Job Description
*Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.
NATURE OF WORK:
Under the administrative direction of the Executive Director, the Access Services Manager plans, directs, coordinates and manages the technical services, circulation, collection development, and automation operations of all library facilities and locations. This includes: serving as liaison with the consortium that provides the Library’s integrated library system; preparing and maintaining computer databases for the recording of and access to the materials in the Library’s collection; managing the team responsible for ordering, cataloging, classifying, and processing of all library materials acquired by the Library and the team responsible for circulation desk and shelving operations at the Main Library and coordinating with the Supervising Librarian of the Robert Crown Branch Library on circulation desk and shelving operations at the Robert Crown Branch Library; and significant accountability for ensuring customer satisfaction with Library services. This position is expected to provide leadership to the division and department in Access Services and to work collaboratively with other staff to develop system-wide applications as appropriate. Evaluates services and operations and develops and implements improvements and enhancements, including technology associated with the Library collection. Responsible for research, development, analysis and contract negotiation for innovations in access to library services. May make presentations at national professional conferences as well as to community groups, educational institutions and the general public regarding Library services. Serves as a member of the Library administrative team.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):
● Manages a department that includes library professionals and clerical employees; participates in employee selection process; evaluates performance; develops and implements training programs; conducts staff meetings.
● Directly supervises the technical services division staff and the leadership of the circulation division, who control circulation, shelving and interlibrary loan functions resulting in high quality service to internal and external customers.
● Plans, directs, coordinates, monitors expenditures, and manages the operations of multiple units performing such tasks as acquisition, copy editing, data entry, original cataloging, copy cataloging, and processing of library materials.
● Evaluates all aspects of library staff, programs and services through an equity lens and seeks to provide library services to diverse Evanston community members in a manner that is consistently equitable and inclusive.
● Finalizes policies and procedures for staff in the performance of circulation, shelving, interlibrary loan, and customer service duties.
● Ensures that the circulation area of the library offers professional and friendly customer service.
● Monitors and controls the expenditure of the Access Services salary and supply budgets. Assists in the development of library budget recommendations.
● Analyzes reports on patron usage of library materials and services and uses findings to plan services and allocate resources.
● Participates in the direct work of library access services operations as necessary and appropriate to accomplish the tasks assigned to the access services unit.
● Participates in the development and negotiation of service contracts for vendors supplying library books/materials, software, and library technology related to access/automation.
● Stays abreast of changes in technology or library trends, evaluates department operations, recommending improvements to enhance service or performance.
● Exhibits self-motivation with the ability to manage changing priorities and meet deadlines.
● Participates in long range planning and in the development and interpretation of library policies and procedures.
● Assesses training needs, coordinates staff development programs and mentors staff through inservice training, seminars, and conferences
● Relates the work of the Access Services department and staff to the Library’s mission, vision and strategy.
● Works with staff to ensure that all employees understand the importance of their work and daily performance to the service provided to each community member.
● Represents the Library at meetings and conferences, including making presentations and voting on issues as the Library representative.
● Participates as a Person-in-Charge (PIC) who assumes responsibility for the operation, administration and security of the Library as required.
● Performs other related duties as required.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
● Must possess a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited university and must possess five (5) or more years of professional library experience in library automation and/or technical services; and must possess four (4) or more years of work experience in a supervisory capacity.
● Must possess a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.
● Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
○ Knowledge of modern library practices and traditional access services operations, including all aspects of a library’s integrated library system.
○ Skill in performing original and copy cataloging based on current standards, database maintenance, and authority control
○ Skill in the use of personal computers, printers, catalogs, and related software applications specifically, Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Workspace.
○ Proven project management skills.
○ Skill initiating and negotiating contract terms with library vendors.
○ Proven verbal and written communication skills with a strong customer service focus and strong interpersonal skills.
○ Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
○ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals and staff throughout the City and outside of the organization.
○ Ability to identify problems and develop, propose and implement solutions.
○ Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
● Bilingual and able to read, write and speak Spanish proficiently is preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
The ability to work in a primarily sedentary position, with the ability to occasionally use force to exert up to 20 pounds. The ability to lift, carry or otherwise move objects, books, materials, etc. using up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from indoor temperature changes.
There are no environmental hazards associated with this classification.
SUPERVISION:
Supervision is provided by the Executive Director. Access Services Manager must initiate and develop projects, work with minimal day to day supervision, and provide leadership to the Library in the area of Library Access Services. Performance is reviewed through observation, completion of projects, status reports, conferences and meetings. Guidance is provided by Library and consortium operating procedures and other resources as applicable. Work is evaluated at least annually with respect to problem-solving ability, customer service, flexibility; ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization, written and verbal communication skills, and performance in accordance with this classification standard.
PUBLIC CONTACT:
The individual in this position has contact with staff, vendors, and individuals from other libraries and library systems. Certain activities may include public speaking and the ability to provide excellent communication and customer service skills.
SELECTION METHOD TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST
Qualifications Assessment
Structured Oral Interview
To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date.
Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.
The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-448-8052 (TTY).
HR Info
Online applications beginning August 1, 2022