Job Information
Alfred University Public Services Coordinator (Libraries) in Alfred, New York
The Alfred University Libraries seek a collaborative and forward-thinking Public Services Coordinator with an interest and passion for mentoring college students. We are looking for someone with a strong focus on customer service and a commitment to incorporating diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility practices, particularly anti-racism and anti-oppression, into their work.
The Public Services Coordinator based in Scholes Library plans, organizes, and supervises all day-to-day functions of Scholes Library Public Services. Works in partnership with the Public Services Coordinator based in Herrick Library and the Public Services Librarian to provide outstanding customer service to the campus community. Collaborates to ensure appropriate consistency in circulation policies and procedures between Scholes and Herrick Libraries. Hires, schedules, trains and supervises approximately 30-35 student workers. Schedules and maintains service desk hours and tracks use of student work study budget. Responsible for statistical collection, implementation of library policies and operating procedures. The Public Services Coordinator is expected to articulate a service philosophy in the context of Alfred University Libraries' mission, vision, and values that provides a framework and criteria for guiding Public Services decision-making.
This position/title is covered by the CSEA, Local 749 union contract. The successful candidate will be a member of the CSEA, Local 749 bargaining unit.
Salary: $18.00-$19.00/hour, depending on experience
Essential Functions:
Public Services Team:
Work with the Public Services Coordinator based in Herrick Library and the Public Services Librarian to form a collaborative and unified Public Services team across Libraries.
Contribute to the development of Public Services Team policies, procedures, goals, and plans.
Work with Alfred University Library Systems Team to configure and maintain Library Service Platform to support Public Services needs.
Work regularly scheduled shifts at the Scholes Library service desk to maintain continuity and unity of service.
Provide on-call support for the Herrick Library service desk.
Working under the direction of the Library Director and Public Services Librarian, ensure accurate library hours are posted and maintain wayfaring and other building signage.
Contribute to the development of goals and plans for addressing and communicating issues and improving services and workflows related to Public Services.
Collaborate with Public Services Team and Library Director to ensure a welcoming, clean and safe environment.
Address or report facilities issues as appropriate.
Coordinate activities with other teams within AU Libraries that relate to Public Services.
Support Public Services Librarian and Director with event set up.
Fulfillment (Circulation) Functions:
Oversee daily circulation of library materials using Library Service Platform, Alma.
Monitor and fulfill patron physical item requests and maintain hold shelf.
Carry out procedures to identify and retrieve overdue and lost materials, and address issues arising from late, damaged, or lost materials.
Contact patrons regarding missing or overdue materials and oversee reconciliation of library accounts in a positive and tactful manner.
Maintain patron confidentiality according to library and University policy.
Initiate search procedures for missing materials that cannot be located within the library.
Learn, implement, and upgrade new technology (both hardware and software) for the Library Service Platform (Alma), and other Public Services functions.
Coordinate receipt of faculty requests to place materials on course reserve.
Catalog and process course reserve materials.
Coordinate with Collection Management on cataloging and processing of items on permanent reserve.
Liaise with faculty and subject librarians to update course reserves collection each semester.
Library Service Desk:
Ensure students, faculty, staff and the public are afforded excellent customer service.
Assist patrons in using library services, equipment, and facilities and train student employees in the same.
Report technology issues to ITS regarding internet/wi-fi connectivity and library technology equipment in public areas. Act as point of contact for ITS regarding public equipment problems in the library.
Collect data and library statistics related to the Public Services Team and train students in the same.
Create service desk coverage schedule, monitor requests for subs, and ensure adequate coverage using LibStaffer scheduling software.
Participate in service desk coverage and in virtual reference assistance through LibChat.
Suggest process and workflow efficiencies and service improvements.
Facilitate patron access to the Special Collections Room.
Learn Library of Congress Classification System.
Monitor general order of library stacks, library service desk and public areas.
Maintain inventory of supplies for service desk and public equipment such as printer paper and toner.
Monitors and maintains supplies for coffee sales and reconciles cash drawer.
In collaboration with the Administrative Assistant to the Dean and Director, monitor and mediate room reservations in LibCal. Keep room reservation calendar current and oversee usage of group and classroom spaces.
Monitor Scholes Library departmental email account and respond to emails in a timely and professional manner.
Supervision
Supervise approximately 30-35 Public Services Team student workers in collaboration with the Public Services Librarian.
Work with Public Services Librarian to design and implement group and individual orientation and training program.
Assist Public Services Librarian in creating and updating training materials, employee policy handbook and operations manual for student employees.
Interview applicants and complete hiring paperwork for work study and non-work study positions.
Oversee progress of hires through the student worker training program and ensure completion of training activities.
Monitor student employee work-study earnings against allotment and monitor Library work-study budget.
Maintain regular communication with student workers regarding new procedures, new tasks or issues that arise.
