Careers at UMass Amherst

Materials Processing Specialist

Apply now Job no: 517601
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Lib - Collection Services
Union: USA/MTA
Categories: Library, Administrative & Office Support

About UMass Amherst 

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region. 

Job Summary 

The Materials Processing Specialist manages physical processing of Library’s materials as well as performs streamlined cataloging and records maintenance duties in a variety of systems, both local and online. This position communicates with appropriate vendors about needs, issues and troubleshooting and works collaboratively with other library units and departments to organize and present resources in the library catalog and/or web pages. 

Essential Functions 

  • Performs cataloging of various, different library materials. Applies local and national cataloging standards according to expedited cataloging procedures. Reconciles any record problems. Forwards materials that do not meet expedited cataloging standards to appropriate staff in Information Resources Management 

  • Assists in processing weekly shelf-ready shipments. Compares items received with bibliographic, order, and item records to ensure accurate online information. Reconciles any record problems. Forwards shelf-ready materials that do not meet streamlined cataloging standards to appropriate staff in Information Resources Management. 

  • Performs streamlined cataloging review of monographic library materials in English and foreign languages for which Library of Congress cataloging copy is available, following appropriate national and local standards according to expedited cataloging procedures and providing information used in processing volumes for placement in the library’s collections.  

  • Links unlinked bibliographic records in the Library’s collections by barcoding volumes, searching for correct bibliographic record, creating item records, and inputting barcode number and identifying volume information. Resolves problems as they arise and refer complex inquiries to other Library staff as appropriate.  

  • Performs final check-out from Department for volumes processed in the Department. Call up record by barcode, verify that correct record is received, verify accuracy of marking instructions, call number, holdings information and other data. Identify and resolve or refer problems 

  • Produces spine labels for volumes, using in-house label program, apply spine labels, and perform other tasks related to the physical processing of materials for placement in the Library's collections.  

  • Maintains daily log of volume of work performed and time spent on activities to permit control of daily assignments and workflow and provides information for Department Head's monthly reports.  

  • Serves as bindery operations back-up. Prepares materials for shipping and unpack materials that are returned from bindery. Updates records as appropriate. 

  • Orders supplies for the IRM Department. Maintains supply cabinets. Assists with processing equipment requests as needed and maintains shared directory of equipment requests.  

 

Other Functions 

  • Works collaboratively and effectively in support of the Libraries’ values to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness within the Libraries and the campus 

  • Attends professional development activities as assigned or required to meet departmental goals and objectives   

  • Participates in the Libraries’ assessment program by collecting, maintaining, and recording usage statistics for monthly reports as needed. 

  • Serves on internal library committees as needed. 

  • Performs other related duties as assigned. 

 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) 

  • High school diploma or equivalent and two years’ library experience in acquisitions or a related technical area. 

  • Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.  

  • Detail orientation: Accuracy in reviewing complex data for anomalies.  

  • Experience with Microsoft office products, particularly Word, Excel.  

  • Experience using web-based tools or resources.  

 

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) 

  • Academic library experience preferred.  

 

Work Schedule 

Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm

Salary Information 

USA/MTA Grade 16

Special Instructions to Applicants 

 Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information of three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

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Applications close: Eastern Daylight Time

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