Rare Collections Library Assistant 2

The Rare Collections Library Assistant 2 position with the Bureau of State Library offers a chance to help preserve and share unique historical materials. In this role, you will have the opportunity to support daily work that keeps rare items organized, protected, and accessible. Apply now to become an essential part of our library team that is dedicated to protecting and promoting rare collections.

This position assists with the organization, preservation, and user access of rare collections and newspapers. It supports daily operations through collection care, reference service, and outreach activities. As a Rare Collections Library Assistant 2, you will perform the following duties:

• Collection Oversight: Support inventories, update catalog information, and help maintain rare and newspaper collections
• Newspaper Management: Receive materials, update holdings, sort and store titles, and manage lifecycle tasks for print and microfilm items
• Shelving Organization: Arrange and maintain shelving areas, shift materials, and ensure items are stored for easy retrieval
• Preservation Tasks: Identify items needing care, create protective housing, and assist with climate, lighting, and pest monitoring
• Reference Assistance: Evaluate patron requests, retrieve materials, and guide users in proper handling of collection items
• Outreach Support: Assist with exhibits, tours, presentations, and general public service activities

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of library- clerical experience; or one year as a Library Assistant 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration). An associate degree or equivalent training with major course work in library science may be substituted for the required experience.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. 
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans: 

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.