Interlibrary Loan Assistant

About the Department

The University of Chicago Library is redefining its role as a provider of services within an increasingly open global knowledge ecosystem. We value open and equitable access to knowledge, freedom of speech and inquiry, and working in partnership within and beyond the UChicago community. We are committed to creating a working environment that embraces innovation and respect and that celebrates and develops staff.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Head of Interlibrary Loan, processes incoming interlibrary loan requests using a wide variety of specialized software and services. Performs duties of Library Assistant and Library Clerk positions. Performs work in accordance with Library standards and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Processes incoming borrowing and lending interlibrary loan requests using ILLiad, OCLC Worldshare, ReShare, DOCLINE, RapidILL, and Folio systems.
• Verifies citations in many languages and using a wide variety of sources and databases, and searches online catalogs and databases for materials held in our collections and elsewhere in the world.
• Troubleshoots and corrects technical and policy issues related to interlibrary loan requests and software.
• Provides customer service to UChicago patrons and coordinates with staff at other institutions to fulfill requests and track their status, including overdue and missing items.
• Answers general policy and procedure questions, assists clients with request creation, applies and waives fines.
• Oversees student staff and work: introduces new employees to Library policies, procedures, programs, and equipment. Directs and trains student employees in a range of library tasks, including retrieval of materials from the stacks, request updating, readying items for shipment, and article scanning.
• Serves as a backup for these tasks as necessary.
• In collaboration with other ILL Assistants, coordinates day-to-day processes and workflows related to fulfilling interlibrary loan requests.
• Processes outgoing ILDS, BTAA, and BorrowDirect shipments to meet daily deadlines. Prepares ILL materials for shipment via FedEx, UPS, and other courier services. Uses mailing and label-printing equipment, logs items, and prepares and prints out labels.
• Inputs address information into shipping databases when necessary.
• Performs database maintenance by correcting errors in interlibrary loan records and manually updating interlibrary loan records as necessary.
• Affords assistance in documenting procedures, analyzing, and resolving problems, recommends changes in procedures and processes as necessary, assists in the monitoring of office supply levels, and participates in training sessions related to job duties as deemed necessary by the University.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to effectively plan, prioritize, and complete work in a timely manner, to meet established departmental deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing, with excellent accuracy and attention to detail in written communications.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills, and ability to perform independent problem-solving and decision-making.
• Ability to manage duties with flexibility and adaptability as office procedures, processes, and technology change.

Education, Experience, and Certifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Related library experience, or an equivalent combination of position-related education and experience, required.
• Patron/customer service experience in a high-volume library or related setting required.
• Previous work experience performing bibliographic searches, including experience with Boolean and other advanced search techniques, preferred.

Technical Skills and Knowledge

• Working knowledge of library procedures.
• Experience and demonstrated strong proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Word and Excel.
• Strong keyboard skills.
• Knowledge of standard reference sources.
• Previous work experience with Interlibrary Loan software.
• Reading knowledge of at least one (1) non-English language.

Additional Responsibilities

Ability to carry or lift loads of up to 30 lbs, push and pull loaded book trucks.

Ability to use computers extensively for 4 hours or more.

Ability to make repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movements.

Pay Range

$18.93 - $22.10 per hour

Required Documents

Resume/CV

Benefit Eligibility

Yes

Union

024- Local 743, I.B.T. Clerical

Job is Exempt

No

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Date

2026-02-04