Library Technical Assistant - Public Services

Description

About Hebrew Union College

Founded in 1875, Hebrew Union College (HUC) is North America's leading institution of higher Jewish education and the center for professional leadership development of Reform Judaism. With campuses in Cincinnati, Jerusalem, Los Angeles, and New York, HUC educates rabbis, cantors, Jewish educators, nonprofit leaders, and scholars while advancing Jewish scholarship and learning worldwide.

Our mission is to build vibrant Progressive Judaism by educating visionary leaders, advancing Jewish scholarship, and studying Jewish life through an open, egalitarian, inclusive, and pluralistic lens.

Position Summary

The position provides circulation, resource-sharing, and general public service support to Hebrew Union College library users. Responsibilities include checking library materials in and out, fulfilling material and scanning requests, supporting interlibrary loan services, maintaining library collections, and assisting patrons with basic informational and directional needs. The position works collaboratively with library staff across HUC’s U.S. campuses to ensure timely and accurate access to library resources.

Essential Responsibilities:

The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Staff the public service desk, including checking library materials in and out and responding to basic informational and directional questions in person and by telephone.
- Review, prioritize, and process loan and scanning requests for HUC students, faculty, staff, and other authorized library users across HUC’s three U.S. campuses.
- Locate and retrieve requested materials from the library's open stacks.
- Scan print and microfilm articles, chapters, and other permitted materials for off-campus users in accordance with applicable copyright requirements and library procedures.
- Process and manage interlibrary loan (ILL) requests using the OCLC WorldShare Management System.
- Shelve library materials accurately and assist with collection maintenance and book-shifting projects as needed.
- Collaborate with library staff across HUC campuses to support circulation, resource sharing, and patron service needs.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education

- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Experience

- Minimum of one year of experience working in a library, archive, bookstore, or similar environment.
- Experience working with an integrated library system preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

- Strong organizational skills with demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
- Ability to organize and retrieve materials using numerical and alphabetical classification and ordering systems.
- Ability to manage multiple requests and priorities while maintaining accuracy and timely service.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues across multiple locations.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment when handling library materials, patron requests, and information.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook and Excel.
- Experience with integrated library systems; OCLC WorldShare experience preferred.
- Ability to use scanning equipment and electronic document-sharing platforms, including OneDrive.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The work environment and physical demands described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- Work is primarily performed in a library and office environment.
- Regularly retrieves, handles, shelves, and distributes books, documents, and other library materials.
- Ability to move books, documents, and boxes weighing up to 12 pounds.
- Ability to access materials stored at varying shelf heights, including shelves up to approximately eight feet high, with the use of an appropriate step stool or other provided equipment.
- Regular interaction and collaboration with employees on the Cincinnati campus and library staff located across HUC’s other campuses.

Why Join Hebrew Union College? At Hebrew Union College, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of Jewish leadership by recruiting, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of rabbis and Jewish professionals. You'll join a collaborative, mission-driven community dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and strengthening Jewish life throughout North America. Hebrew Union College is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.