Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Manager of Public Access Services

Portland State University is seeking a progressive and energetic professional for the position of Manager of Public Access Services, an unclassified, unranked, excluded, fixed-term position reporting to the Assistant University Librarian for Public Services at the Portland State University Library. The Manager of Public Access Services provides leadership and management of Public Access Services (PAS) activities and staff in circulation, resource sharing operations (Summit and interlibrary loan), reserves, off-site facilities operations, stacks maintenance, media services, photocopy operations, and van service between library locations.

Specific responsibilities:

1. Management
· Manages, plans, coordinates and evaluates daily operations of PAS to provide timely, professional, consistent, and high-quality service. Assures adequate staffing for service points and other departmental responsibilities to maintain nearly 100 hours a week of open Library hours. Reallocates resources in anticipation of changing functions and priorities and adapts own work schedule, when needed;
· Works closely with the Library Fiscal Officer to maintain clear audit trails, fiscal integrity and confidentiality of PAS processes and PAS-related revenues, including those from photocopy services;
· Participates in the continual evaluation of the cost effectiveness and quality of service being provided in the Portland State Library, making suggestions for PAS service enhancements, greater efficiency, or cost containment; collects and analyzes management data for patterns and trends that suggest a need for change or positioning for the future; and prepares reports on activities, problems, challenges, and accomplishments of PAS;
· Ensures that the short- and long-range planning processes for PAS are anticipatory, rather than reactive, and that they adapt space, equipment, personnel, and services to meet the Library’s mission and priorities. Evaluates alternatives in terms of cost effectiveness, quality of services, and larger institutional priorities;
· Secures the appropriate authority in the decision-making process and informs all who will be affected before implementation. Takes responsibility for decisions made by PAS staff and the ramifications of those decisions;
· Coordinates unit activities with those of other institutional units;
· Oversees the Library’s photocopy and microforms operations including routine maintenance of photocopy machines and microform readers;
· Oversees the Library’s media services operations including routine audiovisual equipment maintenance;
· Oversees day-to-day stacks maintenance functions and participates in system-wide collection management activities and projects;
· Enforces the Library’s Billing Policy, license agreements, and University Copyright Policy as they apply to PAS activities. Mediates copyright and billing disputes;
· Manages the off-site facility’s maintenance and materials retrieval operations;
· Serves as a front-line point person for security, facilities, and disaster-related issues.

2. Supervision
· Supervises, hires, trains, and evaluates Academic Professionals, classified staff, and student assistants, maintaining established unit performance standards;
· Acts as advocate for unit staff and is committed to staff development and staff participation in unit planning and decision making;
· Promotes high staff performance through teamwork, job training and enrichment, encouragement of innovation and recognition for achievement.

3. General
· Ensures adherence to University and Library policies and procedures, including adherence to Portland State’s Professional Standards of Conduct (http://www.hrc.pdx.edu/policies/ProfessionalStandards.htm);
· Understands and supports unit and institution-wide mission and priorities;
· Pursues professional development activities;

4. Communication
· Coordinates communication concerning PAS services, policies, and procedures with all units of the Portland State Library, library users, academic units, subject specialists, and external institutions participating in resource sharing operations (Summit and interlibrary loan);
· Communicates and works effectively with others to meet unit and Library objectives;
· Serves on a variety of committees within and external to the Portland State Library, sometimes as the Library’s representative;
· Represents the University in facilitating interlibrary cooperation through reciprocal resource sharing agreements and alliances with other institutions such as those fostered by the Orbis Cascade Alliance;
· Participates in promoting and providing visibility for a positive, responsive image of the Library and its services to the University community and the community at large.

5. Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree, or bachelor’s degree and significant Library Access Services supervisory experience
Four years of library experience
Strong service orientation
Record of successful supervisory experience
Evidence of excellent planning, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to complete projects
Transcripts and background checks will be required for finalists. Must be able to successfully complete a background check.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Budget management experience
  • Experience collaboratively setting and applying policies and procedures
  • Work experience in an academic library
  • Experience in access services
  • Technology skills and experience appropriate for the position
  • Employee training and development experience
  • Working knowledge of copyright and contract issues
  • Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Knowledge of integrated library systems, ILL, and/or e-reserves
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Demonstrated ability to work positively and productively with diverse constituencies in rapidly changing environment
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity and staff development
  • Sound knowledge of issues and trends in public access services

Compensation
The starting annual salary range for this position will be between $55,000-$60,000, dependent upon qualifications and experience, with an excellent benefits package including fully paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependant at any of the Oregon University System schools. Please see: http://www.hrc.pdx.edu/benefits/index.htm

Online Ad: Please see: http://www.hrc.pdx.edu/openings/unclassified/LIB-010.htm

To Apply
Send cover letter (address how your knowledge and experiences meet qualifications); resume; and names, address, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of four references to: Tom Bielavitz: bielavit@pdx.edu.

Electronic application materials are strongly preferred (Word documents).

If you do not have email, please send application materials to: Tom Bielavitz, Assistant University Librarian for Administrative Services and Planning, Portland State University, Library, PO Box 1151, Portland, OR 97207.

Applications not containing all requested documents will not be considered.

Deadlines: Review of applications begins December 1, 2008. Open until finalists identified.

Portland State University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Institution and, in keeping with the President's diversity initiative, welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity.

No comments: