Library Assistant

Andersen Horticultural Library (AHL), the largest horticultural research library in the Upper Midwest, is located at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (MLA) in Chanhassen, MN. It is nationally known for its Historic Seed & Nursery Catalog Collection, its collection of George Nakashima furnishings, and for its 500+ years of garden and natural history resources. AHL is part of the University of Minnesota Libraries and reports through the Research Division/Sciences, Agriculture & Engineering (SAgE) department. Andersen Horticultural Library seeks a collaborative, creative individual with a passion for plants and/or animals.

Primary Function

• The primary functions of this position are to provide reference service for the Andersen Horticultural Library, support children's programming, and assist with outreach events and exhibits. This is a part-time 50% appointment.
• AHL is open Tues-Fri, 9 am-4:30 pm and Sat, 10 am-4:30 pm. This position works onsite up to 14 hours/week, including time on Tuesday. This position must work at least 4 hours over the lunch time on Tuesdays. The remaining schedule will be discussed during the interview and onboarding process.
• Hourly Wage: $20-22/hour

Job Duties/Responsibilities

PROVIDE REFERENCE AND INFORMATION SERVICES (45%)

• Provide reference and information assistance to library users and arboretum staff at the Andersen Horticultural Library reference desk, utilizing knowledge of Library and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum procedures, resources, and facilities.
• Using judgment and informed appraisal of alternatives, refer users to appropriate indexes, location of materials, substitute publications, and to other U-Libraries units; refer more specialized queries to the librarian or appropriate Arboretum/campus staff and faculty.

ASSIST WITH STORYTIME (10%)

• Identify possible additions and withdrawals from the Juvenile Collection; add items to database; keep shelves organized.
• Create engaging items and activities for children (e.g., coloring books, scavenger hunts).
• Coordinate StoryTime: develop themes, select books, read.
• Work closely with Arboretum marketing team to produce and promote items and events.

EXHIBITS COORDINATOR (10%)

• Periodically change out Skyway Gallery exhibits and library displays.
• Create exhibits and displays that highlight AHL's holdings or history: research topics and resources, write caption and info cards, work with Librarian/Curator to select rare materials, if appropriate.

SPECIAL PROJECTS/OTHER DUTIES (10%)

• Process all items added to multiple collections.
• Other projects as assigned.

Required:

• College education can be substituted for library, education, or research experience on a year-for-year basis up to three (3) years plus two years of relevant library or education experience and/or five (5) years of relevant library, education, or research experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred:

• Experience or coursework related to horticulture, gardening, botany, or natural history.
• Experience installing art shows and/or creating displays.
• Considerable ability with database searching.
• Ability to work independently and to work effectively as a team member.

Physical Requirements (if applicable):

• Ability to occasionally lift 40 pounds from the ground to a table.

Pay Range: $20.00-$22.00/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please attach the following documents in Word or PDF Format (DO NOT copy and paste.)

1. Resume

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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