Library Assistant at Saab Medical Library

Job Title: Library Assistant
Department: University Libraries
Division: Saab Medical Library (SML)
Section: Circulation
Grade: 12

Basic Functions: Provides mostly evening and weekend (provides support during morning shifts if needed) public service support at the Circulation Desk, delivering high-quality customer service while completing circulation transactions and responding to basic reference, directional, and access-related queries. Supports access to library resources by assisting patrons in locating materials in the stacks and by supplying PDFs in accordance with copyright and licensing guidelines. Maintains the print collection through shelving, stack organization, and participation in stacks shifting projects. In coordination with the circulation team, helps ensure appropriate staffing coverage during extended hours, contributes to maintaining a comfortable, safe, and quiet study and research environment, and monitors the proper functioning of public-service equipment (photocopiers, printers, and scanners), reporting technical issues to IT support staff as needed. Assists librarians with special projects, supports outreach events, and ensures the timely and accurate collection and reporting of circulation and reading-room statistics.

1.      Duties Performed:

• Staffs the SML’s Circulation Desk mostly during evening and weekend shifts.  Coordinates the monthly circulation schedule to ensure consistent coverage, particularly during extended library hours. 
• Assists students, faculty, and staff in locating materials in the stacks and using library collections effectively. Performs circulation transactions (check-out/check in, renewals, holds/requests) in accordance with library policies and procedures. 
• Responds courteously and professionally to basic reference, informational, and directional inquiries. Refers complex or in-depth inquiries to librarians, as appropriate.
• Maintains print collection organization and integrity by shelving and shelf-reading; verifies shelf order, supports stacks shifting projects, resolves stack discrepancies, reports missing/lost/damaged items for replacement/repair/rebinding decisions; and assists with inventory projects including system-generated lists and reports. 
• Supports access to library resources by providing PDFs/document delivery in compliance with copyright and licensing guidelines.
• Monitors the proper functioning of library equipment (computers, printers, scanners, and photocopiers). Reports malfunctions promptly to the IT support staff and follows up as needed.
• Ensures timely and accurate collection, tracking, and reporting of circulation, reading room, and user statistics.
• Helps maintain a comfortable, safe, and quiet study and research environment. Enforces library conduct policies tactfully and addresses user conduct issues as needed, escalating concerns when appropriate.
• Supports SML’s outreach activities and events by assisting with set-up, logistics, and on-site support during events.
• Assists medical librarians with special projects and operational tasks, as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as requested.

2.      Work Contacts:

Regular contacts with work associates and frequent contacts with AUB and external users. 

3.      Independence of Operation:

Reports to the Head of Saab Medical Library.

Performs duties according to established library policies, procedures, and service standards.

4.      Supervisory Responsibility:

None.

5.      Physical Effort:

Ability to work in stacks and perform routine physical tasks including standing for extended periods, walking, bending, reaching, pushing carts, and lifting/handling typical library materials. 

Physical activity is required for approximately 40% of working time.

6.      Work Conditions:

Clean and pleasant.

Evening and weekend shifts (supports morning shifts whenever needed).

7.      Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, nutrition, or a health-related field. 
• 3-5 years of related experience preferably in an academic institution or another customer-focused setting.
• Very good command of English and Arabic. Basic command of French is preferred.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn and use library systems and workflows quickly.
• Good familiarity with Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong customer service skills and a user-centered approach; ability to enforce library policies (quiet/safe environment) politely and firmly.
• Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills; ability to coordinate effectively with colleagues and users.
• Strong attention to detail for shelving/shelf-reading, statistics tracking, and record accuracy.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently particularly during evening/weekend shifts while adhering to established procedures and service standards.
• Discretion and professionalism in handling user information and internal records.