Assistant Librarian, Evening

Stanford Libraries is seeking a full-time Assistant Librarian to join the Access Services Department to lead our Evening Operations & Course Reserves team at the Cecil H. Green Library. In this new position, the Evening Librarian (rank of Assistant Librarian) will strengthen customer services for Stanford’s largest library and serve as a resource to the branch libraries staffed during evening hours.

The Libraries values are rooted in a commitment of mutual respect, the idea that every member of the staff has something to contribute, and that learning is constant.  We seek a team member who is ready to share their skills and perspectives.

 About Stanford Libraries:

Stanford Libraries is a network of over 15 libraries with over 400 employees. We are committed to fueling the teaching, learning and research across Stanford by acquiring, stewarding, and making available a robust collection, currently in excess of 12 million items. Everyone in the organization plays a vital role in fulfilling that objective. Our dedication to discoverability and information management also has us engaged in dynamic global partnerships. We are constantly building and strengthening our organization, and we recognize striving for excellence is a marathon and not a sprint. We are constantly trying to strike the right pace, and admit there are times when we find ourselves at a fast jog. While we hope to always find candidates who fit within our organization, what we truly seek is someone who will add to our culture, our profession as well as the greater academic arena. We are invested in the success of our teams and the individuals who represent Stanford Libraries.

About the Position:

Under the direction of the Assistant Head of Access Services (Circulation Services), the Evening Librarian will build and manage a team of 5 library specialists, and 1-2 student and contingent workers. The evening team specializes in processing Course Reserves items (items with short loan periods made available from the Green Library), but rotates through a variety of Access Services’ functions, including circulation, privileges (library card issuance), visitor management, Media Center circulation/equipment, and entry desk routines. The team also is cross-trained for material processing (physical and scanning/digitizing) and basic interlibrary services and performs building closing duties. With an emphasis on teamwork and staff development, the librarian will ensure that the team is productive and growth-oriented so that new processes, procedures, technology and services can be readily adopted.

 The librarian will bring a strong understanding of the academic research environment and be part of a management team that aims to exceed user expectations of Stanford Libraries. The librarian will ensure that the specialists on the team are comfortable in the information ecosystem available to our users, training staff on first level information resources so the “ready reference” service they provide is thorough and useful. Additionally, the librarian will help bridge the current gap in reference services in the evenings by consulting with patrons in-person, online or by email on research inquiries as time permits. The librarian will also help shape how services continue to evolve by applying user experience, service design and process improvement principles.

 Given the independence of the evening team, the librarian is especially relied upon for strong communication and sound judgment for management responsibilities and emergency response. Some emergencies may require public safety, emergency medical services, on-call facilities response, or otherwise handling challenging customer service situations.  During evening hours, the librarian will also serve as a consultant to the branch libraries on these types of issues. The librarian will be a clear, persuasive communicator who helps address emergencies to their best outcome, oversees the incident reporting workflow and documentation, and ties the evening operations to the daytime teams and managers.

Work Schedule:

Current schedule (through January 2022): Sunday to Thursday 2p-11p, Beginning February 2022: Sunday to Thursday 4p-1a
Staff schedules are adjusted for reduced building hours during intersessions (weeks between quarters), summer quarters, and for holidays when we are open. Operating hours may be adjusted and impact the schedule for this position. 

 Core Duties:

 Oversees daily operations and building closing (35%)

• Actively manages staff and workflow for circulation, privileges, media and library entry services during the evening hours.
• Oversees the Course Reserves program and processing for Green Library. Manages the Course Reserves Lead staff member who handles day-to-day operations. Participates in library-wide planning for upgrading the Reserves service and furthering integration and streamlining initiatives.
• Supervises the frontline circulation services operation of the Library’s ILS system, including fine collection. Supervise card issuance services for the evening shift. Performs quality assurance on data entry and application of policies and procedures.
• Maintains, interprets and reports statistics on the operation, such as walk-through data, team productivity, and reports.
• With oversight of the building closing, ensures the closing procedures to clear the building are effective and safe for staff, patrons and our inventory.

Public service (35%)

• Works with Stanford users online or in person seeking information. Makes referrals to Information Center staff or subject specialists as needed. Services as department liaison to the Instruction and Outreach department.
• Oversees customer communication channels and monitors routine circulation, course reserves  and interlibrary services requests that can be performed by the team.
• Serves as department information literacy advocate by promoting library resources to users and raises awareness to staff and performs staff training.
• Oversees public computing efficacy and reports issues for the evening shift.

 Administrative (25%)

• Exercises independence in managerial activities:
  • Hires, coaches, motivates, supervises and evaluates the team staff. Approves time cards and leave requests; makes referrals to HR and Leave Services as needed.
  • Provides supervision of 5 direct reports, scheduled student assistants and contingent staff.
  • Creates and maintains a professional work environment built on mutual respect, accountability and teamwork.
  • Sets performance goals and implements projects for the team and monitors and reports on progress.
  • Plans for evening team development opportunities especially during summer quarter when the library has shortened hours. Utilizes online training platforms to help develop staff skill sets.
  • As the exempt staff member on duty, occasionally performs walk throughs and visits to branch libraries with evening hours. Assists student assistants and staff at branches with problems and serves as a backup resource to administrators as needed in special situations. 
  • Applies Administrative Guide, department policies and bargaining unit contract to team management.
• Actively fosters communication across the department shifts and with other library departments and administrative units. 
• Emergency response responsibilities:
  • Oversees incident reporting and problem patron handling and documentation for the department (including overhauling existing processes as needed).
  • Engages public safety for staff training and incidents as required
  • Performs outreach and support to branch libraries with evening hours.
• Financial responsibilities:
  • Oversees library fine forgiveness and payments; ensures department financial tracking is accurate. Reconciles and reports out unit billing.
  • Serves as p-card verifier for the department.

 Other Duties (5%)

• Other duties as assigned.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

 Education & Experience:

•  MLS/MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited graduate school or equivalent in training and experience in an academic or library environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•  Experience working in an academic or library system
• Demonstrated ability or aptitude to supervise staff and workflow
• Assertive positive communication skills for emergency response, staff management, and customer service
• Proven analytical skills
• Proven experience using or maintaining library collections and resources
• Background in managing projects with help from individuals and as part of a team
• Ability to take initiative, plan and prioritize work, and meet deadlines
• High degree of comfort and the use of computers in a networked environment for word processing, spreadsheets, database management, financial systems, and communication
• Demonstrated ability to learn and synthesis new information quickly
• Possess strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills in English
• Ability to manage resources and staff effectively
• Ability to build and maintain teams and positive workplace culture, and fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion
• Excellent organizational skills, proven problem-solving ability, and flexibility

 Physical Requirements*:

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
• Frequently stand/walk.
• Frequently lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.
• Occasionally writing by hand, use a telephone.
• Occasionally push and maneuver a fully-loaded cart weighing up to 650 pounds that requires an initial push force up to 50 pounds.

 *Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to any employee with a disability who requires an accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Working Conditions:

 ●      Occasional extended hours and weekends.

●      Occasional overnight travel.

●      May be exposed to dust and mold from some library collections.

  Work Standards:

 ●       Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

●      Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates a commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

●       Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

 Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.

Why Stanford is for You:

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, and course auditing. Join a TedTalk, watch a film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.