Access Services Manager for Gutman, Ernst Mayr, and Music Libraries

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University Library is seeking an Access Services Manager to lead operations across the Monroe C. Gutman Library, the Ernst Mayr Library, and the Eda Kuhn Loeb Music Library. You will supervise staff, manage circulation, reserves, and access, and support learning and research across Harvard’s community.

This 1-year term appointment emphasizes collaboration, staff development, and delivering high-quality, inclusive service to users with diverse abilities.

Qualifications

• MLS/MLIS or equivalent education/experience
• 3+ years academic library experience
• 3+ years supervisory experience
• 3+ years experience in GLAM or related organization

Responsibilities

• Lead, direct, and supervise daily Access Services operations at assigned libraries, mentor staff, and foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Plan and prioritize daily workflows; assign tasks; adjust staffing to meet service demands.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and manage performance; provide feedback; conduct reviews; support growth and succession planning.
• Maintain regular communication with the Associate Director on performance, staffing, workload and priorities.
• Develop, document, and refine procedures and workflows to enhance efficiency and user experience.
• Coordinate activities with other Access Services units to solve complex, time-sensitive problems.

Skills

Staff supervision

Project management

Data-driven decision making

Workflow analysis

Communication

Flexibility

Equity & inclusion

User experience

Education

MLS/MLIS

Job description

Overview

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. Harvard Library is dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why Work at Harvard Library?

Harvard Library champions curiosity and strives to expand world knowledge and intellectual exploration. We engage with communities in creating and sharing knowledge, connecting them with curated collections through global collaborations. Our nearly four-century-old mission is to advance learning, research, and the pursuit of truth through collaboration, diverse perspectives, access, and curiosity.

Job Description

This is a 1-year term-limited position with potential for renewal. The posting remains open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply by the end of the day on Friday, August 7, 2026.

Job Summary:

Access Services aims to advance Harvard Library’s mission by providing exceptional service, fostering an inclusive environment that supports academic research and inquiry, and stewarding the University’s collections. Access Services connects the academic community to library resources, ensuring equitable access for users with diverse abilities. By collaborating with students, scholars, and professionals, we support teaching and scholarly pursuits across the Harvard community and beyond.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Access Services for Professional School Libraries, the Access Services Manager leads operations and staff at the Monroe C. Gutman Library (Harvard Graduate School of Education), the Ernst Mayr Library (Museum of Comparative Zoology), and the Eda Kuhn Loeb Music Library. The manager supervises staff and student workers; oversees circulation, stacks management, course reserves, resource sharing, facilities, and equipment; and assists patrons in identifying, accessing, and using library resources. This role operates with substantial knowledge of library systems and procedures and a high degree of judgment and autonomy. The position is a member of the Access Services Extended Leadership Team (ELT).

The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 9am–5pm. Schedules may change based on the academic calendar, library hours, and departmental needs. Work may be required during holidays, inclement weather, and official University closings. Time-off approvals during these periods are at the discretion of the Associate Director based on business needs.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Staff Management and Leadership
• Lead, direct, and supervise daily Access Services operations at assigned libraries, set high patron service standards, mentor staff, and foster a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
• Ensure units meet operational and communication expectations. Plan and prioritize daily workflows; assign tasks and projects; adjust staffing to meet service demands.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and manage performance; set expectations, provide feedback, conduct reviews, address issues, and support growth and succession planning in consultation with the Associate Director.
• Maintain regular communication with the Associate Director on performance, staffing, workload, risks, and employee relations; escalate issues as needed and align on priorities.
• Communicate goals, policies, procedures, and best practices through staff meetings, one-on-one conversations, and written documentation.
• Develop, document, and refine procedures and workflows to enhance efficiency and user experience.
• Coordinate activities with other Access Services units and collaborate to solve complex, time-sensitive problems.

• Operations Management
• Manage service points and circulation-related tasks (checkout, check-in, renewals, holds, recalls); enforce library policies and security measures.
• Train and support centralized digital course reserves; communicate reserves policies to students and faculty; oversee scanning and reserves workflows.
• Provide Tier 1 information support; refer patrons to subject specialists as needed; ensure high-quality, user-centered service; stay informed about new tools and policy changes.
• Assist users with disabilities in accessing spaces/materials; communicate guest policies for equitable access.
• Manage onsite/offsite collections access; coordinate shelving and stacks activities; oversee transfers to offsite storage and ensure accurate records.
• Support on-site resource sharing (Scan & Deliver, Borrow Direct, Interlibrary Loan); troubleshoot workflow and systems with colleagues.
• Maintain patron-facing equipment and coordinate repairs with vendors as needed.
• Monitor building conditions and coordinate with facilities to address environmental issues affecting collections.

• Project Management
• Collaborate with the Associate Director to obtain project approvals for collection-related projects.
• Direct collection projects from initiation to completion with clear plans, timelines, deliverables, scope, and staffing; adjust workflows as needed.
• Maintain project data to track progress and inform decisions; ensure tasks stay within scope and resources.
• Coordinate across library units to align priorities and resolve issues affecting outcomes and user experience.
• Develop and refine project procedures to promote consistency and efficiency; communicate goals and expectations clearly.
• Provide guidance, training, and ongoing support to staff and student workers; monitor performance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Regularly communicate project progress with the Associate Director and local library leadership.

• Extended Leadership Team
• Participate in the Access Services Extended Leadership Team to guide priorities and decision-making with the Senior Leadership Team.
• Contribute to strategic planning and implementation of plans, policies, and service initiatives.
• Support and promote a positive, inclusive, and equitable work environment and model organizational values.

• Other Duties
• Participate in library-wide task forces, working groups, and committees as appropriate.
• Contribute to the overall goals of Access Services and Harvard Library.
• Other duties as assigned consistent with the unit’s responsibilities.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) or equivalent education or work experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of academic library experience with a strong public service orientation.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in GLAM or related organization.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in supervision and performance management of staff and students.
• Record of successful collaboration in complex organizations.
• Demonstrated ability in project management, including planning, communication, assessment, and delivery of complex projects.
• Data-driven decision-making ability.
• Ability to analyze workflows and trends to improve service benchmarks and capacity.
• Ability to set priorities, multitask, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Flexibility and enthusiasm for working in a changing, technology-oriented environment.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and antiracism.
• Commitment to high-quality user experiences and secure stewardship of collections.

Other Information

• Appointment End Date: 1 year from hire date
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Onsite position; work onsite 9am–5pm Monday through Friday with potential adjustments based on calendar and needs.
• Work location may be multiple locations; flexibility per Harvard policies.

• Work Environment: Library/office setting; occasional exposure to dust or contaminants; potential local travel between locations.
• Physical Requirements: Regular movement between facilities; ability to lift up to 30 pounds; permissible accommodations available.

Benefits and Compliance

• Generous paid time off and parental leave; health insurance starting day one; retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing resources, family support, professional development, and commuter benefits.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment: Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world and strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Harvard's policies prohibit discrimination and promote an inclusive environment.