommends supply ordering to Special Collections Librarian.
• Performs other duties as required and other tasks as necessary.
EQUIPMENT: Computer and Peripherals, Telephone, Fax Machine, Photocopier, Microfilm
Reader/Printer, Cash Register, and Calculator.
CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE: Written and Oral Communications, Outstanding Knowledge of Circulation
Procedures, Database Searching, Computer Skills (PC Windows- based Software in Local Area
Network Environment), Dewey Decimal Filing, Good Rapport with Patron and Colleagues, Ability to
Shelve Any Given Library Material, and a Strong Public Service Attitude.
CRITICAL SKILLS:
• Physical: Able to lift 25 lbs. above head with arms fully extended; lift and correctly shelve
100% of Special Collections and Archival materials consistently; able to shelve materials on 0”
– 90” high shelving, requiring the ability to bend, squat, reach above head, climb 2’ vertically,
and balance on 11” diameter step stool; consistently read 10-point font from 24” away; ability to
do any or all of the following as needed for up to 8 hours with no more than two 20 minute
resting intervals and one 60 minute resting interval: sitting, standing, walking, using computer
keyboard, mouse, and monitor, reading, and writing.
• Mental: Spoken and written English language comprehension at high school level; perform
basic Boolean searching; able to arrange Dewey decimal numbers in ascending order and
correctly alphabetize; able to consistently follow at least 3 verbal or written instructions without
cues or repetition.
• Verbal: English language delivery at high school level.
• Written: English language delivery at high school level.
NOTE: This is a 20 hours/week position. This may normally include weekends (Saturday and Sunday)
and evenings.
How to Apply:
Please complete the application (by downloading application below), provide a resume, and three
professional references to the following address:
khiggins@willard.lib.in.us
or mail to:
Willard Library
ATTN: Kimberly Higgins
21 N. First Ave.
Evansville, IN 47710
You may also bring your resume and 3 professional references to the front desk on the main floor.
If you come in person, please request at the desk a formal application to be completed and
attached to your resume or complete and bring the application available by download (below). No
phone calls, please.