Collection Maintenance Supervisor
- Employer
- The University of Kansas
- Location
- University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
View more
- Administrative Jobs
- Institutional & Business Affairs, Arts & Museum Administration, Auxiliary Services, Facilities Management & Sustainability
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
The Collection Maintenance Supervisor reports any unusual environmental conditions or problems to Conservation Services staff. In addition to stack maintenance duties, this position is part of the service desk staff, working 8-10 hours per week at the Watson Service Desk. The employee develops methods and procedures to accomplish their responsibilities based on library policy and procedures, consulting with their supervisor and/or department head, as necessary.
The University of Kansas Libraries support a safe and inclusive environment for all members of our diverse communities at KU. We are committed to building a diverse and pluralistic workforce and strongly encourage applications from diverse candidates. This position will demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity efforts in the Libraries and contributes to an inclusive environment.
The University of Kansas offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, 9 paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a great retirement program, medical and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options and state of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. The University of Kansas also offers employees educational opportunities and is a great place to work!
About Lawrence, KS
The University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, a community of about 95,000. Only 35 miles west of Kansas City and 20 miles east of Topeka, you will never be far from barbecue, jazz, museum culture, and more. Lawrence has a lively downtown and a thriving arts and music scene, and its local government has enacted ordinances supporting equality for all members of its population. Lawrence locals covet the numerous sports and recreational opportunities, local shops, and a wide range of locally-owned restaurants.
Job Description35% Manage Watson Library Collection Maintenance
- Oversight of all collection maintenance activities in Watson Library to ensure library users' ability to locate library materials quickly and efficiently. This involves directing the organization of shelving, shelf-reading, shifting, and performing related collection maintenance activities for the nineteen levels of Watson Stacks plus the East Asian, Mixed Media, Video/DVD, and Reference collections.
- Responsible for routing of circulated items returning to Watson from other KU Libraries locations, items used inside the library without checkout, newly purchased materials, and library materials for which updates to records and/or classification result in the need to place them in another location.
- Coordinate efforts to address capacity issues due to Watson collections that are shelved over 75% capacity of the space available, to ensure that the collection remains browsable and items findable, as well as maintain space for returned items.
- Responsible for overseeing collection maintenance work as needed to shift collections due to capacity issues, maintain mixed media and video/DVD collections, and for processing bindery returns for all of the Watson collections.
- Manage the return of library materials from other campus libraries and shares responsibility for clearing library materials returned to the outside book returns with the rest of the Access Services/Circ Desk staff.
- Oversee the daily workflow and set appropriate priorities so that books and other library materials are available to patrons as soon as possible in response to call slip requests.
- Prepares Statistical reports. Record and calculate shelving and shifting statistics.
- Monitor and report environmentally related conditions or problems to the Preservation/Conservation staff and participate in handling emergency situations and recovery efforts.
- Serve as a resource person for response to emergency situations; this can include working during evening and weekend hours during such emergencies.
- Serve as a member of the Annex/Space Planning Group and contribute to the discussion and planning work of the group.
- Maintain and update library stacks signs to provide adequate directional and finding assistance to library users and staff.
- Serve as resource person to library users and staff to provide direct assistance in locating library materials; this includes responsibility for being on call for the Watson Service Desk during the scheduled work hours.
- Coordinate with the supervisor, department head, and/or associate dean, to plan for and implement adjustments in priorities, procedures, and use of space.
- Responsible for the development of new procedures to enhance efficiency and communicates new procedures to employees as needed.
- Perform bibliographic searches for extended searches and projects.
- Serve as the Watson library first line of review for deciding appropriate placement of material for preservation route.
- Liaison with Conservation staff to route materials for repair or evaluation when library staff has noted damage.
- Hire, train, schedule, coach, evaluate, and manage 3-5 part-time student assistants.
- Schedule students as needed within the parameters of the student payroll budget in coordination with supervisor. Maintain and update the student work schedule in the unit’s whentowork account.
- Review student timesheets, make corrections, and approve payroll in HR/Pay biweekly.
- Train staff (includes supervised students, Watson Circ Desk student staff, and Watson Circ Desk full-time staff) to be proficient and efficient in completing the sorting, shelving, and filing routines used in the Watson Collections including 19 Watson Stack levels, East Asian, Mixed Media, Video/DVD, and the Reference collections.
- Train staff in the layout of the work areas, the stacks, the various floors, and the building as a whole, to ensure all books and other materials are accurately shelved in call number or filing order.
- Train staff to recognize incorrectly shelved items and how to correct any problems discovered.
- Train staff to conscientiously perform stacks maintenance, general housekeeping, retrieval of strays, shelf-reading, and completion of shifting projects.
- Update student and supervisor training documentation as needed.
- Process the bi-weekly Missing in Transit report for Watson Library collection items by searching and accounting for items that the Voyager library system report to be out of place; update library records and communicate problems to supervisor or Service Policy Coordinator, if necessary.
- Help maintain quality control by participating in the Libraries' claims returned procedures, wherein the library works to account for items that library users are disputing their status; includes searching and accounting for library items.
- Handle special Voyager system or manually created circulation related reports as needed, usually by searching and accounting for items, and by updating library records as needed or by communicating with appropriate library staff.
- Supervise the Watson Circ Desk 8-10 hours per week. This entails answering policy and procedure questions, collecting payments, making referrals, creating patron records, and directing student staff to complete tasks in support of library user needs and the desk workflow.
- Task force, project and committee work related to improving libraries services and libraries strategic objectives.
- Attending library meetings and training events, attending Circulation Forum, participating in work and planning groups, assisting unit colleagues as needed, and participating in library service activities.
