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The Head of Access Services/Assistant Librarian I is a supervisory position which leads and provides strategic vision for all aspects of the Access Services Department, including the Library Service Desk, circulation, course reserves, interlibrary loan, and stacks management. This position prioritizes customer service, and collaborates closely with Information Technology Services (ITS) especially to ensure the success of the co-located Library Service Desk and ITS Help Desk.

Head of Access Services/Assistant Librarian I

Pay Status and Classification: Exempt, Regular Full-time, In-Person. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Supervisor: Director of Research & Engagement

Position Purpose: 

The Head of Access Services/Assistant Librarian I is a supervisory position which supports a seamless experience for Library users, provides strategic visioning that anticipates changing physical and digital access needs, and supports the operational functions of the Access Services Department: Circulation, Course Reserves, Interlibrary Loan, Stacks Management, and staffing the Library Service Desk to ensure patrons have access to the physical space and its resources throughout the year (including late night hours, 24/7 final exam periods, holidays when classes are in session, and during inclement weather). This position collaborates closely with Information Technology Services (ITS) especially to ensure the success of the co-located Library Service Desk and ITS Help Desk.

With a commitment to prioritizing excellent customer service and strong problem-solving and communication skills, the Head of Access Services Librarian documents and updates policies and practices, communicates service changes broadly with colleagues and Library users, leads efforts to assess Access Services, and develops and implements innovative services that meet users’ emerging needs. 

As a member of the Research & Engagement Division, the Head of Access Services Librarian contributes to, and provides leadership in, Division and library-wide initiatives, coordinates with other Research & Engagement Librarians to facilitate access to library resources, and collaborates with members of the Content & Digital Library Systems Division on projects such as withdrawals, shifts, and configuring our library services platform (Alma). The Head of Access Services Librarian also participates in Research & Engagement initiatives including reference, instruction, and outreach in coordination with the Director of Research & Engagement. 

The successful candidate is expected to pursue a focused program of professional development, scholarly activity, and service as described in the Union College Faculty Manual Section II.VI and Appendix V.  https://www.union.edu/academic-affairs/faculty-governance-committees/union-college-faculty-manual

For full consideration, please submit a current CV and a cover letter which addresses the qualifications of this position.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

• Library Services Management: Assesses, revises, manages, and documents the services, policies, and workflows of Circulation, Interlibrary Loan, Stacks Management, Course Reserves, and document delivery services. Develops and implements services and policies for emerging access needs for research and course materials, with knowledge of copyright practices and consortia resource sharing. Partners with the Collection Development Librarian to develop and document workflows in support of faculty course material needs, including media digitization and course reserves. Collaborates with Research & Engagement Librarians to provide seamless patron support and communicates broadly with faculty about Library services and policies. Responsible for staffing the library to coincide with the academic calendar, including inclement weather days and holidays occurring when classes are in session. Liaises with local, regional, and national library consortia. 

• Staff Management and Development: Develops, supervises, evaluates, and hires a diverse group of library employees (4 FTE) to ensure high quality of user experience. Implements collection and reporting of transaction data. Supports the Library Service Desk Manager as a second level supervisor for one staff member and student employees.

• Library Technology & Client Services (ITS): Collaborates with Library colleagues, individually and through cross-functional teams, to improve the discovery and access to physical and digital collections with a focus on user experience, including streamlining Alma, Primo, and Coordinated Collections partnerships and workflows. Partner with Union College’s Information Technology Services (ITS) to provide integrated services relating to Library Service Desk operations, Learning Commons technology, technical support for student computing, and circulating equipment. 

• Customer Service and Relationship-building: Interprets policies and provides excellent customer service at the Library Service desk, and is available to work some weekend and evening hours to staff the Library and attend Library events as needed. Contributes to campus committees and attends campus events to cultivate relationships supporting the Library’s mission to enrich the overall academic experience. Participates in Research & Engagement Division initiatives including reference, instruction, and outreach in coordination with the Director of Research & Engagement.

• Professional Development, Scholarship, and Service: Actively pursues a program of professional development, scholarly activity, and service to meet requirements of the position and promotion. Stays current and up to date on trends in access services and related areas. 

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program with a minimum of three years of experience in academic libraries with a focus on access services and supervision, or a combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and work experience.

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of contemporary theories, models, and best practices related to access services.

• 1-3 years of project management and supervisory experience with a demonstrated track record of effectively leading and guiding teams to achieve organizational goals and objectives. 

• Experience with Integrated Library Systems (Alma preferred) and Interlibrary Loan Systems (ILLiad preferred).

• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, and a patron-centered approach to librarianship.

• Ability to build, and to be an effective member of, various library teams and work groups.

• The ability to foster and enhance a thriving, culturally diverse, and inclusive learning community, while promoting a sense of belonging among students, alumni, faculty, and staff colleagues.

• Must be safety conscious and committed to promoting the value of diversity and student success.

Compensation:

The annual salary range for this position is $68,000 to $70,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenectady, NY

We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.

We offer exceptional benefits including:

• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance with policy)
• Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Exchange

Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.

E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).