READING ROOM ASSISTANT, University Libraries

The Boston University Libraries seek a Reading Room Assistant to support the daily operation of the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center Reading Room. Reporting to the Reading Room and Reference Manager, this position will assist with reference desk services as well as assist researchers with the on-site use of almost 2,000 archival collections as well as rare books and university publications. The Reading Room Assistant performs reproduction requests, schedules researcher appointments, and recalls and returns boxes from offsite storage. Other duties include outreach support for classes as well as show and tells and walk throughs, supervision of student workers, and other tasks as assigned.

The Reading Room Assistant will:

• Supervise researchers at the reference desk, answering queries, overseeing reading room security, and the proper handling of materials.
• Assist with reference requests, making appointments for patrons, answering questions about collections, and routing questions to the appropriate staff.
• Complete reproduction requests for offsite and onsite researchers.
• Assist with the retrieval and delivery of archival boxes from offsite storage facility.
• Assist with requesting material for classes and events, returning the materials and occasionally providing coverage for classes, assuring materials are being handled correctly.
• Assist in training and supervision of student workers and/or interns.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree. 
• 1-3 years of relevant experience.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, ability to work with colleagues in a collaborative and team environment, as well as independently.
• Ability to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 40 lbs. 

A resume and cover letter are required to be considered. This position will remain open until filled.

Working at Boston University Libraries

Boston University Libraries is a learning organization that supports BU librarians, archivists, and information and subject specialists seeking and sharing knowledge, practices, and perspectives that advance library collections services, and their own professional development. In a collaborative, supportive, and engaging work environment, BU Libraries expert staff assist multidisciplinary research and exploration, build distinctive collections and archives of enduring research value, and empower users to thrive amid an ever-changing information environment.

Located in the heart of Boston, the BU Libraries are embedded in numerous vibrant regional and national library and information specialist networks. The BU Libraries are active members within the Boston Library Consortium (BLC), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Northeast Research Libraries Consortium (NERL), HathiTrust, ArchivesSpace, and the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), and library staff at BU serve as engaged thought-leaders on a wide breadth of library management and service areas across diverse communities. 

Boston University, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world, with three primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the globe. Chartered in 1869, the University is home to more than 33,000 students from more than 130 countries, 375,000 living alumni, 10,000 faculty and staff, and 17 schools and colleges. 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. 

CURRENT BOSTON UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES Represented by L2324 click here to apply for this position. All other applicants (both internal and external), please use the {Apply} section on this page.