Special Collections Assistant V – Modern Greek & Esperanto
Collection Development Department
Full Time Position
Monday – Friday, 8:45am – 5:00pm
This position is a member of the team which supports all Collection Development Department activities including collection development, collection management and the provision of specialized assistance for those using Princeton’s collections. The scope of work includes: searching, identification and management of bibliographic acquisitions and catalog records and other library and vendor records; participation in gifts processing and pre-order processing workflows; gathering and organizing data, generating lists, and making decisions to support ReCAP transfer; deduping and collection assessment projects and replacement decision-making for brittle, damaged and missing books; maintenance of specific graduate study rooms; and general operational support for subject selectors and curators. Creates brief bibliographic cataloging records. Works closely with and is supervised by the Assistant to the Assistant University Librarian for Collection Development and also may be assigned work by professional staff in the Department as needed. Occasionally provides general collection development support for professional staff in the Reference Services Department, and provides specialized assistance as needed to other library departments requiring Hellenic Studies subject knowledge and language skills.
Works closely with and provides specialized support for the Librarian for Classics, Hellenic Studies, and Linguistics. Ordering and copy cataloging for Modern Greek and Esperanto retrospective acquisitions and gifts including assistance with acquisitions management; maintenance and enhancement of digital resources related to Hellenic and Byzantine studies. Collection maintenance for the Classics, Hellenic Studies, and Linguistics periodicals collection and the Classics, Hellenic Studies, and Linguistics Graduate Study Room, and specialized assistance for users of those collections; and processing and cataloging ephemeral material (pamphlets, fliers, bulletins, posters, and other non-traditional formats). Processing may involve physical handling and/or creating or editing metadata for individual digitized items and collections. Responsible for hiring, training and supervising student assistants to support these activities as needed. The incumbent addresses and independently resolves complex problems and assists the Librarian for Classics, Hellenic Studies, and Linguistics in establishing goals, policies and procedures.
Required qualifications:
1. Fluent reading knowledge and comprehension of Modern Greek and willing to learn Esperanto.
2. Minimum two years academic library working experience as outlined in position description.
3. Ability to provide specialized assistance for faculty and students.
4. Experience working with ephemeral material, digital and IT projects and workflows.
5. Ability to communicate effectively in English with a variety of library staff in written and oral form, to be organized and detail-oriented, to work effectively in a team-based mode, anticipate workflow changes and adjust priorities accordingly.
6. Proficiency with searching OCLC (WorldCat, First Search) and other major bibliographic databases. Familiarity with ILS functions (Acquisitions and Cataloging modules), integrated discovery systems, and authority file functions.
7. Proficiency in use and analysis of data from spreadsheet software such as MS Excel and word-processing software such as MSWord. Ability to create Excel files as required. Ability to use standard email applications.
8. Facility with Internet searching.
9. Ability to move boxes of books (up to 30 pounds) from book trucks to shelves (and the reverse). This position requires frequent bending and reaching.
10. Basic HTML coding and editing skills and familiarity with LibGuides.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s Degree with a major in a related field (e.g. Modern Greek; Greek Studies)
2. Familiarity with XML technology as is used in the creation of library resources.
Princeton University Library is committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and advancing the University’s commitment to racial equity within our community and in the world. We encourage candidates from all diverse backgrounds and life experiences to apply for our positions. To find out more about PUL’s work towards greater inclusivity, equity, and diversity, please see PUL’s “About” page.