Research Services Supervisor

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Research Services Supervisor.

Position Details LocationHattiesburg

118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States DivisionUniversity Libraries Position TypeStaff Employment StatusFull Time Grant FundedNo Salary Range28,238.00 - 28,238.00 Posting Close Dateuntil filled

Special Instructions to Applicants
Please attach application letter, resume, and transcripts to application. Candidates who apply within the first 10 days of posting will receive first consideration.

Job Summary
The Research Services Supervisor oversees the dailyoperations of the research assistance desk, including supervision of studentemployees. The work includes providing courteous and efficient reference anddirectional assistance to patrons of Cook Library. The position performs avariety of other support functions, including classroom scheduling andstatistical reporting. This position is on call nights, weekends, and holidaysfor staffing emergencies.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provides reference and directional assistance to library users, in person, by telephone, and via electronic communication methods. Tasks include, but are not limited to:
   
   Interprets patron requests and responds with accurate and appropriate information
   Refers complex inquiries to a librarian.
   
   Provides excellent customer service and timely response to patron requests.
   
   Maintains knowledge of print resources in the Cook Library Reference Collection and electronic resources available through the Libraries.
   
   Maintains knowledge and skills related to the use of research resources.
   
   Keeps abreast of current trends in library reference services.
   
   Works evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
   
   
2. Supervises student employees. Tasks include, but are not limited to:
   
   Hires, evaluates, and terminates student employees.
   
   Trains newly hired student employees and provides on-going training as needed.
   
   Schedules and makes work assignments.
   
   Reviews and approves student time sheets.
   
   Models good work habits forothers.
   
   
3. Coordinates the daily operations of the research assistance desk. Tasks include, but are not limited to:
   
   Prepares a desk-staffing schedule that ensures complete coverage for all hours of operation. A separate rotation-style schedule may be required for weekends and holidays.
   
   Prepares special staffing schedules for university holidays, abbreviated academic terms, and other variances from standard hours of operation.
   
   Revises desk schedule for each academic term (spring, summer, and fall) and in response to any changes in personnel, wage budget, hours of operation, etc.
   
   Consults with the Head of Public Services regarding all desk staffing schedules. Desk schedules must be approved by the department head prior to implementation.
   
   Handles staffing emergencies and is on call nights, weekends, and holidays for service desk staffing.
   
   Recommends policies and procedures to improve services.
   
   Prepares monthly reports.
   
   
4. Manages scheduling of the research services unit’s instruction classroom. Tasks include, but are not limited to:
   
   Receives and responds to requests for room reservations, confirming availability of the classroom.
   
   Maintains accurate record of library instruction and other room usage, using both the Libraries’ system(s) and the University’s Astra room scheduling system.
   
   Recommends policies and procedures to improve services. Prepares monthly reports.
   
   
5. Prepares monthly and annual statistical reportsof departmental operations and use. In addition to those areas noted above,this includes research consultation statistics.
   
   
6. Performs other duties as assigned.
   

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’sdegree from an accredited four-year college or university, or equivalentcombination of education and experience. Oneyear of experience working in a library. Must be able to work some nights, weekends, and holidaysfor staffing emergencies.

Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesKnowledge of library operations, especially reference services.
Knowledge of library research techniques and resources.
Knowledge of customer service principles.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, asappropriate for the needs of the audience.
Self-motivated to set priorities and work with limiteddirection/supervision.

Preferred Qualifications Experience working in an academic (higher education)library.
Experience working in library reference services.
Supervisory experience.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites in central and southern Mississippi, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 130 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and sport venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 40 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of approximately 15,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 36 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 24 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.