Circulation Associate

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Job Summary
Responsible for circulation billing functions, provide check-out, books, reserves, videos, and equipment services at a busy main desk. As first point of contact for students, staff, and faculty using Neilson Library and other campus visitors, provide information and referral within the Libraries and across campus. Provides operations and customer service backup at service desk and supervises student workers. Provide additional coverage and support when necessary at Hillyer and Josten libraries. May be requested to work other hours or weekend shifts if necessary. Regular hours at Neilson for this position are Tuesday through Saturdays: 7:30-3:30pm (Tu-F) and 9:30am-5:30pm (Sat). This position is fully on-site.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions
Direct Customer Service: (80%)

• Provide direct service at the circulation desk in accordance with service standards.
• Interpret citations; check library holdings.
• Check materials in and out. Collect fines and fees.
• Answer patron questions and provide information, directions and referrals. Resolve service problems, issues and questions.
• Sort, reshelve and re-file materials.
• Monitor equipment (copiers, printers, video equipment, etc.); fix minor problems.
• Supervise, train, and schedule student workers.
• Assist in recruitment and hiring.
• Open up the library Tuesdays through Saturdays.
• Maintain effective communications with staff throughout the libraries.
• Maintain a basic knowledge of related services (e.g., reference, interlibrary loan, acquisitions, cataloging, subject libraries).
• Contribute effectively to teamwork, communication problem solving and customer service.
• Participate in meetings, planning sessions, and committees.
• Provide back-up assistance for all other circulation functions.
• Perform other duties as required and manage fluctuating workloads over the course of the academic year.

Billing: (20%)

• Responsible for circulation billing functions.
• Run periodic billed book invoices and returned item credit reports.
• Calculate, prepare and issue monthly statements of outstanding charges/credits and forward to the Controller's Office, Student Financial Services and other Five College Billing departments for further collection action.
• Calculate, prepare and issue annual Five College Billing statements.
• Update and maintain accurate billing information in the Libraries' patron database. Resolve patron problems and disputes.
• Prepare deposits as necessary.
• Verify and balance cash receipts against manual and online fine logs.
• Assist in training staff and students.

Other Functions
All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Associates Degree or equivalent; 1-3 years relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Customer service experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Library experience strongly preferred.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Problem solving skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively.
• Ability to work with people of all backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with standard office software.

Review of applications will begin

Position Type:

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.