Monitor and evaluate student worker job performance and address personnel issues that arise. Mentor student workers regarding basic professional job skills. Follow up on performance issues and coach students in achievement of improved performance.
Value and encourage the unique dimension each student brings to the library and seek opportunities to learn from differences.
Reconcile and approve online student worker timesheets in BannerWeb.
Identify and create shifts tasks and projects for student workers.
Train and supervise student worker projects related to shelf reading, stack maintenance and shifting of library materials.
Collaborate with the Collection Management Team on endcap labeling.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
Attend professional meetings, workshops, and conferences, as appropriate.
Participate in professional development activities.
Participate in library search committees and working groups.
Contribute to library outreach, marketing and programming efforts.
Regularly scheduled evening and weekend shifts are required.
Evening or weekend hours may occasionally be required for student training sessions, events or when other coverage is not available.
Evening and weekend hours may occasionally be required for library events or outreach activities.
Supports and assists in creating intersections for faculty, staff and students that will assist in transforming people's lives.
Supports and assists in creating an evolving culture of mentoring and rich engagement opportunities for faculty, staff, and students.
Maintains a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and a high degree of cultural competence and respect for a wide range of identities and experiences, therefore welcoming and supporting all faculty, staff and students and expanding access to the AU experience.
Maintains a safe working environment within and around their facilities and associated equipment and supplies including, but not limited to, obtaining Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information pertaining to any hazards associated with their work environment.
Participates in all required assigned training, including safety training and will comply with safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Contributes to the overall success of the University by performing other duties as assigned.
Qualifications - Education & Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Bachelor's degree, or Associate's degree with 3-5 years of experience in a library, is required. A combination of education and significant, relevant customer service experience may be substituted in lieu of the education requirement.
Library experience or a combination of supervisory and customer service experience is required.
Additional Knowledge/Skills:
Flexibility and problem-solving skills are essential.
Poise in dealing with the public, including the ability to exercise independent judgment, and a strong service orientation with an emphasis on providing high-quality customer service.
Because libraries are technical environments, proficiency with computers, ability to learn highly specialized software and emerging technology, familiarity with internet searching, printers, copiers and scanners is required.
Attention to detail and good verbal and written communication skills are necessary.
Ability to manage multiple projects and organize work for efficient use of time.
Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing duties, and work with interruptions.
Ability to collect statistical data and keep records accurately.
Ability to work on a team in collaboration with colleagues.
Passion for working with and mentoring college students.
Ability to work within a diverse, open and inclusive environment.
Commitment to upholding Alfred University Libraries' mission of anti-racism and anti-oppression and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and social justice both within the Libraries and campus-wide.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when required. A respiratory function test and the ability to use respirators may be required. Stairs and uneven surfaces may be present; artificial lifts, etc. may or may not be available. The position may require the incumbent to walk outdoors in all types of weather to other buildings or offices located on the campus. The Campus is located in an area that contains numerous hills and slopes and may not always be fully accessible for mobility impaired individuals.
Application Process:
Review of candidates will begin on March 18, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.
For further information regarding this position, contact the search committee chair Rai Yiannakos: yiannakos@alfred.edu.
A complete application will include:
Resume
Cover letter outlining how your qualifications and experience will prepare you for success in this position.
Contact information for three professional references (address, phone number, and email). References will only be contacted at the finalist stage.
About the New York State College of Ceramics
The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University has been a unique public/private partnership in higher education for more than 100 years. Since its inception in 1900, the College of Ceramics has attracted renowned artists and scientists as faculty in ceramics, glass and other materials, while producing world-class alumni in engineering and groundbreaking artists across all media. The New York State College of Ceramics (NYSCC) was established to advance research in art, design, and engineering, and includes the School of Art and Design, the lnamori School of Engineering, and Scholes Library.
About Alfred University
Lighting the way for students since 1836. "We've always been a place for makers, especially those who make the future. Our commitment to independent thinking, creativity, academic rigor and community have made us a unique kind of leader since 1836."
Alfred University (AU) was founded on principles of social justice in 1836 by liberal, independent thinkers who placed high value on education for all citizens. The University has retained and built upon the strong values of its founders, developing as an institution of national and international renown that is responsive to the needs of contemporary society while remaining consistent with the spirit of its origins. Alfred University is the second oldest coeducational college in the United States as well as one of the earliest nineteenth century colleges to have enrolled African American and Native American students. It has a long-standing history of educating socially conscious students who make a difference in their professions and their communities.
Over the course of the twentieth century, Alfred University evolved into a complex institution offering a full range of programs in the liberal arts and sciences, art and design, engineering, business, education, counseling, and school psychology to its nearly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students that live, learn, and play on a 232-acre campus located in an idyllic, creative valley in Western New York. To learn more, visit alfred.edu.
Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Protected veterans, minorities and women are encouraged to apply.
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