About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
The Science and Engineering Library (SEL) Public Services Evening Supervisor supervises public services operations and student staff in an integrated public services environment during evening and weekend hours. This position assists patrons, solves complex problems for library users, oversees processing and lending of library materials in the Science and Engineering Library, staffs the service desk, and hires and supervises student assistants.
Essential Functions
- Supervises circulation operations in the Science and Engineering Library during evening hours. Coordinates with Public Services Day Supervisor to ensure that service is consistent and that staff members are updated about changes or problems. Trains and oversees student employees in circulation services policies and procedures. Staff service desk as needed. Responds to patron queries about circulation services and solve complex problems. Supervises the processing and loan of library materials using the integrated library system. Exercises independent judgment in handling questions directly or referring them to other branch or library personnel.
- Provides expert assistance with the following library services: borrowing and lending assistance, explaining library policies and procedures, informing patrons about library and campus services, interpreting records in discovery systems, and navigating the Libraries’ website.
- Oversees the operation of the branch library during evening hours to maintain an atmosphere that is safe, comfortable, and conducive to study and research. Responds to maintenance and other emergencies within the library. Takes appropriate steps to correct the problem, safeguard the occupants and maintain services, and communicate with SEL staff and others as appropriate.
- Interviews, schedules, trains, supervises and evaluates students engaged in circulation and operations services and exercises disciplinary action as necessary in conjunction with Day Supervisor. Monitors student timekeeping system to ensure student time is complete and accurate. In coordination with other SEL staff, maintain student and staff procedural and training documentation. Updates and recommends changes to circulation policies and procedures.
- Provides assistance with hardware and software available in the branch. Maintains current awareness of all routine library operations and acts for designated staff in their absence. Opens and closes library according to library guidelines.
- Assists with basic stack maintenance and stack shifts as needed in coordination with Metadata Specialist and Head, including accurate shelving of print periodicals. Assists with departmental projects as needed. Assists liaison librarians with projects as needed.
- Provides backup and cross-train as needed with other unit staff. Collaborates and works in conjunction with other SEL staff to ensure coverage and the provision of services during branch hours of operations.
- Stays current on information shared through various library communication channels. Contributes to unit, department, and library-wide information sharing as appropriate.
- Engages in the Libraries’ values and mission through recommending procedural and policy changes as appropriate.
Other Functions
- Demonstrates, fosters, and cultivates a positive, proactive internal and external customer service culture.
- Works collaboratively, effectively, and harmoniously to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness within the Libraries and the campus.
- Attends professional development activities and training as assigned or required to meet departmental goals and objectives.
- Serves on internal and external committees as needed.
- Participates in the Libraries’ assessment program by collecting, maintaining, and recording usage statistics for monthly reports as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Two (2) years (24 months) of experience working or interning in a library.
- One (1) year (12 months) experience supervising students, interns, or permanent staff members involving training, oversight, and assignment of work in a fast-paced, technology-intensive service setting.
- Successful prior experience in a position requiring excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, including tactfulness, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles and provide creative solutions.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel, cloud-based storage, and other standard office productivity tools.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Academic library experience preferred.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Typical office environment activity.
Work Schedule
- Work a schedule of Sunday – Thursday, 2 PM – 10 PM during the academic year.
- Schedule varies between academic and non-academic year according to library operational hours, and will include evening, weekend, and holiday hours, as assigned.
Salary Information
Grade 14
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information of three (3) professional references.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.