Under the direction of the Associate Dean for Access & Discovery Services, the Head of Access Services provides leadership, management, and coordination for all aspects of the Access Services Department, consisting of Course Reserves, Interlibrary Loan/Document and Delivery Services, Circulation Services, and Stacks Management in Richter Library and Weeks Music Library, and collection space utilization in Off-Site Storage. This position also creates and implements a vision for library-wide Access Services in consultation with the subject-specialty libraries, including Architecture, Business, Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, and Medical. This position has a key role in developing, evaluating, and implementing innovative, user-focused services for delivering academic information resources to the University community and fostering an environment of responsive and welcoming customer service. Access Services develops and implements access policies and trains front-line staff and student employees. Additionally, this position serves as a copyright resource. Access Services is a key library partner in the Learning Commons, a strategic initiative to improve student learning at the University by offering coordinated, co-located academic support services. In this role, they serve as a standing member of the Libraries Leadership Team, Public Services Council, Alma Fulfillment Group, and Emergency Response Team. As appropriate, the incumbent will engage with other library and campus colleagues on evolving projects and services like the Libraries master planning, Richter Library’s first floor renovations, seat booking reservation system.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership
- Administers all aspects of Access Services: Circulation, Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery Services, Course Reserves, and Stacks Management in Richter Library and Weeks Music Library. Helps to administer Off-Site Storage operations;
- Oversees Access Services operations, including hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of department staff and a significant number of student assistants;
- Coordinates cross-functional activities among the individual units within Access Services;
- Advises on Access Services in other subject-specialty libraries, including Architecture, Business, Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, and Medical.
- Fosters a work environment that supports staff development, and ensures quality, efficiency, and responsiveness of user service surrounding circulation, course reserves, study space, visitor access, and resource sharing;
- In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, develops, coordinates, and communicates access and circulation policies to patrons and library staff; handles complex patron situations with tact, discretion, and equity;
- Manages the workflow and timely delivery of print materials from off-site storage to campus libraries and specific users;
- Responsible for the integrity of the patron database, maintaining circulation parameters of the online system, and providing support/troubleshooting for the circulation module of the library services platform in coordination with the Alma Administrators and Alma Fulfillment Group;
Management
- Manages departmental budget and oversees billing and collection of fines for library materials;
- Maintains, analyzes, and reports statistics on space utilization, usage of library materials, and Access Desk transactions;
- Develops and enhances new/existing user services in areas such as course reserves, document delivery, and electronic reserves;
- Serves as the Libraries’ resource person for copyright compliance for interlibrary loan and course reserves;
- Works closely with the Research and Assessment Librarian and identifies user needs and gaps in service effectiveness through qualitative and quantitative assessment;
- Monitors collection capacity in library facilities and works with Associate Deans to identify appropriate strategies for collection transfer, storage, and/or de-selection;
- Serves as liaison to the Learning Commons, Metadata & Discovery Services, and other library departments in support of the projects, services, and physical space renovation planning;
Collaboration & Communication
- Communicates frequently and effectively with all University staff, faculty, and administrators in a timely manner regarding procedures, policies, and other necessary information;
- Maintains a helpful and supportive customer service behavior with all library customers internal and external;
- May serve as a standing member of the Libraries’ Emergency Response team; serves as a standing member of the Departmental Representatives Group, Public Services Council, and Alma Fulfillment Group; participates in Library and University organizations, committees, task forces, and teams as appropriate;
- Networks, collaborates and actively participates in local, regional, national, or international organizations regarding issues in access services, resource sharing and document delivery, and academic librarianship;
- Represents and promotes the University of Miami Libraries in local, state-wide, regional, national, or international organizations as appropriate.
- In pursuit of the Libraries’ and University’s strategic objectives, models the University’s “DIRECCT” values (diversity, integrity, responsibility, excellence, compassion, creativity, and teamwork).
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS
The Head of Access Services reports to the Associate Dean for Access and Discovery Services. Direct reports are the Circulation Manager, Interlibrary Loan & Course Reserves Manager, and the Off-Site Storage/Collections Manager.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Works on a daily basis with library faculty, teaching faculty, staff, student employees, students, alumni, community patrons, and other campus units. Exercises authority, recommends and participates in decisions and actions at the organizational level.
Physical address where the job position is located.
