APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

The Library Services Specialist will support two departments in the library: Archives and Special Collections as the primary department with additional responsibilities in Access Services.

Major responsibilities in each department include:

• In Archives and Special Collections : assist the archivist with day-to-day management of administrative and archival processing priorities, including Reader Services and Collections Management.
• In Access Services : provide services in circulation, interlibrary loan, and room scheduling to ensure that the library’s collections and spaces are accessible to library patrons., * Collaborate with the archivist, staff, and students on acquisitions, appraisal, and arrangement/description of archival materials
• Support collection management, including processing and integration into ArchivesSpace
• Create and implement processing plans for new and existing collections
• Prepare and revise finding aids and collection descriptions
• Determine appropriate housing, storage, and conservation needs
• Apply inclusive and reparative description practices in alignment with ethical stewardship goals
• Contribute to digitization projects, including scanning, file management, and metadata creation
• Participate in preservation-related activities and general collections care
• Assist with instruction support, including paging materials and preparing for class sessions
• Support reader services and respond to reference inquiries (in person, phone, email, mail)
• Contribute to outreach, exhibitions, and other assigned special projects
• Support collections security and broader risk-awareness practices
• Assist with other special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned

Access Services

• Provide excellent customer service to all users including the areas of circulation, interlibrary loan, and room scheduling
• Check materials in and out and register community borrowers; maintain confidentiality of patron circulation records
• Explain and work to resolve patron issues regarding library fees and overdue materials
• Serve as a University contact person for situations such as medical, building, and scheduling emergencies

ArchivesSpace, referenced above, is the University Libraries’ open-source archives information management system., The schedule of the Library Services Specialist is anticipated to be Monday through Friday with responsibility for overseeing one closing shift (including the work of student employees on shift) a week, usually until 10 p.m., and opening the library one morning a week, usually starting at 7:30 a.m.

Days/hours are subject to change according to departmental needs (e.g., changes in library hours over intersession, breaks, and holiday periods).

• Effective written and verbal communication skills; outstanding attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in collaborative, team-oriented environments, * Formal writing and editing skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and general office equipment, including flatbed scanners and copiers
• Experience with database searching, retrieval tools, and other library systems
• Experience successfully interacting with and communicating with a wide variety of library patrons, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community users

Experience with archival processes and procedures for accessioning, arrangement and description, and preservation is highly desired., Bachelor’s Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None, Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Health insurance, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Vision insurance, Dental insurance, Paid holidays Full-time Monday to Friday University Park, PA, The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $40,608.00 - $58,836.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State’s salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page .

Penn State Harrisburg offers more than 75 academic programs and provides degrees from the associate to doctoral levels.

The Madlyn L. Hanes Library houses more than 275,000 volumes, seats approximately 1,100 users, and features nine classrooms, a Studio One audio and video recording space, 15 student group study rooms, over 300 public access computers, two event spaces known as the Morrison Gallery, a 24/7 Lion Study Space, the Center for Holocaust and Jewish Studies, and the PA Center for Folklore.

Archives and Special Collections houses several primary resource collections that support the teaching and research needs of the Penn State academic community.

This includes the Penn State Harrisburg College History Archives, the Alice K. Marshall Women’s History Collection, the J. Randall Plummer Photography Collection, the Pennsylvania Center for Folklore Collection, and six other primary resource collections that document the history of southcentral Pennsylvania., Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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