Job ID: 2020041
Title:   Research Services Coordinator
Rank:  University Library Assistant I (UCP 5)
Area:   Archives & Special Collections

The UConn Library seeks a public service oriented professional to provide research assistance for a vibrant and diverse academic community.  The successful candidate will connect users to the materials and resources of the UConn Library’s archives and special collections and provide coordination and supervision for the John P. McDonald Reading Room located in the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center. Along with all UConn Library personnel, the Research Services Coordinator is responsible for making a positive contribution to a culture of inclusion and respect in all interactions within the Library and across the University. 

Under the direction of the Head of Archives & Special Collections, the Research Services Coordinator facilitates research services at the UConn Library’s John P. McDonald Reading Room. This position assists users with in-person and virtual reference and general information requests; supervises the reading room; locates and retrieves rare books, archives, and manuscript materials for researcher use; provides excellent customer service; and ensures University, UConn Library, and user standards and ethics are maintained. This position works closely with Archives and Special Collections staff to identify and implement policies, procedures, and workflows which create a better experience for patrons, and manages and sets priorities for a team of student workers. The Research Services Coordinator is responsible for collecting, aggregating, and reporting statistics relating to Archives & Special Collections operations and events; and conducting special projects to support the goals, priorities, and mission of the Archives & Special Collections Unit and the research, teaching, and learning mission of the University. The Research Services Coordinator is a responsible for being a positive contributor to the UConn Library’s culture, founded on the values of kindness and trust, curiosity and inquiry, equity and inclusion, and having fun.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Serves as the initial point of contact for research and information requests, assisting users through in-person visits, telephone, email, and other virtual reference services.
2. Supervises a team of student workers, including hiring, training, and setting and managing priorities.
3. Oversees reference services in the reading room, providing excellent customer service and locating and retrieving materials for researcher use.
4. Works with Archives and Special Collections staff to identify and implement policies, procedures, and workflows which create a better user experience for patrons.
5. Performs work related to collections maintenance, including shelving, sorting, shelf reading, and retrieval of material; assists Archives & Special Collections staff in carrying out collection projects as necessary.
6. Identifies, collects, and reports statistics relating to Archives & Special Collections operations, programs, and events.
7. Conducts special projects to support the goals, priorities, and mission of Archives & Special Collections and the research, teaching, and learning mission of the University.

Shared Expectations for Student Supervisors

1. Hires, schedules, trains, and supervises student employees.
2. Determines work assignments and provides feedback to each student employee.
3. Approves student timecards and resolves time reporting and/or student payroll issues in a timely manner.
4. Ensures student payroll expenditures remain within approved budget.
5. Maintains current student employee personnel records.
6. Adheres to the policies and procedures as outlined in the UConn Library Student Employee Handbook and the UConn Student Employment Guide.

Shared Expectations for All Staff

1. Participates in planning and actively contributes to Area and Unit priorities, initiatives, and/or operations through collaboration and cooperation.
2. Demonstrates reliable and effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
3. Maintains currency and open communication in ongoing trends and developments related to position responsibilities.
4. Works effectively in current office applications, software, and communication tools as set by the UConn Library and University of Connecticut.
5. Exhibits appreciation of, sensitivity to, and respect for a diverse working environment, inclusive of social, economic, cultural, ideological, gender, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
6. Performs duties parallel to position responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education and one year of related experience in an academic or high-volume library or comparable setting.
2. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining quality customer service.
3. Demonstrated collaboration and problem solving skills with the ability to work independently.
4. Experience working with archival management programs, digital repository software, and/or an enterprise level integrated library system.
5. Demonstrated general computer skills, including a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse community.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience working with rare or fragile collections and materials.
2. Experience working with an active research community of researchers, including faculty, staff and students in a higher education setting.
3. Demonstrated familiarity with archival processes, procedures, and resources.
4. Working knowledge of a second, non-English language.

Appointment Terms
The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. The diversity of students, faculty, and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians, and salutatorians who make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top public research universities.

UConn’s faculty and staff are a critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations. 

This is a full-time position based in Storrs. The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn and a highly desirable work environment. Salary is dependent upon education, qualifications, and experience. 

To Apply
Applications must be submitted online using UConn Jobs at http://www.jobs.uconn.edu, Staff Positions. (reference search #2020041) and include a cover letter, detailed resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Nominations and inquiries should be sent in confidence to Ellen Silbermann at ellen.silbermann@uconn.edu. To ensure full consideration, inquiries and applications should be submitted by August 31, 2019. Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. (Search #2020041)

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on August 31, 2019.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.