Widener University is seeking a Senior Serials Assistant to oversee the full lifecycle of continuing resources, including journals, magazines, etc. in both print and digital formats. This role involves processing incoming issues, maintaining accurate subscription records, and claiming missing materials. The position requires troubleshooting access issues, coordinating with vendors, and supporting operational efficiency. The Senior Serials Assistant provides guidance to student assistants, ensuring consistency and high standards in serials management.
Reporting to the Head of Collections & Resource Management, the Senior Serials Assistant is responsible for daily operation of the Serials Department. Hires, trains, and supervises student assistants. Assists in formulating departmental policies and procedures.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
- Responsible for operations of serials Checkin app of the FOLIO library system. Works closely with Head of Collections and Resource Management.
- Uses FOLIO serials app for check-in and claiming of print serial issues.
- Supervises student assistants responsible for daily check-in and shelving of serials issues.
- Executes orders for new subscriptions, renewals and cancellations.
- Acts as Serials Department liaison with university Accounts Payable office and serial vendors.
- Maintains financial data related to serials subscriptions, and all professional bindery operations.
- Maintains all serials department financial statistics.
- Works with Head of Collections and Resource Management to identify new titles and title changes in need of cataloging. Manages the record keeping for “problem titles”.
- Claims missing issues on a timely basis, using automated claiming modules.
- Assists in the Resource Sharing & Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Department, one to two hours per day as needed.
Secondary Responsibilities:
- Participate in periodic staff meetings and in-service trainings.
- Assists in staffing the Library Information Desk.
- Assists in providing Virtual Assistance Services.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of the Wolfgram Memorial Library and Widener University.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Post-secondary education and/or equivalent experience and learning skills.
- Two (2+) years’ experience working in automated library environment.
- Supervisory experience and ability to meet challenges of managing a busy department.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
- Ability and willingness to learn new technology tools including generative AI.
Preferred:
- Familiarity with FOLIO.
- Familiarity with OCLC MARC records.
- Familiarity with ILLiad and/or EZBorrow.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Ability to lift heavy (40 lb.) bound and unbound volumes.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
