Head of Access Services, Lasell University’s Brennan Library, Newton, MA

Posted April 21, 2021

Description:

This is a full-time, 10-month staff position that begins after September 1, 2021 and will be on-campus.

Under the direction of the Library Director, manages the day-to-day operations of functional areas within the Access Services division. The Head of Access Services has overall responsibility and accountability for providing planning and direction to multiple functional areas within the department, with an emphasis on ensuring quality service for patrons. The scope of responsibility includes all points of service delivery at the University. Participates in the development, recommendation and administration of library policies, procedures and processes. Provides significant budget input and oversees management of expenditures for entire library. Provides statistics, data and reports of usage as needed for library strategic planning.

Works collaboratively with University departments, the community, and/or external agencies. Supervises a team of (15-18) Access Services Student Workers who work over 87.5 hours of open library hours a week, with 150 total hours of coverage, including double student coverage on nights and weekends.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The statements below are intended to describe the principal duties of the person or persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities. Lasell College has the right to add or change the job responsibilities at any time.

Access Services

Maintain accurate database of patron records, address any circulation-related issues.
Acts as final arbitrator for individual patron complaints or concerns regarding access services.
Maintain relationship with Minuteman Library Network to uphold and resolve all network circulation policies and issues. Attend meetings and continuous training on Sierra library services platform.
Address any issues with regional delivery service provided by the Massachusetts Library System.
Continuously improve access services processes and procedures to increase accuracy, efficiency, and cost savings.
Compile statistical reports pertaining to the circulation and usage of library collections and space usage in order to determine student-driven strategic planning.
Act as liaison with all patron communities: students, faculty, staff, village residents, Barn & Rockwell, and neighbors.
Generate reports of students with outstanding fines or overdue materials, and work with Registrar to put administrative holds on their records. Communicate with Registrar to clear students’ administrative holds once they have resolved library fines and obligations.
Use Innovative Interfaces Sierra program to create lists and reports for statistics, NEASC, library annual reports, and other needed clean-up reports.
Manage maintenance of library shelves and accuracy of catalog by coordinating shelf-reading projects and generating missing book lists in order to search for missing items and withdraw items determined to be lost. Supervise shelving of materials and shelf shifts.
Attend annual Access Services Conference to stay updated on trends and improvements to access services in academic library setting.
Oversee lending of technology equipment for faculty, staff, and students
Oversee lending of videography equipment for students in the School of Communication and the Arts

Student Worker Supervision

Hire, train, supervise and give performance reviews for all library student workers (currently 17), utilizing institutional best practices for inclusive excellence.
Create an environment that encourages teamwork, connected learning, accountability, and leadership opportunities.
Manage student work schedule for all days/hours per week that the library is open, including holidays and any college closures due to inclement weather or special events.
Manage student payroll approval each week, resolve any discrepancies.
Provide on-call support for any scheduling or library issues or concerns that student workers escalate when no staff is present in the library, generally on weekends and evenings.

Library Accounting and General

Library accounts payable: pay invoices, troubleshoot billing issues and MasterCard reconciliation.
Manage the spreadsheet that tracks all expenditures of the library’s $350k department budget and update weekly. Assist Director with fiscal year budget management and budget planning for new fiscal year.
Manage relationships with library vendors, including an Amazon account management
Create and maintain library signage, including circulation and reference desks, outside displays, and large screen monitor. Use social media to promote new materials, events, changes to hours, etc.
Procurement: create best practices for purchase of supplies and equipment, with goal of cost savings whenever possible
Liaison with Information Technology Dept. regarding problems/issues with library equipment and technology needs.
Represent Lasell University at Minuteman Library Network Circulation Supervisor group meetings.
Plan, communicate, and execute student events at the library to promote services and offer free activities to students at all income levels.
Other duties as assigned by Library Director.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

MLS or comparable graduate degree or 5 years of relevant experience
One to three years’ experience using an automated library system, preferably Innovative Interfaces platform
Budget management experience
One to three years supervisory experience
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent oral, written, communication and customer service skills
Strong computer literacy skills including Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred:

Professional experience in an academic library
Experience supervising student workers
Experience in Reference or other public services departments
Strong Excel skills
Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills; ability to work with fellow Library staff, student workers, Lasell faculty and students, Lasell Village residents, and members of the public

How to apply:

Visit here to apply: https://www.lasell.edu/discover-lasell/human-resources/employment-opportunities/staff-positions/head-of-access-services.html