Acquisitions Specialist for Middle East and Islamic Studies Materials

Position Title: University Library Technician – Advanced
Working Title: Acquisitions Specialist for Middle East and Islamic Studies Materials
Position Number: 20014355
Hiring Range: $46,772-$52,669
Closing Date: May 22, 2023

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The University Libraries aspires to set the standard for public university research libraries in the digital age.

As one of the premier libraries in the South, we are an essential partner in the research, education, clinical care, and public service missions of UNC-Chapel Hill. The library system includes 10 on-campus Libraries, with nearly 10 million volumes, rich archival collections, and a growing investment in digital collections.

The University Libraries serves campus and broader communities that reflect the socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious diversity of the state of North Carolina, and we maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and open educational and workplace climate for all. We strive to create an environment of respect and collaboration where vision and innovation can flourish. Learn more about our Strategic Framework — including our pillars, values, and priorities by visiting https://library.unc.edu/about/strategic-framework/.

Position Summary
This position is located in University Libraries. The Acquisitions Specialist for Middle East and Islamic Studies Materials manages the receipt and payment of materials in English, and languages used in Middle East and Islamic Studies, including Arabic and Persian among others, acquired by multiple acquisition types, each of which involves different workflows, vendor contacts, systems, and processes. This work includes: Ordering, processing, and receiving monographs, serials, and electronic resources via Approval plans, Blanket orders, and Firm orders; Monitoring fund expenditure and processing invoices in accordance with library’s fiscal deadlines; Communication with vendors of Middle East and Islamic Studies materials; Coordination across library departments.

Receiving library materials involves varying processes depending on the format (e-books, print books, artists’ books, databases, etc), the acquisition model, the country of origin, as well as the specific campus library collection for which the material was ordered. Receiving library materials always involves accurately identifying the provider and relevant library account on which each item has been ordered; confirming the specificity of shipments align with expected orders; creating or updating one or more records with relevant metadata, notes, and payment details; approving invoices for processing.

These responsibilities require independent decision-making and direct communication with colleagues both within and beyond the libraries to complete the work and resolve problems.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
High school diploma or equivalency and two years of experience in library services, office support, or related field; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Intermediate reading and writing skills in Arabic.
• Ability to perform complex tasks with a high degree of accuracy and minimal direct supervision, prioritizing tasks effectively and managing time and deadlines.
• Strong technical literacy and computer skills that include fluency with Microsoft office applications, especially Excel.
• Evidence of strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Proven success engaging with detail-oriented work.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt to change, ambiguity, and issues that may arise in a positive way.
• Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively within a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bibliographic knowledge of Persian.
• Knowledge of additional languages spoken in the Middle East and Islamic world.
• Experience working in an academic library.
• Experience using an integrated library system like Sierra, particularly in technical services or acquisitions.
• Familiarity with online library systems like OCLC, and knowledge of the MARC formats for bibliographic records.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds with or without accommodations.
• Ability to do sustained work at a computer.
• Ability to move library materials and unpack boxes onto book trucks and shelves with or without accommodations.

Work Schedule
Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm

Application Procedures
To apply for this position, please visit the Office of Human Resources Careers at Carolina website. For more information on application procedures, applicants may contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.