Technical Services is located on the third floor of the library, Kent Campus, and handles back end, behind the scenes processes such as cataloging, acquiring resources, handling requests, and keeping the collection organized; along with performing large projects related to the collection from the University Library building and branches. Technical Services Assistants should have a knack for organization, attention to detail, and time management skills. The units within Technical Services are:

Collection Access and Delivery Services (CADS): CADS is dedicated to the processing and distribution of incoming and outgoing materials in the University Library mailroom. In addition, CADS is responsible for upkeep and tidiness of the building, organizing the collection, and executing workflows between departments that CADS works with closely such as Interlibrary Loan, the Library Services desk, and the building curator. CADS students could spend time working in small groups or working individually; they should be organized, have attention to detail, excellent communication, and time management skills.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL): ILL serves the University and general community by providing access to materials from Ohio libraries, other US libraries, and internationally. ILL students could retrieve books and periodicals from the collection, locate requested articles or chapters in books, scan requested articles, handle and prepare physical and digital materials from other schools, while considering copyright laws and licensing restrictions; and upholding interlibrary lending guidelines and agreements. ILL students should have attention to detail, perform tasks with accuracy, work with deadlines and turnaround times, be able to work independently, and be able to communicate kindly and proficiently with patrons, faculty, and staff.

Course Reserves: Course Reserves students work closely with Interlibrary Loan on locating and retrieving requested articles from the collection. Reserves students could process books, journal articles, streaming media, online media, or other physical materials for faculty, staff, and students. These students could spend a lot of time behind the computer and are capable of working independently. They pay high attention to detail and tolerate repetitive tasks, can adapt to constant interruptions, changes in schedules, and deadline demands.

Metadata and Catalog: This department makes sure you can find what you’re looking for by providing a timely and accurate description of and access to University Libraries’ collections. Cataloging students could create and edit bibliographic and related records for the library catalog with supervision, and according to international, national, consortia, and local standards. Tasks include describing resources in a variety of formats, assigning classification numbers, doing subject analysis, and identity management (i.e. authority control). These students should have a familiarity with searching library catalogs and research databases. This position requires a lot of time in front of the computer. Students could also participate in departmental special projects and assist other Technical Services areas as needed.

Acquisitions: Acquisitions students work directly with staff on projects related to the collection. This can be weeding, repairing books, sorting new materials, or physical processing. These students are behind the scenes and spend a lot of time working with a staff member or another student somewhere in the library. Students participate in the bindery, repairing in-house books and on occasion will be tasked to work within the library system on Microsoft suite or library specific platforms.

Hours may vary based on location, position, and availability.  

All open library student employee positions will be listed through Handshake. Only applications sent through open positions on Handshake will be considered for employment.