Special Collections Assistant

Position Summary

The University Libraries at Florida Atlantic University seeks applicants who are committed to supporting the learning needs of students from diverse backgrounds and to engaging communities underrepresented in higher education. Florida Atlantic University is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. Florida Atlantic University embodies a culture of strategic and collaborative community engagement that results in mutual benefit to the institution and the diverse internal and external communities that it serves.

Florida Atlantic University is seeking a Special Collections Assistant – Boca Raton, FL.

The FAU Libraries have prioritized working collaboratively with the campus community on a Top 100/R1 research initiative that includes a highly library engaged campus and community environment. FAU Libraries house approximately 3.7 million items and provide access to over 80,000 electronic journals, nearly 500 databases, and a growing collection of e-books and streaming videos.

The Libraries house many distinctive collections, including artist's books, sound recordings, print music, rare books and manuscripts, and University Archives. The Digital Library creates online collections from unique materials housed in Special Collections and University Archives and serves as the University's repository for the intellectual output produced on campus. 

The FAU Libraries seek a high-energy, collaborative, organized, engaged, positive, innovative, strong written and verbal communicator, and self-starter, who adapts well to change and can manage multiple projects. We endeavor to be a highly engaged organization that believes in striving for excellence, utilizing assessment and data for decision-making, and maintaining a culture of appreciation/gratitude, as we pursue a national ranking of Top 100/R1 academic university.

As a member of the FAU Libraries’ Special Collections Department and reporting directly to the Assistant Dean for Special Collections, Archives, and Distinctive Collections, the Special Collections Assistant coordinates, oversees, and/or performs a wide variety of administrative support activities for the Special Collections Department including screening and handling telephone communications, greeting and directing visitors, and serving as a primary point of contact and liaison between the department, students, and external constituencies on a range of day-to-day issues. This position will also provide reference assistance to students, faculty, and staff using special collections materials, schedule the reading room, and assist with internal and external material requests, including donor requests, and loans. The Special Collections Assistant will also be responsible for maintaining departmental statistics and assisting with yearly annual reports.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively within the Libraries’ Special Collections Department on departmental group projects and tasks.
• Greet patrons and assist them with registration, requesting materials, and basic reference questions.
• Respond to reference queries and provides e-mail and phone assistance.
• Maintain office records, collect statistical data, and submit data for departmental reports.
• Serve as the point person for handling departmental facilities issues, mail, office and archival supplies, equipment needs, and interdepartmental errands.
• Schedule patron appointments, manage the reading room, and explain reading room policies.
• Page and re-shelve rare and fragile materials.
• Work collaboratively to further the Libraries’ Top 100/R1 initiatives.
• Participate in Library and University Committees.
• Participate in Library Engagement Activities.
• Actively pursue professional development opportunities.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization, or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience required.

Preferred Qualifications/Skills

• Demonstrated high level of customer service and response.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and as a team member.
• Ability to pay attention to details and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible with work schedule.
• Experience working in libraries or in an academic organization.
• Experience with Microsoft products such as Word, Excel, Teams.
• Experience with Google products.
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated strong commitment to service excellence.
• Ability to lead, coordinate, and contribute to multiple projects from conception through implementation.
• Ability to be flexible and nimble and cope with change.
• Ability to prioritize duties with the ability to reprioritize as necessary and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to respond effectively to questions from individuals both external and internal to the University.
• Demonstrated strong customer service orientation.
• Demonstrated student focus.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and communication skills.

FAU Benefits and Perks

If Benefits & Perks are important to you, then FAU is the place to be! Working at FAU has its perks! In addition to helping drive change and having a positive impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty, FAU offers:

• Excellent benefit packages including Medical (PPO/HMO $50 per month single & $180 per month family), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending plans, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and much more.
• State retirement options including tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans.
• State employees Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
• Flexible work arrangement plans - https://www.fau.edu/hr/employee_relations/flexwork.php
• Sick Leave Pool Program
• Paid time off (eligible employees) including vacation and sick leave, 1 personal day, 9 paid holidays, and paid winter break (at President’s discretion).
• Paid Community Engagement Volunteer Service Day - https://www.fau.edu/hr/files/COMMUNITY_ENGAGEMENT_VOLUNTEER_LEAVE4-2015.pdf
• Employee Educational Scholarship Program (EESP) for eligible Staff/Faculty - Tuition assistance after 6 months of full-time employment. For in-unit faculty, the EESP program may be extended to spouses and dependent children (eligibility rules apply).

For details on FAU's outstanding offers, visit us at https://www.fau.edu/hr/benefits/index.php.

Work Days and Hours

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. Some weekends and nights as needed to meet academic deadlines. This position will require travel to other FAU campuses on occasion.