Assistant Director of Access Services

The Catholic University of America - DuFour Law Library; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation and holiday benefits

Retirement benefits

Work from home opportunities

Job summary

The Catholic University of America - DuFour Law Library is seeking an Assistant Director of Access Services. This role involves overseeing core functions including circulation and interlibrary loans, while supervising a team comprising a professional librarian and student employees.

The successful candidate should possess a Master’s degree and at least three years of experience in an academic library. The position offers generous benefits and opportunities for professional development. Apply now for a chance to join a dedicated team in the vibrant Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years as a professional librarian in an academic library, preferably law.
• Experience in circulation and interlibrary loan services.
• Strong communication skills for diverse clientele.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the Access Services Department and implements effective procedures.
• Hires, trains, and supervises professional librarians and paraprofessionals.
• Oversees operations of the library’s integrated system for circulation and resource sharing.

Skills

Supervising librarians and/or paraprofessionals

Outstanding communication skills

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Education

Master’s degree in library science

Tools

Ex Libris’ Alma

Primo VE

Job description

The Judge Kathryn J. DuFour Law Library at The Catholic University of America School of Law is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Director of Access Services. This position is ideal for an established librarian who is ready to join an experienced, collegial team that is committed to reimagining library services for our patrons. The successful candidate will oversee the department’s core functions, including circulation, course reserves, and the interlibrary loan and resource sharing operations. The successful candidate will supervise a professional librarian, a paraprofessional, and 20-25 part-time student employees. We offer generous vacation, holiday and retirement benefits, in addition to work from home opportunities.

The Judge Kathryn J. DuFour Law Library is located on the campus of The Catholic University of America, the largest university campus in the District of Columbia, and a short Metro ride to downtown D.C. and Capitol Hill. The campus is ideally situated in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C., one of the most vibrant and exciting communities in the city.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Provides overall coordination of the Access Services Department. Develops and implements effective procedures for all aspects of access services, including maintenance of user accounts, loan rules and borrowing policies for the library’s physical collection, interlibrary loan and resource sharing operations, library signage, and part-time student employee procedures.

2. Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates professional librarians, and paraprofessionals within the Access Services Department. Drafts job descriptions and policies, and sets goals, priorities, and performance measures. Provides coaching and ongoing professional development.

3. Oversees the Access Services Librarian and Access Services Manager in the hiring, training, and day-to-day supervisory responsibilities of part-time student employees. Serves as a resource for both operational and managerial problem-solving for the department.

4. Works with the Director and other Assistant Directors to maintain the library’s access policy, operating hours, emergency procedures, and overall use of the library’s public spaces and collection. This includes: working with various departments within the Law School and University campus to ensure access to the library; advising on WRLC policies and initiatives related to resource sharing, including Shared Collections Facility (SCF), Consortium Loan Service (CLS) and WRLC delivery service.

5. In cooperation with the Systems & Electronic Resources Librarian, oversees operations of all areas of the Library’s integrated library system related to circulation, course reserves, interlibrary loan and resource sharing, and user records.

6. Serves as the Depository Library Coordinator for the Federal Depository Library Program. Assists the Director with mandatory reporting requirements, such as the biennial survey.

Please see the full position description: https://staff-cua.icims.com/jobs/17417/assistant-director-of-access-services/job

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree with a minimum of 3 years as a professional librarian in an academic library, with law library experience preferred.
• Required experience with the following:
  • supervising librarians and/or paraprofessionals.
  • circulation, interlibrary loan, and/or other public services work.
• Outstanding communication skills for engaging with a diverse clientele, including faculty, law students, and library users.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Ex Libris’ Alma and Primo VE.

How to Apply

Please complete an online application, and upload BOTH a resume and a tailored cover letter. We ask that your cover letter specifically details your experience and scope in supervising professional and/or paraprofessional staff. (Note: A cover letter is required for an application to be considered.) Although the position will remain vacant until filled, first consideration will be given to applications received before June 15th, 2026.