Senior Serials Assistant

About the role

The Senior Serials Assistant oversees the full lifecycle of continuing resources, including journals, magazines, in both print and digital formats. This role involves processing incoming issues, maintaining accurate subscription records, and claiming missing materials. The position also includes troubleshooting access issues, coordinating with vendors, and supporting operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for operations of serials Checkin app of the FOLIO library system. Works closely with Head of Collections and Resource Management.
• Uses FOLIO serials app for check-in and claiming of print serial issues.
• Supervises student assistants responsible for daily check-in and shelving of serials issues.
• Executes orders for new subscriptions, renewals and cancellations.
• Acts as Serials Department liaison with university Accounts Payable office and serial vendors.
• Maintains financial data related to serials subscriptions, and all professional bindery operations.
• Maintains all serials department financial statistics.
• Works with Head of Collections and Resource Management to identify new titles and title changes in need of cataloging. Manages the record keeping for “problem titles”.
• Claims missing issues on a timely basis, using automated claiming modules.
• Assists in the Resource Sharing & Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Department, one to two hours per day as needed.

Qualifications

• Required: Post-secondary education and/or equivalent experience and learning skills. Two (2+) years’ experience working in automated library environment. Supervisory experience and ability to meet challenges of managing a busy department. Excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail. Ability and willingness to learn new technology tools including generative AI.
• PREFERRED: Familiarity with FOLIO. Familiarity with OCLC MARC records. Familiarity with ILLiad and/or EZBorrow.

Physical requirements and/or unusual hours

Ability to lift heavy (40 lb.) bound and unbound volumes.

Benefits

Equal opportunity employer. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. Widener University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.