Title: Library Technical Assistant

Exemption Status: Nonexempt

Department: Library

Reports to: Library Director

Year-Round Part-time

Supervises: Volunteers

Position Overview: Position in the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lenhardt Library coordinating all aspects of journal subscriptions, and providing excellent customer service while staffing the circulation desk. This is a year-round, part-time position, working on-site, for 20 hours a week during the day.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

• Renewing 150 print and electronic journal subscriptions;
• Claiming missing print issues;
• Maintaining electronic access to e-journals by checking links and repairing;
• Coordinating all aspects of journal binding;
• Checking-in newly received print journal issues into the online catalog;
• Shelving print journal issues in all library locations;
• Updating lists of journals using Excel, Access and LibGuides;
• Collecting usage data on e-journals;
• Staffing the circulation desk several times each week, including at least one weekend day each week;
• Providing exceptional customer service at each interaction with patrons;
• Replying to questions in-person, phone and email, and referring questions to librarians;
• Maintaining Stacks, Storage, Science collections by shelving books, shelf reading, and edging;
• Repairing library materials and creating phase boxes for fragile materials;
• Assisting Librarians with other projects when requested.

Chicago Botanic Garden Values & Behaviors:

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Minimum two-years, fulltime, work experience in a library;
• Experience managing journal subscriptions;
• Experience staffing circulation and information desks;
• Experience searching databases and reputable reference sources;
• Experience with patron and access services;
• Experience working with online library catalogs and LibGuides;
• Full working knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Excel and Access;
• Extremely detailed and prompt; Ability to work independently and take initiative; Strong problem-solving and organization skills; Polite and effective communication abilities; Excellent written, oral, and listening skills;
• Strong interest in gardening, plants, and the natural environment;
• Bachelor’s degree required and an additional Library Technical Assistant Certification or equivalent preferred;
• Ability to work a schedule that includes weekdays and weekends staffing the circulation desk.

Physical Demands:

Office setting. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, listening, speaking, and keyboarding. Use of office equipment including computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, and fax machines. Ability to climb a ladder, lift, push, or pull items of 30 pounds.

*The Chicago Botanic Garden requires all existing employees to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated by October 15, 2021; hires after this date must be fully vaccinated upon hire or may request a medical/religious exemption after an offer is extended.*

Why Apply?
Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.