Latin American & Caribbean Collection Specialist

Classification Title: Library Associate 2

Classification Minimum Requirements High School diploma or equivalent and seven years of library, or relevant experience; or an Associate’s degree and five years of relevant experience; or a Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree and one year of relevant experience; or any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education.

Job Description PLEASE NOTE: This is a time-limited position with funding through Dec. 31, 2027.

Job Summary The Latin American & Caribbean Collection Specialist engages in collection management, public service, outreach, and other activities for the Latin American & Caribbean Collection (LACC), which is one of the preeminent collections of the University of Florida and one of the finest such collections in the world. The LACC Specialist is primarily responsible for working with LACC librarians to develop and manage a circulating collection of materials in all formats, including approximately 500,000 book volumes, 1,100 serial, 50,000 microforms, and a growing body of digital resources. The Specialist supports acquisitions activities, including working with donors, selecting gift materials, and preparing materials for cataloging. In consultation with the LACC Special Collections Librarian, LACC Digital Initiatives Librarian, and Panama Canal Museum Collection Curator, the LACC Specialist develops workflows and processes for special curatorial projects. The Specialist completes bibliographic activities, stacks management, and other collection service activities to maintain and ensure access to materials. The Specialist participates in outreach activities, event planning, and providing public services, including reference assistance (on-site and online), tours, and orientation sessions. The Specialist engages with and provides services to an international community of users and with the faculty and students at the Center for Latin American Studies ( http://www.latam.ufl.edu/ ) and other UF units to support research and teaching needs. The Specialist collaborates closely with faculty and staff in LACC and the Department of Special & Area Studies Collections and with others in the Libraries to manage LACC holdings and services. The LACC Specialist may supervise student employees and also will serve on various committees and teams.

Responsibilities Collection Management

• Completes acquisitions activities including working with donors, reviewing and selecting gift materials, preparing materials for cataloging, including foreign-language materials (e.g., Spanish, Portuguese, etc.).
• In consultation with LACC librarians and public services personnel, manages collection storage in the LACC stacks and other locations.
• Consults with the Resource Description Services unit to ensure bibliographic data integrity in the ILS, and edits catalog records to create or correct location and holdings information.
• Completes check-in and claims processes for serials, manages serial title changes, and resolves problems and missing item reports.
• Liaises with Preservation & Conservation to ensure preservation treatments for materials.
• Maintains and reports statistical data about collections, and participates in the assessment of holdings and services.

Public Service, Outreach, and Public Programming

• Engages with an international community of users and with the faculty and students at the Center for Latin American Studies.
• Provides reference service via Ask-A-Librarian (chat service).
• Assists patrons in the reading room and at the LACC reference desk.
• Participates in outreach activities, event planning, tours, exhibits, bibliographic instruction, and orientation sessions.
• Creates and maintains relevant research tools such as subject guides

Curatorial Projects

• Participates in planning and implementing special curatorial projects by developing workflows, processes, and procedures. Examples of projects include identifying materials for mass digitization projects (e.g., Google Books, Celebrating Cuba!, etc.), recommending withdrawals, analyzing circulation and usage in subject areas, etc.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Participates in meetings and trainings to remain appraised of procedures and policies, to gain knowledge and skills, and to share information with others.
• May hire, train, and/or supervise regular staff and/or OPS and student staff.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
• Serves on departmental and library committees or working groups.

Expected Salary $51,884 minimum salary; The Smathers Libraries offer a salary commensurate with experience and credentials.

The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package including health, retirement, paid time off, discount programs, professional development and worklife support. Learn more .

Required Qualifications High School diploma or equivalent and seven years of library, or relevant experience; or an Associate’s degree and five years of relevant experience; or a Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree and one year of relevant experience; or any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education.

Preferred

• Experience using Alma, Aleph, or a similar ILS for circulation, public catalog searching, checking in materials, and processing activities
• Knowledge of the history and culture of Latin America and the Caribbean
• Professional fluency in written and spoken Spanish and English
• Bibliographical competency in multiple languages (e.g., Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, etc.)
• Experience with collection storage activities such as collection shifting, shelf reads, and physical reorganization projects
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills including oral and written communication
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to accomplish goals
• Flexibility, and ability to adapt and work in a rapidly changing academic environment
• Basic computer skills and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to regularly and safely handle library materials, including: carrying boxes and materials weighing up to 40 pounds; bending and lifting; transporting on carts or dollies frequently weighing over 100 pounds; climbing on stools and ladders to shelve or retrieve materials; and loading and unloading to/from vans
• Commitment to contributing to a respectful and caring community for all

Special Instructions To Applicants Application Process To apply, submit

• a cover letter detailing your interest in, and qualifications for this position
• your current resume or CV
• a list of three references including their contact information (telephone number and email address)

Apply by 11:55 pm (EST) on the application close date via the Jobs at UF online application system. Applications will be reviewed as received. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact Tina Marie Litchfield, George A. Smathers Libraries Human Resources Office, at tlitchfield@uflib.ufl.edu .

If an accommodation due to a hearing or speech disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 University of Florida Human Resources or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD).

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required: No