Public Services Supervisor, University Library

Company Description:

At Roger Williams University, students are prepared to be thinkers and doers ready to solve challenging problems with innovative solutions. RWU offers 50 majors and robust offerings of graduate and professional programs across eight schools of study including Rhode Island's only law school, with campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R.I. With small classrooms and a focus on undergraduate and graduate research and community engagement, a Roger Williams education blends the strength of liberal arts and professional studies, providing all students with the depth and breadth of interdisciplinary thinking and well-rounded knowledge necessary to succeed in our interconnected, global world. RWU is committed to strengthening society through engaged scholarship so that students graduate with the ability to think critically and apply the practical skills that today's employers demand.

Roger Williams University seeks to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value all races, genders, identities, and abilities. RWU is committed to creating a thriving community that encourages lifelong learning, professional development, and academic innovation.

To learn more about Roger Williams University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please visit https://www.rwu.edu/who-we-are/diversity-equity-inclusion.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Libraries, the Public Services Supervisor is responsible for overall user experience at service points and in other public spaces in the University Library. The Public Services Supervisor oversees the day-to-day operations of the information desk and is responsible for developing and encouraging a positive, engaging, and user-centered approach to customer service, while working collaboratively with library colleagues as well as University faculty and staff.

This position will require working some evening and weekend hours.

Essential Functions/Characteristics

• Manage the Information Desk and the Public Services Department.
• Manage patron and circulation modules of the LMS.
• Manage Access Services related information on the library website and in LibApps.
• Oversee stacks, space, and collection maintenance.
• Collect statistics and conduct assessment of access services functions.
• Invoice library patrons for lost or non-returned materials when necessary. Work with Student Accounts to reconcile bills.
• Manage policies and processes for items from the Library of Things, Study Rooms, and related systems.
• Conduct regular inventory of physical collections.
• Communicate with the IT helpdesk as necessary to ensure public printing and PCs remain functional and accessible.
• Hire, train, and manage access services student workers.
• Collaborate with the Library Dean and Assistant Dean on library-centered student experiential learning opportunities.
• In consultation with the Dean, develop new services and policies where appropriate.

Staff Management

Hire, train, manage, motivate, and evaluate direct report staff.

Additional Functions

• Provide reference consultations and bibliographic instruction in collaboration with Research & Student Engagement Librarian.
• Undertake special projects as directed by the Dean of Libraries. Serve on library and Learning Commons committees and task forces.
• Participate in professional development activities related to the position.
• Opens and close the Library in collaboration with the Office of Public Safety when necessary.

Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree. ALA-accredited Master's in Library Science or the equivalent strongly preferred.

Minimum of two years of previous library experience, preferably in an academic library.

Comfort and proficiency with academic library technologies, databases, and services.

High commitment to the role of library services in fostering student success.

Previous bibliographic instruction and/or research support experience strongly preferred.

Outstanding customer service skills, including a professional, positive, and approachable demeanor.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Experience hiring and managing staff and/or students.

Excellent research skills and familiarity with a wide range of information resources.

Familiarity with library management systems (such as OCLC WMS, FOLIO, Alma, etc.).

Ability to interact with all levels of staff and to work closely with departments across campus.

High level of attention to detail.

Ability to prioritize and to handle multiple competing projects.

Preferred Qualifications

ALA-accredited Master's in Library Science or the equivalent strongly preferred.