Public Services Coordinator

The University of Georgia Libraries seeks a Public Services Coordinator for the Special Collections Libraries (SCL) who will ensure effective and responsive frontline reference assistance to on and off-site patrons for all three special collections libraries: Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, and Walter J. Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection. The position coordinates the activities and schedule of the SCL reception area and reference desk; prioritizes and leads staff training on reference service activities; manages the Aeon patron management system and financial transactions; collaborates with IT personnel and vendors on Aeon system issues, enhancements, and upgrades; and provides instruction to patrons about creating researcher accounts and material requests.

The Public Services Coordinator is responsible to the Assistant Director of the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library. The Coordinator provides leadership in the administration of reference services, and coordinates and consults with representatives from the three Special Collection departments regarding the development and implementation of access policies and procedures. To achieve this goal, the Coordinator develops strong relationships with faculty and students by providing assistance with searching and browsing finding aids and databases, GIL (the UGA online catalog), GALILEO (a statewide information system), and other electronic resources; and developing web-based resources and other guides to SCL holdings. The Special Collections Libraries is composed of 18 librarians and archivists and 19 support staff. The Public Service Coordinator is a member of the University of Georgia Libraries’ non-tenure track faculty. 

The UGA Libraries is located on the university's main campus in Athens, Georgia, and its facilities include the Main Library, Science Library, Zell B. Miller Learning Center, Repository, and Special Collections Libraries.  Perennially rated as one of the nation's top college towns, Athens offers a vibrant place to work and live.  With Atlanta 70 miles to the west, Athens offers good proximity to the city while maintaining a small-town culture and feel.  The favorable climate supports an eco-friendly campus, and UGA is currently undergoing a major multi-step plan to convert much of the campus into pedestrian friendly green space. Information about the UGA Special Collections Libraries: http://www.libs.uga.edu/scl/ Information about the UGA Libraries:  http://www.libs.uga.edu/  Information about Athens: http://www.libs.uga.edu/athens/   

  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides reference services and effective orientation to resources housed in the SCL to patrons with a variety of interests and research experience, both on and off-site, from the university community and the general public. Establishes standards, policies, and procedures, in consultation with representatives from the three departments, for frontline reference services and provides training in archival reference in accordance with professional standards and UGA Libraries best practices.

Manages staffing the reference desk and serves a minimum of 20 hours per week, Monday through Friday; hiring, training, and supervising student assistants or support staff; preparing and administering the desk schedule; informing SCL faculty, staff, and student assistants of policies and procedures for public service areas; and providing information and direction to the University community, researchers, and donors.

Manages material requests and patron management system (AEON) system; troubleshoots system issues as needed, and acts as a liaison with Atlas Systems. Conducts training as needed for SCL faculty, staff, and student assistants to ensure that all employees maintain a working knowledge of the system and its developments. Collaborates with the vault manager and staff to ensure effective circulation of materials and proper tracking in Aeon.

Assesses the impact and growth of resources and services by maintaining and reporting user statistics for the SCL as a whole and for the individual departments. Analyzes usage statistics for inclusion in the SCL annual report. Serves as the primary training resource for effective querying of the AEON database and other analytical tools for assessment.

Manages fulfillment of photocopy requests for patrons and donors by supervising duplication student assistants; processes billing and payment transactions in Aeon; and arranges for shipping and handling of requests.

Maintains and updates the SCL website including updating the research policies and procedures; events and programs; and FAQ pages.

Develops and maintains SCL instructional tools, research guides, and specialized indexes. Explores and proposes technologies, including Web 2.0, to meet research, reference, and instructional needs of UGA faculty and students. Maintains awareness of new acquisitions and facilitates.

Maintains working knowledge of each departments’ usage policies and collaborates with representatives from each department to revise and develop access policies and procedures as needed.

Contributes to the mission of the SCL, and UGA Libraries as a whole, by participating in meetings, planning, program review, developing and evaluating policies and procedures, and strategic planning for the department as assigned.

Participates in library-wide communication by reading, responding to, and initiating information transmitted via GRAPEVINE (the Libraries’ listserv) and other communication tools, and appropriate library-wide or departmental meetings and asking questions, seeking clarification, or initiating discussion on library issues.

Maintains flexibility and awareness of changes in the organization and contributes to the team effort by assuming other similar duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Maintains an awareness of current trends in reference in the archival field by participating in professional activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

ALA-accredited MLIS, or Master's degree in history, public history, or related field (ACA certification expected in 5 years for continued employment); Two years of archival experience in providing reference services in an archives or special collections environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;  Excellent communication, research and writing skills; Excellent collaboration skills;  Working knowledge of relevant  intellectual property rights; Experience with Web design and development; Working knowledge of historical research methodology, and experience with standard bibliographic tools; Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs. and tolerate dust and inactive mold spores.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with the AEON patron management system desired. Interest or experience in genealogy and local history research desired.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:  Minimum annual salary for the position is $38,000.  UGA librarians are non-tenured faculty members.  UGA offers an attractive benefits program including a choice of health and retirement plans, dental plan, vision plan, tuition remission, paid relocation, 21 days annual leave, 12 days sick leave, and 12 paid holidays.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  Qualified applicants who wish to be considered for this position should send as three separate pdf documents their letters of application, complete resumes, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of three references by December 1, 2013, to: Jan D. Hudson, Human Resources Manager, University of Georgia Libraries, at libjobs@uga.edu.

The University of Georgia and the UGA Libraries have a strong commitment to achieving diversity among its faculty and staff. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from members of underrepresented groups and strongly encourage persons of color to apply for these positions.  The University of Georgia is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.