Library Specialist III

Job Title

Library Specialist III

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Libraries

Proposed Minimum Salary

$19.84 hourly

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

A Glimpse of the Job

The Library Specialist III plays a key role in ensuring seamless user access to the Medical Sciences Library’s resources through acquisition, cataloging, and collection maintenance responsibilities. The specialist manages acquisition functions for books and a portion of the databases, including reviewing existing holdings for books that need updating, ordering requested books, and accurately processing associated purchase and renewal invoices. This position follows established cataloging workflows and uses related systems to perform high-quality copy cataloging to prepare records for reliable discovery of primarily electronic books and databases. The specialist will also assist with collection maintenance activities such as updating ebook and databases links, assessing usage data, troubleshooting access issues, and reviewing collections for withdrawals and updates. In addition, the role collaborates closely with colleagues at the Medical Sciences Library in College Station and across regional campus libraries, contributing to a coordinated and well‑supported library team.

This is an on-campus opportunity. The selected candidate will be required to work on-site at our College Station campus Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Salary: $19.84/hourly

Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are required and will help in our review. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.

Responsibilities

Resource Discovery and Access

• Provides access to Medical Sciences Library resources through cataloging of electronic and select print materials.

• Identifies and imports bibliographic records (e.g., OCLC) and performs quality copy cataloging.

• Troubleshoots access issues for online books and databases with vendors.

• Maintains accurate bibliographic and holdings records in FOLIO and updates national databases.

• Performs physical processing and labeling of acquired materials.

• Alerts librarians to new editions of high‑use textbooks and course resources.

Acquisitions

• Conducts pre‑order searching by reviewing current holdings and identifying new editions or purchase options appropriate to the library location.

• Reviews renewal quotes and invoices for timely approval and payment.

• Responds to purchase requests submitted by internal and external clients and stays informed about subject areas served by the library’s collections.

• Evaluates electronic access options, recommends purchases, and completes acquisition activities.

• Monitors the demand‑driven acquisition (DDA) program, processing invoices and updating catalog records.

• Places orders through approved vendor systems and maintains accurate acquisition and bibliographic records.

• Manages financial responsibilities, including preparing orders and invoices, maintaining expense records in FOLIO and Laserfiche, reconciling vendor statements, and producing reports.

Resource Maintenance

• Monitors e‑book collections and platforms for changes, additions, and needed catalog updates.

• Resolves e‑book access issues, from correcting links to coordinating vendor troubleshooting.

• Supports maintenance of MSL collections at regional locations, including catalog updates and withdrawal processing.

• Updates catalog locations when print editions shift between reserve and circulating collections.

• Maintains an awareness of catalog system updates, updates unit process documents, and reports problems as needed.

• Coordinates with staff as needed to maintain consistent, accurate access across all library locations.

Teamwork and Professional Growth

• Actively shares in the responsibility for maintaining and developing job related skills.

• Participates in appropriate library-wide planning.

• Provides input or advice on goals, priorities, and projects.

• Participates in the development, review, and revision of relevant policies and procedures.

• Participates in team projects or other special assignments.

• Serves as a backup for other CAS personnel as needed.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Five years of experience in a public, academic or specialized library or archive.

A well-qualified candidate will also possess:

• Knowledge of health sciences literature or medical terminology.

• More than five years’ experience in an academic library or academic health sciences library.

• Experience and ability to interpret and apply standard cataloging rules to library bibliographic records.

• Experience with acquisition processes for electronic resources (online books, journals, and databases).

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

• Thorough knowledge of library services and functions.

• Knowledge of library online research databases relevant to the health sciences.

• Good interpersonal skills.

• Attention to detail, accuracy, and adaptability in a changing work environment.

• Ability to think critically, formulate recommendations, and use good decision-making skills.

• Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, detailed information clearly and thoroughly.

• Ability to competently manage workload within established standards for turnaround time.

Why Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

The Libraries are the indispensable hub of discovery, learning and creativity with the teaching and research that goes on in the colleges and academic departments. We offer rich and extraordinary collections at the University Libraries. The Libraries’ resources and services enable and support the University missions of teaching, research, and service. Learn more about our various libraries at https://library.tamu.edu

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts , and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.