Vacancy expired!
Bookseller is Seeking Data Entry, organizational help
I am an out of print bookseller located in Columbia, PA in a spacious, comfortable and attractively-renovated space. I specialize in non-fiction books on the arts and architecture, with an online inventory of over 57,000 titles and 8000+ feet of organized shelving. This environment has all the appearances of an academic library.
I am seeking someone full-time (30-40 hours per week) to do data entry of used books. A strong familiarity with and respect for the alphabet is essential. Other useful traits include familiarity with foreign languages, art, music, furniture and research. A command of English and spelling is vital. This is a non-smoking environment, and the use of, or being under the influence of mind-altering substances while working is not tolerated.
You have the ability to routinely arrive at work dressed properly, not hung-over, and ready to tackle the tasks ahead. You have a positive attitude and enjoy being part of a team and working towards the common goal. My books come in all languages. While English is the predominant language, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Chinese, Japanese and Korean are also well-represented. A love of learning and an inquiring mind are vital to this position, as is the discipline to not get wrapped up in the very interesting books that come through my store while cataloguing them. Great typing skills will help, as will intuitive and succinct internet research skills in various topics as they relate to the books you handle. Random internet surfing on company time will not be tolerated. Knowledge of books and cataloguing would certainly be good. Ability to work independently is vital. The successful candidate will be able to figure out my unique system of cataloguing and shelving books and carry forth without deviation. Initiative and occasional guesswork are part of this position. A witty sense of humor and tolerance for politically incorrect humor from time to time will make your day go easier. The ability to lift boxes weighing 50-60 pounds on occasion is required.
The books you will be working with are located in various places from the basement to the second floor office area, which means the ability to routinely ascend and descend stairs in necessary and required. If you are uncomfortable with (occasionally) weird art and the naked human body as depicted in art, this job will not bring you satisfaction.
I offer $10 per hour to start, with upward movement likely with experience and initiative. Obviously you will not get rich working here. THIS IS NOT A LIVING WAGE and I appreciate that and recognize that. This is clearly not for everyone. If this starting wage does not meet your needs, please do not apply. There are no medical, retirement or other benefits besides generous employee discounts on books. What I can offer is a very flexible schedule, which can accommodate your needs and life priorities, while also meeting your need for mental stimulation and social and collegial interaction. So long as my needs for effective cataloguing are met, the way in which that happens is negotiable. The ability to work on a Saturday and/or Sunday most weekends will be helpful, as we also have an open shop where you would handle the occasional customer request, and facilitate purchases while otherwise keeping busy with the book cataloguing or shelving. We try to rotate employees within the open shop, so nobody is there all the time.
This job offers an unmatched variety of interesting material, and I would estimate 85% of your time will be spent at a desk in front of the computer. You may be asked to enter large sections of boring books, like auction catalogs, but I try to keep that to a minimum. However, books which are boring to you or I may be vital to someone else. There is usually music playing in the office area and it trends towards Grateful Dead, classic rock, Funk, outrageous talk radio and the unexpected. Silence is also OK. A full kitchen is on-site and available for use. I do provide conflicting data and instructions at times, and you will need to distill my thoughts into the action with the highest probability of success while responding with succinct and constructive criticism when I frustrate you. Hows that for honesty?
I have tried to accurately describe this position. You will be free to speak with my current employees to further assess whether this would be a good fit for you. I would like to fill this position soon after August 1.
NO phone calls if you figure out who is writing this, as phone calls will disqualify you from consideration. NO unannounced arrivals at the shop with a desire to talk to the owner about the job, which will also disqualify you from consideration.
Simply send an email stating your interest, qualifications and maybe a resume if you have one. What and how you write will make a significant impact on the response you get rather than what is on your resume. I will be gathering these responses from now until July 27, and contact people beginning the 28th if I find promising responses. I would like the position to be filled beginning as soon as practical after August 1. Once again be aware, you will not get monetarily rich in this position, but you can garner other significant benefits as stated. Thanks for reading all this.
Vacancy expired!