Job Summary:

 The Library Associate is primarily responsible for providing customer service at the Libraries’ Service Desks and using information systems for circulation, class reserves and Interlibrary Loan. This position may also coordinate daily collection management, provide training to student workers, and assist with materials and transactional processing.

NOTE: This is a 10-month role with a scheduled work period of August 1 through May 31 of the following year. The position will enter the non-work period beginning June 1, extending through July 31. This role is eligible for year-round benefits.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Two (2) or more years of directly related experience

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a library
• Experience in Higher Ed environment
• Customer service experience 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to create a welcoming environment that is inclusive of constituents from diverse background
• Ability to interact effectively with faculty, staff and students as well as external clients
• Ability to learn new software
• Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to perform basic financial functions
• Ability to supervise student workers

Representative Job Duties:

• Provides customer service by using various library information systems tools
• Assists customers with material and transactional processing including requests for circulation, class reserves, and interlibrary loan
• Processes customer requests, which may include searching various databases, scanning library materials, transferring files, and the sorting and shelving of library materials
• Answers general reference, citation, and directional questions using major bibliographic databases
• Participates in interviewing and training student workers in departmental procedures. May operationally supervisor student workers as assigned including verifying hours worked
• Open and close the library on designated days. Prepare the library for service in accordance with start-up and shut down procedures including but not limited to the alarm and information systems
• Coordinates and communicates work assignments with staff on other shifts
• Supports special projects, assignments and initiatives as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Shift:

Sunday through Thursday: 1:30PM - 10:00PM

(schedule may flex during intersessions)

Starting Salary/Rate:

Expected hiring range: $16.00 - $19.00 / hr

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

NOTE: This is a 10-month role with a scheduled work period of August 1 through May 31 of the following year. The position will enter the non-work period beginning June 1, extending through July 31. This role is eligible for year-round benefits.

Application instructions:

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information:

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).