Library/Museum Associate

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Customer service skills. Communication skills. Computer skills. Attention to detail skills.

Role Description

Responsible for providing library/museum technical support and assistance for daily operations by providing a variety of related library/museum functions; including but not limited to, storage, circulation/reference desk procedures, inventory, collections, and assisting with programs and displays. Competencies for this role are typically acquired through on-the-job training.

Typical Functions:

Acquires, prepares, files, withdraws, repairs, reconditions, circulates, and controls distribution of materials.
Orders, receives, catalogs, shelves, pages, files, circulates, enters data and maintains collections.
Organizes and directs activity involved in the storage, loan, and return of materials.
Ensures efficient operation of library/museum unit by providing customer services and performing other tasks as needed.
Provides guidance and information on policies and procedures to patrons.
Trains and provides work direction to others.

Levels

Library/Museum Associate 1

Entry-level role that performs routine, standardized, and well-defined tasks following standard policies and procedures.
Provides resolution to problems that have clearly defined solutions in one or more technical area(s).
Work is closely supervised and reviewed for accuracy.
Provides basic customer service on routine use of materials and facilities.
Complex issues are referred to a higher level.

Education/Experience:

Typically requires a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Library/Museum Associate 2

Work is complex and requires greater knowledge of operational and technical tasks related to library/museum services.
Works under general direction referring complex or unique issues to a higher level.
Creates and maintains records and correspondence for special collections, exchange programs, gifts, and other projects.
Maintains statistical data and prepares reports reflecting usage.
Performs duties in the preparation, installation, and care of books, museum exhibits and works of art.
Assists in training and serves as a resource for others.
Assists in the investigation, acquisition, organization, and/or dissemination of all types of materials.
Performs copy cataloging and assists with creation of original catalog descriptions.
Monitors usage and visitations.
Renews subscriptions and licenses.

Education/Experience:

Typically requires a high school diploma and one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Library/Museum Associate 3

Works independently, under general direction, referring complex or unique issues to a higher level.
Work is complex and has greater decision-making authority to identify options and develop solutions for unique or unprecedented situations.
Performs technical support and specialized assistance to library/museum professionals or patrons in one or more area(s) and/or supervisory functions.
Examines and assesses collections to establish storage and conservation requirements by following appropriate standards, policies, and procedures.
Determines whether objects need repair and chooses the safest and most effective method of repair.
Restores, installs, maintains, or prepares objects in collections for storage, research, or exhibit to ensure their preservation.
Reviews and solves complex bibliographic identification problems.
Performs complex and specialized searches for various materials.
Resolves complaints and makes recommendations for procedure/policy modifications as appropriate.
Maintains records and correspondence for special collections, exchange programs, gifts, and other projects.
Maintains statistical data and prepares reports reflecting usage.
Works with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, botanicals, artifacts, textiles, or art.
Provides operational management of staff to include hiring, training, scheduling, and daily oversight.

Education/Experience:

Typically requires a high school diploma and two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.