Library Specialist (Onsite)

Reporting to the Library Office Manager, the Library Specialist is a key member of the library's front desk team, assisting library users, coordinating with librarians, guiding the work of student library assistants, and partnering with the Access Services team to ensure the front desk operations are well-managed day-to-day. The Library Specialist is a first point of contact for students and faculty, answering basic research assistance questions, referring more complex questions to librarians, and managing course reserves. We are seeking a collaborative partner who demonstrates sound judgment and discretion to work successfully with faculty, staff, students, and all who work in and use the library and archives spaces. This is a full-time 40 hour per week (100% effort) position. The full time salary range is $45,700 - $57,100. Library Research Assistance (50%) Serve as first call in assisting library users with research and reference questions in all formats - currently, this includes in-person, chat, email, and phone Perform triage to determine the best course of action for providing research assistance to library users Answer basic questions and refer more complex questions to a librarian In partnership with librarians, train students to serve as Peer Library Research Assistants Coordinate the workflow of the Peer Library Research Assistants Daily Front Desk Coordination (30%) Coordinate front desk operations during assigned shifts Serve as back-up for Morning and Evening Circulation Supervisors as needed, including knowledge of open and close processes Guide the work of student library assistants Course Reserves (20%) Contact professors and put materials on course reserve Email professors with current reserves to ask to renew or remove them Update Alma reading lists and ensure Primo reflects Alma Ensure library catalog accurately reflects available course reserves as they appear in Alma Weed inactive (expired) course reserves Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience 3 or more years of directly relevant Library experience Experience with standard office applications such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and problem solving capabilities with laptops, printers etc Strong Verbal and written communication skills Time-management skills Detail-oriented Team-focused Able to adapt to a changing environment Comfortable with adaptability Must be able to lift or move items 25-50 pounds, push a cart, and lift items on and off shelves Essential Job Functions Must be able to perform the essential duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodations. Experience training and mentoring student assistants Experience using a library management system such as Ex Libris LMS Experience with course reserve software Experience in navigating digital library resources(databases, integrated Library systems) Work Schedule: This position will require some flexibility to cover the Circulation desk or student needs. This position may work some evening hours as needed. This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the University Staff United (USU), which represents bargaining unit members in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment. The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.