University of Houston System is hiring: Library Manager, Special Collections in

Department

University Libraries

Salary

$49,400

Description

This position supports the public services functions of the University Libraries through the effective management of student and staff employees, participation in the reference desk rotation, and customer service, network and user support assistance.

Responsibilities

• Hire, train, supervise, and schedule student workers to provide user assistance and customer service.
• Participate in the reference desk rotation, providing reference assistance to library users.
• Participate in service desk rotation (circulation and reserves) and resolve public service issues.
• Hire, train, supervise and evaluate Library Specialist(s) and/or staff.
• Work with Library Systems (computing and networking) staff to identify and resolve problems in public computing services; may also work with integrated library system (ILS) staff to resolve ILS issues.
• Participate as a member of the Libraries' Public Workstations Committee to establish and review policies on public computing services.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Special Collections Manager Details

The Library Manager, Special Collections hires, trains, schedules, and supervises a team of 4‑6 student employees to ensure 40 hours of weekly coverage of the welcome desk, as well as project support, for UH Libraries' Special Collections unit. The Library Manager also provides reference services to researchers in the department’s reading room and works collaboratively with department colleagues on projects related to collections, services, and outreach.

Duties Specific to This Position

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

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Education will be considered in lieu of experience.

Experience will be considered in lieu of education.

All positions at the University of Houston‑System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.