Job Title

Librarian V (Head of Research and Access Unit)

Agency

West Texas A&M University

Department

Library Operations

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Canyon, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The A&M System strives to maintain a competitive, high-quality benefit package to support the health and wellness needs of our workforce. This includes comprehensive health and welfare insurance plans, additional health and lifestyle programs, and optional retirement savings opportunities. Eligible employees will have access to paid leave programs in addition to 13-15 paid holidays each year. For more information regarding the benefit package go to: West Texas A&M University: Human Resources Benefits (https://www.wtamu.edu/business-finance/human-resources/benefits.html)

General Summary

The Librarian V: Head of Research and Access, under direction of the Director of Information and Library Resources, manages the operation of the Research and Access Unit (R&A). Service of Unit includes reference/research assistance; checkout of materials; collection of fines and fees (including delinquent accounts); maintenance of Loan, Youth, Paperback, New Book, Featured Book, and Reference collections, including selection of Reference print materials; Interlibrary Loan services, and Reserve services. Directly supervises and guides the development of two full-time Librarian ll's and a Library Specialist I, and indirectly one Library Associate II and one Library Associate I. The position is also of a security sensitive nature and must ensure discretion and integrity in guarding borrowers' rights to privacy. This position is responsible for handling sensitive customer service issues. Ensures service desk coverage including but not limited to opening, closing, and weekend coverage.

Responsibilities:

Management:

• Directs Research and Access Unit (R&A) staff and participates in providing service at Research and Access Unit's service desk and virtually to assist patrons in finding, evaluating, and using library and other information resources, ensuring discretion and integrity are followed in guarding borrowers' rights to privacy. Provides backup to Interlibrary Loan when needed.

• Assists in the implementation of library policies, formulating, implementing, and interpreting unit policies within the limits set by the overall policies of the library.

• Analyzes reference, ILL, reserves, and circulation problems and recommends potential solutions.

• Recommends goals and objectives for the Research and Access Unit in accordance with the library's mission.

• Oversees the circulation of library materials, the maintenance of associated records and the reporting of relevant statistical data.

• Oversees and delegates inventory and maintenance of Loan, Reference, Reserves, Youth, Paperback, and New and Featured Book Collections.

• Oversees and delegates evaluation, maintenance, weeding, and selection of resources in reference collection.

• Directs Research and Access Unit staff in collection of fines and fees for overdue and lost materials and delinquent accounts and from time to time sale of various items such as flash drives and other school/office supplies.

• Reviews patron concerns regarding fines, fees, and the Research and Access Unit's services and refers unresolved concerns to Library Director.

• Directs and monitors the use of the public address system.

• Responsible for making sure lost and found items are secured and for abiding by UPD policy in turning in items to UPD.

• Ensures staff are properly trained on cash handling procedures.

• Responsible for ensuring all unit timesheets are submitted and approved on time.

• Oversees study room policies and procedures.

• Regularly meets with unit staff to listen to concerns, communicate and brainstorm solutions, and communicate unit policy and goals. Encourages staff and fosters a collegial environment where teamwork and collaboration are valued

Supervision/Training:

• Directly supervises two full-time Librarian II's and one Library Specialist I. Indirectly supervises one Library Associate II and one Library Associate I. Ensures R&A staff are cross- trained on all duties in the Research and Access Unit.

• Ensures all library staff working at the Research and Access Unit's service desk are trained in all functions provided at the service desk.

• Oversees supervision of student assistants working in the Research and Access Unit.

• Participates in the recruitment of Library staff members, especially those within the Research and Access Unit, by serving on library search committees.

• Evaluates Research and Access Unit staff and jointly develops plan for improvement and helps establish their annual goals.

• Writes Research and Access Unit position descriptions and updates them during annual evaluation.

• Approves time sheets and leave requests utilizing Workday for Research and Access direct reports and acts as proxy approver for R&A indirect reports.

Instruction:

• Participates in library instruction for liaison area(s), including graduate and online classes.

Professional Service:

• Serves as liaison to one or more academic departments.

