Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

Who we are:

The Swarthmore College Libraries cultivate scholarship and intellectual curiosity in our community through access to collections, expertise, and spaces. The McCabe Library Access & User Services department oversees the circulation of materials at Swarthmore College’s main library. As part of the TriCollege Consortium, together with Haverford College and Bryn Mawr College, we facilitate the sharing of materials among all three campuses, with several libraries on each campus. Swarthmore College Libraries are committed to making all aspects of the Libraries - our services, our collections, and our spaces - more inclusive and equitable.

The opportunity:

The TriCollege Libraries Van Driver coordinates timely and accurate distribution and transportation of library materials throughout the TriCollege Library System (Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore). They are responsible for the packing, collection, and delivery of library materials to and from each of nine (9) library locations on a set daily schedule. They maintain the TriCo Libraries’ delivery van in conjunction with the Swarthmore College fleet manager.

This position has an expectation of working a full-time schedule that is 30 hours per week, year-round, benefits-eligible, on campus.

Essential Responsibilities:

Distribution and Transportation of Library Materials

• Completes scheduled delivery route daily to the 9 libraries in the Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore library system, supporting our TriCo shared collections and reciprocal borrowing consortium.
• Maintains a schedule of distribution and delivery of library materials to all 9 libraries during the morning run and the 3 main libraries in the afternoon. Maintains knowledge of all pick-up and drop-off locations.
• Reports to supervisor with routine updates as well as any problems that may arise, including but not limited to substandard or unusual conditions or procedural issues.
• Works closely with supervisor and other access and user services staff to enhance the delivery system and to troubleshoot problems - delays, changes in pick-up location, missing items, etc. Implements changes as needed to adapt to new requirements.
• Maintains internal and external contacts to report or exchange relevant information with members of the TriCo Libraries staff, supervisors, public safety, fleet management, and others as needed to maintain schedule and quality of service.
• Protects, within reason, library materials from damage due to weather conditions or handling.
• Follows all safety regulations while operating the assigned vehicle in order to adhere to the motor vehicle laws of the Commonwealth.
• Adheres to PA State law and ALA Code of Patron Privacy

Equipment Maintenance

• Keeps the TriCo Libraries’ delivery vehicle in good working order to minimize delays in schedule. Keeps the vehicle clean and notifies fleet manager of any issues.
• Works closely with the Swarthmore College fleet manager to schedule routine maintenance and necessary repairs, state inspections, gas cards, and to schedule replacement vehicle when needed.
• Monitors supplies needed to run the system efficiently, including but not limited to repairing boxes and location tags, requesting replacements, maintaining inventory of boxes, bags, tags, etc.

Special Projects

• Assists in locating missing or delayed items on an as-needed basis.
• Assists with searching all 9 libraries for items listed on the Long In Transit list each summer (and occasionally during breaks).
• Assists with transport and delivery of items outside of the consortial agreement, when approved by supervisor and/or library directors.
• May also be assigned project work within TriCo Libraries Access & User Services departments as needed.

Who you are:

• Punctual and reliable
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision
• A problem-solver who enjoys troubleshooting and occasional “detective work”
• Supportive of the TriCo libraries’ mission to provide shared access to our materials
• Congenial, helpful, and a great team player
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

What you bring:

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years’ experience driving van-type vehicles
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and motor vehicle report on driving history verified by the state.
• Basic math and writing skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Customer service experience

What you will get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the TriCo’s students, faculty, and staff.

We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role!

PA Criminal Required

Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.

MVR Required by Position

Due to operating a College owned motor vehicle while performing essential job responsibilities for this position, a motor vehicle report (MVR) clearance is required prior to the start of employment.

Review the 2025 Swarthmore Benefits Guidebook. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

Retirement Plans

Tuition Grant Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Paid Time Off (Staff)

Holiday Schedule

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.