Sr. Bibliographic Specialist II

The Monographs Acquisitions Unit, part of Library Finance and Acquisitions Services at Princeton University Library, is seeking a Bibliographic Specialist II, Rush Specialist dedicated to providing high-level support for processing a wide variety of requests for library materials that demand a rapid response and high priority treatment upon receipt. 

The position requires an individual who is able to work accurately and quickly, with a high degree of independent judgment, and capable of prioritizing assignments and performing under the pressure of deadlines.  

The Rush Specialist is responsible for the entire range of acquisition tasks, with minimal supervisory oversight, performing duties that include preorder searching for all formats and in all languages, vendor selection, order creation, invoicing, follow-up on problem orders, receiving, cataloging, and all final processing steps intended to facilitate access to these urgently needed and time-sensitive materials.

A premium is placed on excellent communication skills because the Rush Specialist frequently utilizes “non-standard” ordering techniques, such as ordering directly via phone, e-mail, internet, and fax, and exercises all available Departmental resources, including discretionary use of the Departmental credit card for payment, to facilitate the procurement of materials and to ensure optimal turnaround time.

Requirements include: 

• Minimum of 3 years library experience;
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent job experience that demonstrates critical thinking and communication skills required for this position;
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills demonstrating the ability to investigate, fully develop information, and exercise sound judgments based on this analysis;
• Ability to work accurately and thoroughly with attention to details; ability to prioritize assignments and manage many tasks simultaneously; ability to make independent decisions under the pressure of deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability to search, interpret, create, and edit MARC-format bibliographic records in local or remote databases;
• Excellent communication skills enabling one to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and in a business-like manner, with internal as well as with external contacts;
• Working knowledge of the publishing and book trade industry;
• Strong technical literacy and computer skills that include experience with Windows file management, Microsoft Office applications, strong word processing and email skills;
• Expertise with navigating internet sources especially related to online bookstores, vendors’, publishers’, and other institutions’ websites or online files;
• Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively within a team environment;
• Experience providing support through training, instruction, or oversight;
• Ability to do sustained work at a computer workstation most of the day; and physically able to move library materials from shelves to book trucks and vice versa.

Preference will be given to individuals with a comprehensive understanding of library technical services and specifically the acquisition-to-cataloging process.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.