- This position requires working on-site.
- Push a book cart weighing up to 300 lbs.
- Lift and carry material up to 20 lbs. to specific areas.
- Crouch or kneel to move or transfer Library material to specific areas.
- Two years’ experience using Windows operating system and Microsoft Office software.
- Recent library public service work experience with strong commitment to providing excellent customer service in the library environment.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a diverse community in a work and/or public service environment.
- Experience working as part of a team as well as independently in a continuously changing environment.
- Experience with planning, setting priorities, managing workflow effectively, and meeting goals.
- Experience working with detailed and complex reports and situations effectively and independently.
- Experience supervising and motivating part-time student staff with on-the-job experience in supervising and/or training staff.
- Familiarity with library classification systems, particularly Library of Congress classification.
- Knowledge of KU Libraries collections and organization.
- Work experience in the use of the Voyager Library System circulation module.
- Coursework and/or training to use Excel and/or Access
- Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
- Resume/CV.
- Contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor).
- Completion of the online application.
- Application review begins Wednesday, June 7, 2023 and continues until a pool of qualified applicants is identified.
morgt@ku.edu
Advertised Salary RangeMinimum salary $38,000, final determination commensurate with experienceWork ScheduleMonday - Friday, 8am - 5pmApplication Review BeginsWednesday June 7, 2023Anticipated Start DateMonday July 10, 2023Apply to Job
Organization
Working at the University of Kansas
Join the University of Kansas, and you’ll become part of a Jayhawk family that spans the globe. Wear your KU shirt in London, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Nairobi or anywhere else, and you will likely hear a resounding “Rock Chalk!” from a stranger. Of course, the appropriate response is an enthusiastic “Jayhawk!” Because, after all, they’re not really strangers, they’re family.
The Jayhawk community is united by more than 150 years of tradition and by our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, transforming the academic experience, and creating solutions through innovative research. KU’s mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.
The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). We consistently earn high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university.
KU faculty and staff embrace our role as the state’s flagship university, AAU member and R1 institution that serves the state, nation and world. We celebrate the energy and compassion that infuse the Jayhawk spirit; and, we remain true to KU’s historic values: the elevating force of education, the transformative power of research and the healing power of service.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The University of Kansas is committed to a learning and workplace environment that is representative of our nation and global society, accepts and values everyone, appreciates our common humanity and understands that our multiple differences are the cornerstone of academic preparation, professional excellence and distinction. KU must be a place where all people feel they belong and have access to resources and support that help them attain their educational and professional goals.
We recognize there are inequalities and privileges generated by historical and persistent intersecting differences by race, ethnicity, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, abilities, religion, regional background, veteran status, citizenship status and nationality. And we hold ourselves accountable for policies, processes and programs that appreciate these and other differences and create more fair, safe and just learning, working and living environments for KU students, faculty and staff.
Instruction
KU offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate study programs, and we fulfill our mission through academic and research programs of international distinction, coupled with outstanding libraries, teaching museums and information technology. These resources enrich the academic experience for students from all 50 states and 112 countries, and provide enrichment resources for KU faculty and staff.
Research
The university attains high levels of research productivity and recognizes that faculty are part of a network of scholars and academicians that shape a discipline as well as teach it. KU staff are integral to our research success, participating in and supporting discoveries that expand knowledge and improve lives.
Service
The university and our employees serve society through research, teaching and the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. KU's academic programs, arts facilities and public programs provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the larger community. And, KU offers educational, research and service programs throughout the state. KU employees are encouraged to participate in and serve the campus and surrounding communities in a way that is meaningful to them.
International Dimension
KU offers more than 100 programs of international study and cooperative research for KU students and faculty at sites around the world. The university offers teaching and research that draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and abroad. At the same time, KU's extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.
Values
The University of Kansas, our students and employees are committed to excellence. We foster a multicultural, inclusive environment in which the dignity and rights of individuals are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.
Our City and State
KU sits atop Mt. Oread in the center of Lawrence, a town full of natural beauty and culture. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine named Lawrence one of the best college towns in the United States. Lawrence is home to more than 100,000 people, and has a charming, Midwestern friendliness that welcomes visitors and celebrates diversity. In addition to KU, Lawrence is home to Haskell Indian Nations University, the premiere tribal university in the United States.
Lawrence’s historic and thriving downtown features restaurants, nightlife and local shops offering unique finds that you won’t find anywhere else. The town has more than 50 parks, an encompassing mixed-use trail, and quick access to biking/hiking trails along the Kansas River and around Clinton Lake. A five-minute drive from Lawrence, Clinton Lake offers fishing, boating, beaches, camping and other outdoor activities.
Located just 40 minutes west of Kansas City, Lawrence offers the appeal of a mid-size, suburban town with quick access to the amenities of a large city, including an international airport. The Kansas City metro area is home to world-class museums and cultural activities, Jazz clubs and other nightlife venues, expansive shopping options, and exciting professional sports with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC.
Kansas is in the center of the country, making it convenient and cost effective to fly or drive to destinations throughout the United States. Far from flat, the Flint Hills, just 90 minutes from Lawrence, offer panoramic vistas that showcase the breathtaking beauty of America.
Making KU Your Home
Something about Lawrence is magnetic. Long-time residents are never surprised when a KU student or employee from out of state decides to make Lawrence their permanent home. And, even those who do leave often find themselves returning to “the nest” at some point in the future. In fact, Lawrence has been named by several publications as one of the best places to retire.
At the University of Kansas, you’ll join a global Jayhawk family and find a place to call home.
Get job alerts
Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.
Create alert