Library Supervisor, Special Collections - University of Houston

Organization

Supervises the daily operations of a functional or service unit within the university libraries.

1. Supervises clerical staff in the daily operations of the unit, to include hiring, discipline, training, and performance appraisals.
2. Plans and coordinates work schedules and distribution of work assignments within the unit.
3. Oversees the daily operations of the unit, including budget oversight, maintenance of supplies inventory and resolution of problems.
4. May communicate with vendors, publishers and subject librarians regarding orders, invoices, receipts or current holdings.
5. May provide reference and information services to library patrons as needed.
6. Prepares regular and ad hoc reports on unit activities as required.
7. Coordinates or participates in special projects as assigned.
8. Assists in developing library policies, procedures, goals, and changes to services.
9. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

EEO/AA

INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO THIS POSITION

The Library Supervisor, Special Collections supervises a team of student employees in the rare books and archives department of the library, to ensure 40 hours of weekly coverage of the department’s welcome desk, as well as project support. The Library Supervisor also provides reference service to researchers in the department’s reading room, and works collaboratively with department colleagues on projects related to collections, services, and outreach.

Responsibilities:

1. Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates student employees, and coordinates schedules and distribution of assignments.
2. Manages student employees in circulation activities, including retrieving and re-shelving items, for the rare books and archives reading room.
3. Supervises student employees in delivery and retrieval of rare books for cataloging.
4. Provides daily reference service in the department’s reading room.
5. Plans welcome desk schedule for students and reference desk schedule for librarians and staff.
6. Assists researchers, by email or phone, in scheduling reading room appointments or connecting them to the appropriate curator for more complex reference questions.
7. Contributes to the collection of statistical data.
8. Communicates with library staff and external representatives regarding facilities issues.
9. Orders supplies for department.

18 months and 3 years experience

Requires specialized training in basic trades, principles, procedures, practice, routines or techniques in a specific area or trade which might normally be acquired through up to 18 months of education or training beyond the high school level. Vocational competence in the operation of mechanical or electronic equipment may be required. Requires a minimum of three (3) years of directly job-related experience.

• Education may be considered in lieu of experience.
• Experience may be considered in lieu of education.

QUALIFICATIONS SPECIFIC TO THIS POSITION

Required:

• Ability to work independently but also effectively as part of a collaborative team

Preferred:

• Previous supervisory experience
• Previous customer service experience
• Previous library experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to respond promptly to changes in work priorities and/or unexpected circumstances or situations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to work with a variety of people (researchers, undergraduates)
• Ability to communicate effectively with and motivate undergraduate employees
• Sound judgment and decision-making
• Capacity for scheduling, organizing, and managing others’ work
• Attention to detail 
• Demonstrated interest in education or cultural heritage
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service

Employee Status

Job Posting