Job no: 511528
Position type: Staff Full Time
Benefit Status: Benefited-Union
Campus: UMass Lowell
Department: Library
Salary: Salary commensurate with experience / grade
Applications Open: Dec 23 2021
Applications Close: Open until filled

General Summary of Position:

The University Library at UMass Lowell strives to provide excellent library service in a dynamic, responsive, and inclusive environment. A vital part of the team, the Access Services Librarian is a leader who will contribute thoughtful and innovative suggestions for appropriate policy decisions; engage in meaningful assessment and planning; develop documentation for policies, procedures, and training; supervise staff; and oversee building operations. The Access Services Librarian reports directly to the Head of Access and Technical Services, collaborates with all library staff, and liaises with other campus colleagues as well as external partners.

We seek candidates who have a strong customer service orientation, outstanding communication skills, significant supervisory experience, and good judgment; who like to work both independently and as part of a team; and who are dedicated to professional development for themselves and their staff. We want candidates to know that we are committed to helping our colleagues develop professionally throughout their time at UML; we do not expect all applicants to possess all of the preferred qualifications we list here. We welcome applications from people who embrace lifelong learning and are passionate about providing meaningful and equitable access to information, resources, and services to a diverse and engaged community.

The Access Services Manager/Librarian supervises Access Services staff and operations at Lydon Library and is a key member of the University Library’s Access Services leadership team. They help shape the vision for the continuous improvement of Access Services and participate in strategic planning, coordinate communications for Access Services, and serve as a point person for Lydon Library building operations and Access Services systems operations.

Essential Job Duties:

Access Services Functions

• Supervises physical and online library functions of circulation, course reserves, resource sharing/ILL, and stacks maintenance, resolving complex problems associated with these operations and providing follow-up services as appropriate.
• Collaborates with Library staff and campus partners to resolve problems related to access services including resolving disputes and challenges to library policies.
• Responsible for documentation of policies and procedures.
• Oversees collection and reporting of relevant statistics such as patron counts, question tallies, and room bookings.
• Delegates work, plans, and tracks projects; oversees problems through to resolution.
• Ensures department team members effectively assist users with library technology, perform basic troubleshooting for photocopiers, printers, microfiche readers, etc.
• Fosters a culture of inclusion and excellent customer service.

Supervision of Access Services Staff and Student Workers

• Trains and supervises full-time, part-time, and student staff, creating training materials and documentation for processes and policies.
• Manages hiring, performance evaluations, and payroll approval.
• Identifies appropriate professional development opportunities for staff; encourages and tracks engagement.
• Coordinates schedules of Lydon Access Services staff and student workers ensuring that there is adequate coverage at all times.
• Responsible for ensuring that other departmental and operational goals are met by optimizing the deployment of human and technical resources.

Strategy, Planning, and Communications

• Creates and maintains knowledge base of Access Services policies and workflows in collaboration with Access Services team.
• Contributes Access Services content for patron-facing web pages in consultation with the Head of Access and Technical services.
• Collaborates with the Head of Access and Technical Services to optimize workflows and increase patron satisfaction, making recommendations for improvements.
• Identifies, evaluates, plans, and implements cost-effective, efficient workflows and new technologies.
• Stays abreast of trends in technology and Access Services; actively participates in library staff development opportunities and shares information with direct reports and other Library staff.
• Develops methods to evaluate customer service; leverages qualitative and quantitative data to make recommendations for staffing and service improvements.
• Coordinates department outgoing voicemail for Access Services department; coordinates temporary signage for Lydon Library.

Building and Systems Operations

• Coordinates and monitors building operations at Lydon Library.
• In collaboration with the Assistant Director of Operations and Hospitality, serves as point person for events held in Lydon Library.
• Coordinates all physical plant maintenance and upgrades with the University’s facilities team and Assistant Director of Operations and Hospitality; coordinates any systems updates with the Head of Access and Technical Services, other relevant Library staff, and IT.
• Liaises with Campus Security to ensure safety and to coordinate building closing/locking procedures at Lydon Library.

Promote the University's commitment to customer service by:

• Providing meaningful and equitable access to information, resources, and services to a diverse and engaged community.
• Maintaining an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.
• Communicating effectively with patrons, colleagues, and external partners.
• Exercising sound judgment.
• Embracing lifelong learning and professional development for themselves and their staff.

Other Job Duties:

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• MLS with 3-5 years of experience in an academic library, or bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years relevant, supervisory experience in an academic library
• Experience with online integrated library systems, such as OCLC WorldShare or comparable system
• Proficiency with Interlibrary Loan platforms, e.g., ILLiad, RAPID, ReprintsDesk, and Article Exchange
• Expert knowledge of library principles and policies and extensive knowledge of specialized area functions and workflows
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills
• Evidence of working effectively with students, faculty, staff, and the community; commitment to providing equitable service to a diverse population
• Demonstrated critical thinking and independent decision-making skills
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and projects
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; must be detailed oriented and organized
• Ability to exercise discretion and ensure a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Verified ability to utilize multiple computer applications toward increased productivity in a rapidly changing environment.(MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access); knowledge of standard office equipment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Facility with Springshare Libapps, including Libguides and Libwizard
• Knowledge of copyright best practices as needed for work in interlibrary loan services, course reserves, and digitization requests

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Only Internal Professional (SEIU 888 Professional Union) Bargaining candidates will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

This is an SEIU 888 Professional Union position, Grade P18.

Initial review of applications will begin January 26, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required at the time of application.