Library Services Specialist - Information Services

About the role

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HSHSL) seeks a Library Services Specialist to provide high-quality reference and research support in person, by phone, and via email and chat service for the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HSHSL).

Responsibilities

• Responds to HSHSL user information needs using online systems and information seeking skills to evaluate and locate the most appropriate library information resources.
• Searches for and retrieves materials.
• Educates and guides face-to-face and remote HSHSL users with varying levels of proficiency in the use of technologies, tools, and strategies to create, seek, use, or manage information.
• Creates clear, engaging communications to promote HSHSL collections, services, and events through social media, newsletters, and other outreach materials; contributes content ideas and participates actively on the HSHSL Communications Team.
• Affords assistance with maintenance of HSHSL information resources, including information discovery tools, guides, and related library resources.
• Collects, reports, and assists with analyzing data on collections, usage, service transactions, and customer needs.
• Generates specialized reports and notices using data collected.
• Performs routine library duties, including shelving, organizing materials, and maintaining public service areas.
• Upon request, provides input regarding selection, retention, maintenance, and evaluation of all types of library information resources or services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• One year of experience directly related to the primary duties of the position.
• Experience providing reference and research support at a library service desk.
• Experience working with library systems and processes.
• Experience developing or contributing to communications efforts, including writing for newsletters, blogs, social media, or similar platforms.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic principles of quality customer service, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to work independently and exercise initiative in applying rules, procedures, and instructions.
• Advanced skill in written and verbal communication, including the ability to synthesize information and create compelling messaging.
• Experience and proficiency with searching online databases.
• Excellent technical and computing skills.
• Skill in analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to assist other library staff in selecting and evaluating technology used in libraries.

Skills

• Knowledge of the mission and role of college or university library and its primary customers.
• Ability to learn and apply contemporary library terminology and functions.
• General knowledge of traditional and emerging practices for describing and organizing information resources.
• Understanding and ability to apply library and university computing policies and practices that help ensure information quality, integrity, and security.
• Knowledge of basic principles of quality customer service, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to work independently and exercise initiative in applying rules, procedures and instructions.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Experience and proficiency with one or more technologies or tools used to create, seek, use, or manage information.
• Ability to learn and operate a variety of common computing and productivity applications (e.g. email, word processing, databases and spreadsheets, content management, web browsers) and specialized library hardware, systems, and software applications.
• Ability to apply key concepts and best practices for developing, maintaining, and using collections of digital information.
• Skill in analytical and problem solving.
• Ability to assist other library staff in selecting and evaluating technology used in libraries.

Benefits

Non-exempt Regular UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program, effective on your date of hire. Non-exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that starts with 11 days of vacation accrued per year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and time for community service; comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).