As an Interlibrary Loan Assistant, you will play a key role in maintaining access to critical research materials for an academic community. Your primary responsibility will be processing borrowing and lending requests through a variety of library platforms, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in fulfilling patron needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Handle incoming and outgoing interlibrary loan requests using systems such as ILLiad, OCLC Worldshare, ReShare, DOCLINE, RapidILL, and Folio.
- Verify citations across multiple languages and source types, ensuring correct identification and sourcing of materials.
- Conduct searches in online catalogs and databases to locate holdings both locally and globally.
- Resolve technical and policy-related issues affecting request fulfillment and system performance.
- Provide direct support to patrons by answering questions, guiding request creation, and managing account adjustments including fine application and waivers.
- Supervise and train student employees, including onboarding, task assignment, and oversight of daily operations such as stack retrieval, scanning, and shipment preparation.
- Prepare materials for shipping via FedEx, UPS, and other couriers, including label generation, logging, and packaging.
- Maintain database integrity by correcting errors and manually updating interlibrary loan records as needed.
- Collaborate with team members to streamline workflows and troubleshoot challenges in service delivery.
- Monitor inventory levels, participate in training, and contribute to documentation of standard procedures.
Qualifications
Required: High School Diploma or equivalent; experience in a library or customer-facing setting; familiarity with library workflows; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel); strong keyboarding skills; ability to perform repetitive tasks and lift up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods using computers.
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree; experience with bibliographic searching and advanced search logic; prior use of interlibrary loan software; reading proficiency in a non-English language.
Work Environment
This is an onsite position located in Chicago, IL, requiring daily presence to support core library functions. The role involves a mix of independent technical work, collaboration with colleagues, and supervision of student staff.
Compensation and Benefits
Hourly pay ranges from $18.93 to $22.10, based on experience. Eligible employees receive comprehensive health coverage, disability insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and access to continuing education and professional development programs.
The institution is committed to equity, inclusion, and fostering a respectful workplace that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
