Library Operations Supervisor, Penn State Lehigh Valley

The Pennsylvania State University; Friedensville (PA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Excellent benefits

Job summary

Penn State Lehigh Valley Library is seeking a Library Operations Supervisor to manage daily operations with emphasis on circulation and collection maintenance. You will supervise staff and student workers, deliver excellent service to campus users, and help shape library priorities in collaboration with the Head Librarian.

The role requires on-site presence, strong leadership, and budget awareness, with opportunities to contribute across campus and learn from a large university library system.

Qualifications

• Committed to providing excellent customer service and adaptability with staff and patrons.
• Excellent interpersonal and inclusive collaboration skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and multi-tasking.
• Experience providing leadership or guidance to others, formal or informal.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and lead daily library operations including circulation, reserves, interlibrary loan, acquisitions, catalog maintenance, and collection upkeep.
• Supervise library staff, hire, schedule, train, and conduct performance management.
• Provide outstanding customer service to students, faculty, and community users.
• Develop and implement operational procedures.
• Collaborate with Head Librarian on planning and evaluating unit priorities and budgets.
• Monitor budgets, forecast purchases, and maintain records and documentation.

Skills

Customer service

Leadership

Verbal and written communication

Organizational skills

Software learning

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Library systems

Microsoft 365

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Lehigh Valley Library is seeking a Library Operations Supervisor to lead the daily operations of its library with an emphasis on circulation, collection maintenance, and customer service. This position offers an excellent opportunity to provide front-facing customer service within a prestigious library system, while overseeing and supporting library staff and student assistants. You will get to partner with many others at Penn State Lehigh Valley and across the Pennsylvania State University Libraries as you support our students, faculty, and campus - giving you the opportunity to learn from and/or offer guidance to fellow employees.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Facilitate and lead the daily operations of the library including coordination of circulation, reserves, interlibrary loan, acquisitions, catalog maintenance, and collection maintenance
• Supervise library staff (i.e., hire, schedule, train, and conduct performance management) including a few full-time and part-time staff and several student employees
• Provide outstanding customer service to students, faculty, and community users (e.g., answering questions; resolving concerns; instructing patrons in technology, systems, and equipment; and administering policies for library users)
• Develop and implement operational procedures
• Collaborate with the Head Librarian on planning, implementing, and evaluating unit priorities including analysis and improvement of library services and assisting with projects and initiatives that advance library priorities
• Monitor budgets including ordering and reconciling supplies purchases, forecasting and budget planning
• Maintain records, compile and analyze data, prepare reports, develop and maintain process documentation
• Represent the library and the campus by serving as the primary contact with selected Penn State units and through service on committees
• May engage in other initiatives and projects depending on the skills and interests of the successful candidate and the needs of the department

Joining a small yet impactful and supportive team, the Library Operations Supervisor will work independently and collaboratively to complete the above responsibilities. Library staff are also cross trained to complete duties in multiple areas as needed.

To perform the essential functions of this position, the Library Operations Supervisor will regularly move around the library and physically manage collections and equipment (e.g., carrying, shifting, and shelving books; pushing book carts; handling laptops), with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Location & Schedule

The Penn State Lehigh Valley Library’s current hours of operation during the academic year are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern from Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern on Friday. The Library Operations Supervisor will be expected to regularly work shifts which provide consistent afternoon and evening coverage. Work schedules will be established in consultation with the Head Librarian and may vary to meet operational needs (e.g., during the summer and student breaks). Infrequent weekend work may be required to support library events.

Important Note: This position requires regular on-site work.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Committed to providing excellent customer service; demonstrated ability to be adaptable, flexible, and patient with customers and staff
• Excellent interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to stay organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy while multi-tasking
• Experience providing leadership or guidance to others, demonstrated through formal supervisory responsibilities or by serving as an informal team lead or go-to resource for questions and problem-solving
• Ability and willingness to learn job-related software
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools or comparable software used for communication, documentation, and spreadsheet management

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working in a library setting, utilizing library systems (strongly preferred)
• Experience working with circulating technologies
• Experience managing departmental budgets

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Library Operations Supervisor - Senior Supervisor, this position requires:

• Bachelor’s Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required Certifications: None

If filled as Library Operations Supervisor - Supervisor, this position requires:

• Bachelor’s Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required Certifications: None

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $71,340.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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