Assistant Teaching Professor/Access Services Librarian

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Teaching Professor/Access Services Librarian.

Position Details

Location Gulf Park

730 East Beach Boulevard

Long Beach, Mississippi, 39560

United States

Division USM - Gulf Park Library

Position Type Faculty

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Salary Range 42,000.00 - 42,000.00

Posting Close Date open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Review of applications will begin a month after posting and will continue until the position is filled. A completed application will include a cover letter describing applicant strengths and qualifications for the position, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable; official transcripts are necessary for hire), and contact information for three professional references.

Job Summary

The University of Southern Mississippi invites applicants for a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure-track faculty position as Assistant Teaching Professor/Access Services Librarian in the University Libraries Gulf Coast Library.

The Access Services Librarian is responsible for the supervision and administration of circulation, document delivery, interlibrary loan, reserves, and collection management. The position coordinates access services functions with colleagues at two other libraries, reports to the Head of Gulf Coast Libraries, and directly supervises Access Services employees at Gulf Coast Library. The position is expected to research trends in library access services and recommend new approaches to patron services and offerings.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages the operations of the access services unit and resolves daily operational challenges to maximize unit efficiency; oversees circulation operations, including ensuring accuracy of patron and circulation records in the library services platform; ensures proper fiscal management of monies collected at the circulation desk; oversees document delivery and interlibrary loan operations, ensuring compliance with resource sharing agreements, vendor licensing agreements, and copyright laws as they pertain to ILL; oversees course reserve operations, including ensuring that copyright compliance is met; oversees shelving of library materials; monitors unit compliance with all relevant university policies and state and federal regulations and laws; coordinates policies and procedures with other access services personnel throughout the University Libraries system.

• Supervises access services staff, including assigned student employees and part-time Reference librarians. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: leads the hiring search process, evaluates job performance, and, as needed, makes recommendations for termination; trains newly hired staff, provides ongoing training as needed, and facilitates opportunities for development of relevant knowledge and skills; plans, assigns, and directs work, while managing workload; revises position descriptions as needed; manages work schedules to ensure adequate service desk staffing during all hours of operation. Working evenings, weekends, and holidays in rotation with other Public Services personnel may be required.

• Coordinates matters of Gulf Coast Library building use and security to provide an environment conducive to learning and research; oversees building safety and security, including tracking and reporting maintenance issues to administration; coordinates maintenance of building security systems, emergency exits, electronic door access controls, and elevators; coordinates with the University Police Department regarding library security; contributes to the development and execution of emergency procedures and ensures that access services staff on duty have received appropriate training on emergency response procedures.

• Ensures the provision of excellent customer services. Activities include but are not limited to: resolves patron concerns in a professional manner while striving for a high degree of patron satisfaction; identifies and recommends changes to services, policies, and procedures to improve satisfaction with library services; develops and facilitates customer service training for access services staff and student employees.

• Assists with the implementation of a comprehensive library assessment program using existing library data sources and developing appropriate assessment and usability instruments. Provides analysis of library data to support decision making.

• Participates in outreach initiatives that seek to engage students, faculty, and staff with library services, resources, and facilities. Provides reference and directional assistance to library patrons in person, by telephone, and via electronic communication methods.

• Engages in scholarship and professional development activities and provides service to the Libraries, the University, and the library profession to fulfill the expectations of a faculty member. Collaborates with public and other librarians to lead USM’s Science Café on the Coast. Performs other duties as assigned.

  Minimum Qualifications

  Master’s degree in library and/or information science from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent advanced degree and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Excellent organization and time management skills.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals.

• Strong passionate customer service orientation and determined to provide a positive experience for others.

• Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others.

• Ability to show enthusiasm and positivity in outreach endeavors.

• Takes initiative to seek opportunities for improving policies and procedures with positive attitude.

  Preferred Qualifications

  Demonstrated experience providing access services, such as circulation, reserves, or stacks maintenance, in an academic library. Knowledge of copyright issues as applied to access services. Knowledge of customer service principles. Experience with the Alma, Primo, and Tipasa systems.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.