Assistant Prof/Head of Access Services

Department

J.D. Williams Library

Job Summary

The University of Mississippi Libraries seeks a collaborative and service-oriented Head of Access Services. The Access Services department is responsible for front-line service operations that ensure students, faculty, staff, and walk-in users can effectively access library resources.

The Head of Access Services provides leadership for key functions, including circulation, resource sharing, stack maintenance, and reserves.

The position reports to the Assistant Dean for Public Services, supervises seven full-time dedicated staff, and takes lead on recommending policy revisions and workflow changes that improve the overall library user experience. The position also collaborates with library administration and other library unit heads to align UM Libraries with University goals.

Job Description

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the Access Services department
• Oversee circulation, course reserves, interlibrary loan, and stack maintenance
• Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise staff and student employees to deliver high-quality, user-centered services.
• Collaborate with Access Services team members to manage student workers that include one graduate assistant and undergraduate students
• Monitor effectiveness of services and recommend improvements in staffing, technology, and facilities
• Develop, implement, and assess access services policies, standards, and workflows
• Work closely with other library departments to support teaching, research, and student success
• Engage in sustained scholarly research and publication to meet tenure and promotion requirements.
• Provide meaningful service at the departmental, institutional, and professional levels

Position Details

• Appointment: 12-month
• Assignment Type: Tenure Track

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library science or information science from an ALA accredited program.
• At least 3 years of professional library experience.
• Proven ability to lead teams and projects within access services or related library functions that support user access and engagement.
• Strong emphasis on service excellence and continuous improvement in user support
• Commitment to establishing a research agenda that supports tenure and promotion requirements.

Compensation: $55,000/year base pay, $7,000 administrative stipend, and the university’s excellent benefits package.

Complete applications include a letter of interest, C.V., and reference contact information.

If you have any questions, please contact Brian Young, Interim Assistant Dean for Public Services at bwyoung@olemiss.edu