Storage & Stacks Specialist - Floating: University Libraries - UTK

Based primarily at the Library Storage Annex (LSA), this position floats between the LSA and other library locations - including Hodges Library and branch libraries - to provide flexible support for storage operations, stacks maintenance, collection projects, and delivery-related tasks. This position operates heavy equipment including cherry pickers for retrieval and refiling of materials in high-density shelving systems, uses the CaiaSoft inventory management system for storage operations, and handles a variety of library materials including rare and archival items requiring specialized care. This position provides flexible operational support in response to work volumes across the units, scheduled and unscheduled absences, and for projects.

Library Storage Annex Operations

Executes daily LSA operations, including the retrieval, refiling, and inventory of materials in high-density shelving. Operates heavy equipment (e.g., cherry pickers) at elevated heights, strictly adhering to safety protocols. Utilizes the storage management system (e.g., CaiaSoft) to track item-level accession, circulation, and shelf allocation. Receives materials, executing established workflows for quarantine, reboxing, inventory, and system ingest. Retrieves materials for delivery and interlibrary loan using Alma, ILLiad, and CaiaSoft. Maintains strict chain-of-custody protocols for rare materials. Monitors environmental conditions and reports concerns to the Manager.

Floating Stacks Support Across Library Locations

Performs stacks maintenance and supports collection projects across multiple University Libraries locations, including Hodges and branch libraries. Shelves returns, performs shelf-reading, and conducts daily maintenance of print collections. Participates in library-wide collection retention, relocation, shifting, and weeding projects. Gathers collection use data to support space planning. Identifies and reports cataloging and preservation issues. Provides backup for the receipt, processing, and delivery of incoming and outgoing mail, packages, freight, and library materials across library branches, campus locations, and satellite facilities. Determines cost-effective shipping methods, processes interlibrary loan shipments, maintains shipment records, and operates postal and loading dock equipment in accordance with postal regulations. Delivers books, supplies, equipment, and special collections materials by vehicle and on foot while ensuring safe handling, timely transport, and efficient routing between library and university locations.

Special and General Collections Reference Support and Reproduction Services

Researches and responds to reference inquiries for Special and General Collections materials at the LSA, coordinating with Special Collections and APCS staff via request management systems (e.g., Aeon). Evaluates request scope to independently determine if research can be completed on-site or requires a reading room consultation. Fulfills reproduction requests by identifying materials, evaluating physical condition, and operating various scanners to deliver high-quality digital files. Interprets and applies library policies for patrons, exercising judgment to resolve conflicts and redirect out-of-scope requests. Fulfills internal requests for materials needed for instruction, exhibits, and reprocessing.

Cross-Functional Support and Collection Logistics Collaboration

Performs Hodges Stacks and Library Storage Annex operations in coordination with the Collection Logistics and Storage Manager during periods of high volume or staff absence. Directs student work crews during large-scale collection relocation, shifting, and retention projects. Contributes to collection maintenance projects, including lost item searches and inventories.

Professional Development and Continuous Improvement

Keeps abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in document delivery, scanning technologies, and library logistics. Completes 1 - 3 hours of professional development per month. Trains other library departments in delivery workflows and policies. Performs other duties as assigned.

• High School diploma or GED
• Experience:
• 1 year of experience in an academic or research library, or in a position involving collection storage, retrieval, physical collection care, or inventory management. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Knowledge of library operations related to collection storage, stacks management, and physical collection care.
• Knowledge of proper handling procedures for a variety of library materials, including rare books, archival materials, cartographic materials, and microforms.
• Knowledge of Library of Congress, Superintendent of Documents, or Dewey classification schemes.
• Skill in operating scanning and digitization equipment for various material formats.
• Skill in performing bibliographic research using print and online tools.
• Ability to arrange and organize materials following established classification systems.
• Ability to perform shelf-reading, inventory verification, and related collection maintenance tasks.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment, including cherry pickers, following established safety protocols and training requirements.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, adapting to changing priorities and locations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to lift or move heavy boxes, shipments, and library materials.
• Ability to think critically and adapt quickly in response to new or unexpected challenges.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science or related field
• Experience:
• 2 years of experience in an academic library.
• Experience handling Special Collections or archival materials.
• Experience with library cataloging or bibliographic description.
• Experience operating scanning equipment.
• Experience using inventory or supply management systems.
• Experience with library management systems such as Alma or comparable platforms.
• Experience with storage management systems such as CaiaSoft or comparable systems.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Knowledge of library management systems such as Alma or comparable platforms.
• Knowledge of storage management systems such as CaiaSoft or comparable systems.
• Knowledge of library conservation and preservation methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of cartography and map reading.
• Skill in using and troubleshooting large format and microformat printers and scanners.
• Knowledge of book binding preparation and processes. ent delivery.

The University of Tennessee Libraries are an integral part of the flagship campus of Tennessee ‘ s premier public research university. The University of Tennessee holds the Carnegie Foundation Research 1 designation, granted to doctoral universities with very high research activity. As a land-grant university and as Volunteers, serving our state and nation is key to our mission. UT enrolls approximately 40,421 students at its Knoxville campus. For more information about the people who comprise the UTK community, view resources on our Data Central website . The University culture is guided by adherence to core values that define the Volunteer spirit and include seeking knowledge, leading with innovation and integrity, engaging locally and globally, and embracing responsible stewardship of resources. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone. The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine. Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

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