Access Service Assistant III

The Opportunity

The Access Services Assistant III supports daily library operations by providing circulation services, service desk coverage, retrieving and shelving materials, and processing delivery and scanning requests. The role also handles interlibrary borrowing and lending, performs electronic and print searches, and helps enforce library policies while resolving routine issues. Additionally, the position provides functional oversight and training for student assistants during assigned shifts.

About The Access Services Department

The Access Services Department is a core part of the Cornell University Library, supporting system-wide library access and circulation services. It manages functions including circulation, interlibrary services, document delivery, scanning, reserves, offsite storage, stacks management, and building coverage. The department also oversees patron billing, equipment loans, study spaces, and other access-related services to ensure efficient library operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide interlibrary loan services by assisting with the borrowing and lending of library materials between Cornell University and partner libraries worldwide.
• Perform bibliographic verification and conduct basic to moderately complex searches using local and national databases, as well as print resources, to process interlibrary loan requests.
• Apply knowledge of library circulation policies, interlibrary loan procedures, and consortial agreements to resolve service issues and support efficient resource sharing.
• Evaluate requests and determine the most effective method for providing materials based on cost, delivery speed, and patron needs; make decisions to supply or cancel requests as appropriate.
• Provide user support and resolve routine issues related to interlibrary services and resource access.
• Process and fulfill document scanning requests in accordance with library procedures.
• Provide functional oversight of student assistants, including training, guidance, and performance feedback to supervisors.
• Provide scheduled service desk coverage and assist patrons with access services needs.
• Support shared staffing efforts across Access Services units and contribute to overall library operations as needed.
• Participate in departmental projects, special assignments, and other duties as assigned.
• Complete required university compliance training and maintain knowledge of applicable policies and procedures.

What We Need

For further consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.

• Associate degree with up to two years of customer service experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to provide effective service and support to diverse user groups.
• Ability to adapt to changing work environments while consistently providing accurate, reliable, and timely information.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Experience working with new and emerging technologies, including specialized desktop applications and internet-based systems.
• Ability to quickly learn and effectively use new technologies, software, and service platforms.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it's ok if you don't.

• Experience working in a ibrary

This is a full-time (39 hours/week) endowed position that is based in Ithaca, NY and fully on-site. Core hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m. to 4:00p.m. The final schedule will be established in collaboration with the supervisor.

Rewards and Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell

• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell

• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

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