Library Specialist: Lead Circulation & Training

UMA; Orono, Northern (ME, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maine invites applications for a Library Supervisor position, overseeing defined library programs and staff. The role emphasizes a safe, welcoming environment, collaboration across teams, and proactive coaching to improve performance.

You will train student assistants, manage circulation operations, develop reports, and handle complex patron inquiries with knowledge of library policies and systems. On-site work in Orono, Maine, with a schedule aligned to semesters.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.).
• Assists with managing the Circulation Desk and scheduling employees; supervising employees; conducting staff meetings; hiring, scheduling, and coordinating training of student assistants in conjunction with Circulation supervisors;
• Public service experience.
• Employee must demonstrate strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; work well in a team environment; be able to prioritize tasks appropriately and complete work in a timely manner. Skills in organizing and managing electronic records and files required and capability to follow and write instructions and procedures accurately also required.
• Intermediate to advanced computer knowledge is required.
• Problem-solve and troubleshoot issues; work from diagrams and drawings; measure and calculate; create, configure, and use spreadsheets, collections allocation, and/or physical shelving space; may manage digitization for the department; may inventory collections; compile department statistical reports; write and edit detailed policies and procedures; collaborate with Circulation supervisors daily to ensure smooth operation of the department; use basic hand tools; perform minor maintenance;
• Regularly lifts up to 50 lbs., reaches high and low shelving, walk or move as much as 1/2 mile at a time, and stands and shelves for extended periods of time.
• Experience working with alphanumeric sequences.

Responsibilities

• Plans, oversees and supervises a defined library program, project, system or unit (ILL, circulation, etc.);
• Participates in maintaining a safe, welcoming and productive environment for fellow staff and library users;
• Contributes a positive, creative, and energetic force to the work; demonstrates skills in collaboration especially working with staff members whose interests and needs differ;
• Utilizes coaching and mentoring methods which provide an environment that is anticipatory, supportive, and encourages constructive feedback on performance;
• Trains student assistants and library employees;
• Commits to organizational improvement by identifying opportunities to improve, and recommending possible alternatives for a situation;
• Responds to library building and security issues;
• Provides a full range of communications, both verbally and in writing, regarding non-routine questions, issues and procedures; handles the most complex and sensitive customer/student requests requiring a comprehensive understanding of relevant policies, procedures and rules; prepares individualized responses for non-routine and/or escalated issues;
• Represents the campus at system wide library unit meetings;
• Generates reports;
• Develops complex queries;
• Conducts complex searches of library resources requiring an advanced knowledge of one or more major library areas;
• Maintains and updates bibliographic and circulation records and related file procedures, andguidelines;
• Receives and inspects materials;
• Uses library software and equipment;
• Performs standard circulation duties;
• Opens and closes library;
• Maintains library stacks (sorting, shelving, and related duties such as shifting);
• Assists patrons with search, retrieval, use of library systems and equipment;
• Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned

Skills

Public service

Communication skills

Computer skills

Problem solving

Alphanumeric sequences

Driving a van

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Library software

Job description

The University of Maine invites applications for a Library Supervisor position, overseeing defined library programs and staff. The role emphasizes a safe, welcoming environment, collaboration across teams, and proactive coaching to improve performance.

You will train student assistants, manage circulation operations, develop reports, and handle complex patron inquiries with knowledge of library policies and systems. On-site work in Orono, Maine, with a schedule aligned to semesters.