Head of Public Services, Bancroft Library at University of California Berkeley, (Berkeley, CA)

Posted July 2, 2025

Job Description

The University of California, Berkeley is seeking an experienced, inclusive, and collaborative leader to serve as the Head of Public Services of The Bancroft Library. Reporting to the Deputy Director, the Head of Public Services leads a team in creating an access-forward approach to public services, prioritizing engagement with the collections and removing barriers to access in order to welcome researchers from campus, national, and international communities to work with Berkeley’s world-renowned special collections. The Head of Public Services, working with the members of the Public Services team, facilitates access in the reading room, classrooms, and with virtual researchers, redesigning workflows and implementing new tools to increase operational effectiveness, and deepening collaboration within the Bancroft and with colleagues across the Library. The Head of Public Services will lead the team responsible for the Reading Room, Instruction, Reference, Collections Management, and Stacks Management with five direct reports and approximately nine indirect reports, project staff, interns and student employees to ensure the broadest possible access to Bancroft collections. The Head of Public Services is a key member of the Bancroft’s senior leadership team and collaborates closely with the Head of Technical Services and key partners throughout the Library on the creation and implementation of Bancroft and UC Berkeley Library-wide goals and initiatives, cultivates leadership and management skills for themselves and their team, and contributes to the development of a library culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, creativity, collaboration, and transparency.

Position Duties

• Leads and manages the Public Services team for The Bancroft Library by developing and articulating strategic vision and direction, overseeing day-to-day operations and special projects, establishing priorities, and coordinating work within the department and with other units in Bancroft and the broader UC Berkeley Library system.
• Hires, trains, and manages a team of six career staff, as well as project staff, interns, and students dedicated to public services functions. Coordinates public services work (e.g., reference, research services, teaching) performed by staff in other departments.
• Oversees reading room operations of The Bancroft Library, including onsite and virtual reference, duplication, circulation, preservation, and stacks maintenance, assuring the broadest possible access to Bancroft collections.
• Coordinates and develops access and use policies for special collections. Collaborates with the Deputy Director on developing and implementing security policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with the Deputy Director, the Head of Technical Services, the Public Services team and key Library colleagues to explore, propose, and implement new service models and technologies that facilitate discovery, access, and use of special collections.
• Compiles and analyzes data and statistics that contribute to understanding of trends in research and teaching use of the collection to inform improvements to services and programs.
• Coordinates the Bancroft Fellowship program, including promotion and outreach of the application process, managing the selection committee, administering the budget, and support for the Bancroft fellows during their residencies.
• Serves on department, Library, and/or University-wide committees, task forces, or working groups.
• Contributes to the national and international reputation of The Bancroft Library and the UC Berkeley Library through professional research, service, and collaboration with appropriate colleagues and organizations.
• Maintains up-to-date, professional knowledge of current trends and best practices in higher education, academic libraries, special collections, and information and educational technology, to encourage innovation and ensure the excellence of Bancroft Public Services.

Qualifications

• Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
  • Advanced degree.
• Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
  • Five years of experience as a librarian in a special collections library setting.
  • Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience that includes supervisory responsibilities within an academic library setting.
• Preferred qualifications
  • Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent international degree.
  • Experience working in an academic library setting supporting students and faculty with instructional needs.
  • Commitment to supporting equitable access to a diverse set of collections and services
  • Demonstrated strong commitment to user-centered services for all constituencies
  • Demonstrated commitment to the Library’s values: collaboration and community, equity and inclusion, learning and growth, and openness and transparency through their actions and behaviors.
  • Experience in selecting works appropriate to serve as part of a standing reference collection.
  • Experience with Aeon collection management system and/or with an Integrated Library System, ArchivesSpace, Springshare tools including LibAnswers and LibGuides.
  • Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of North American, Latin American, British, and European literature and cultural history.
  • Experience gathering, analyzing, and sharing statistical evidence concerning special collections operations.”
  • Ability to work in languages other than English (Spanish preferred).

Hours & Compensation

• Full-time
• See the table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $98,667-$125,402.

How to Apply

Please see here for more information and apply.