Library Technician II - Collection Support - #7518377

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Office of Human Resources

Announcement No.24

April 6, 2024

NOTICE OF OPENING

Applications for “Library Technician II” will be accepted effective immediately.

Location of position: Earl S. Tupper Center, Ancon, Panama City.

Working within a dynamic and collaborative team, the Library Technician II will help taking care of the circulation processes on site (reading room, borrowing, shelving, etc.), and will be fully responsible of collection analysis and development — especially those processes related to inventory, acquisition and cataloging.

Duties and Responsibilities

Circulation services / 10%

• Become one of the primary points of contact at the circulation area of the STRI Library, encompassing a wide range of responsibilities aimed at ensuring efficient and effective access to library resources and services for patrons.
• Attend to patrons' needs within the circulation area (excluding reference inquiries), addressing any issues or concerns that arise during their interactions with library resources.
• Play a key role in the organization and maintenance of library materials through tasks such as re-shelving, shelves control, and material lending.

Collections management / 90%

• Perform cataloging duties, including the creation of bibliographic records and the classification of library materials according to established standards.
• Help with re-cataloging efforts and quality controls, ensuring accuracy and consistency in bibliographic records across all materials.
• Participate in collection development activities by assisting in the selection, acquisition, and deselection of library materials, based on the needs and interests of patrons and the library's collection development policy.
• Take care of preservation measures. Select, prepare and ship documents for binding.
• Collaborate with subject specialists and other library staff to identify gaps in the collection and recommend strategies for filling them through purchases, donations, or interlibrary loans.
• Help to assess the state of the library's collections, conducting evaluations to identify areas for improvement, and recommending strategic actions to optimize the organization, accessibility, and relevance of resources.
• Provide support for special projects related to collection management, such as digitization initiatives or preservation efforts, as directed by library supervisor.
• Assist in the promotion of library resources and services through outreach activities, including presentations, workshops, and displays highlighting specific areas of the collection.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to collection management, ensuring compliance with professional standards and best practices.

Knowledge Required

• Demonstrable experience in circulation services and collection management, for a minimum of 3 years.
• High level of English (minimum B2).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, students, staff, and external partners.
• Commitment to providing exceptional service and fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for library users.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies, trends, and issues in academic librarianship, particularly within the context of scientific research.

For a full list of requirements and duties, please check the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19FsEDwwsJFCGdedzNybK0OfppQNWAf5W/view?usp=sharing(copy and paste in your browser)

Interested candidates please access web page: https://stri-sites.si.edu, complete the required fields and upload updated resume. Open until filled, review of application will begin May 20, 2024.