• Participates in maintenance of library collections in liaison area(s) through evaluation, weeding, and selection of resources in consultation with faculty.

• Participates in committee service in Cornette Library and the University, as well as locally, State-wide, regionally, or nationally in the field of Library Science.

Technology

• Oversees use of the Springshare Suite of tools, LibAnswers, LibGuides, LibStaffer, and Lib Analytics in the R&A Unit and maintains guides and data.

• Monitors Alma for Circulation issues and Primo for patron usability issues. Reports concerns to Alma/Primo Administrative Committee for further consideration.

• Troubleshoots minor public computer, printer, and scanner issues, reporting major issues to Systems Librarian.

• Oversees creation, content, and posting of Research and Access Unit's webpages.

Professional Development:

• Maintains currency with developments in reference theory, library service, pedagogical theory and practice, ILL practice, and circulation practices.

• Keeps abreast of trends in academic libraries.

• Commits to learning and self-improvement, adding value to Cornette Library and West Texas A&M University through attendance at Cornette Library’s Professional Learning Community (PLC) and through other professional avenues such as memberships in professional organizations, conferences, webinars, podcasts, professional literature, presentations and/or publishing.

• May work evenings and weekends

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Necessary Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in library science

• 7 years combined experience in reference and circulation services managing and leading a library department.

• Supervisory experience

• Demonstrated customer service in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience in library instruction and applying pedagogical theory and practice.

• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Experience using an Integrated Library System (ILS)

• Strong knowledge of reference service theory, reference tools, and the processes of research and information retrieval.

• Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to listen and clearly articulate information to library users, as well as library colleagues, especially Research and Access Unit staff.

• Exhibits the following qualities of a good manager: responsible, reliable, honest, respectful, approachable, committed, optimistic, and decisive.

• Proven ability to work well independently and in a leadership role, as part of a team.

• Tackles opportunities and challenges with enthusiastic, but measured approach, viewing issues from a library-wide perspective with a desire to contribute creative ideas and solutions.

• Adaptable/flexible with ability to multi-task, organize, and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment, while meeting deadlines.

• Knowledge of academic library resources.

• Ability to move medium weight boxes, furniture, books, heavy book trucks or similar items.

• Ability to handle materials containing dust or microscopic mold spores.

• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional Master’s degree

• Experience with academic reference services.

• Experience with interlibrary loan services.

• Experience in using the Springshare Suite of tools, specifically LibAnswers, LibGuides, LibStaffer, and LibAnalytics.

• Experience using the LMS, Alma and Primo Discovery Service.

• Experience using the full Microsoft Suite of programs.

• Knowledge of faculty liaison principles.

• Dedication to creating accessible and user friendly content and spaces for library users

Applicant Instructions:

Please include the following with your application:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• Three references

Please attach all documents in the attachment box at the bottom of the “My Experience” page before continuing through the application. Please use the “Upload” button to add each document individually. All revisions must be made prior to application submission. If you need assistance with uploading documents, please contact WTAMU Human Resources at hr@wtamu.edu.

Texas law requires all males age 18 through 25 to be properly registered with the Selective Service System.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 39 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees.

WT’s long-standing commitment has always been to serve both the students and the region of the Panhandle. Our employees make a difference every day in the lives of thousands of students, and that has countless ripple effects on people throughout the region, the state and the world. Moreover, employees are encouraged to grow professionally and personally thanks to a supportive work environment.

At WT, your future is our future. Employees and their dependents get half-off their tuition and fees. The minimum starting wage is $15 per hour. Employees also have generous health, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance packages, plus free basic life insurance and enrollment in the Texas Teacher Retirement System. Flexible or compressed work-week arrangements are also available.Find out more at: https://wtamu.edu/benefits

West Texas A&M University is located in Canyon, home to Palo Duro Canyon and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Canyon also is conveniently located near Amarillo, the largest city on Interstate 40 between Oklahoma City and Albuquerque. This region is renowned for its historical significance, vibrant arts and entertainment options, unique shopping, delicious food and the friendliest people in the state.