Public Services Lead, Special Collections Reading Room

UNLV; Las Vegas, Northern (NV, KY); Hybrid; USD 58,140 - 71,060; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition discounts

Job summary

UNLV University Libraries is seeking a Reference and Reading Room Manager to provide strategic leadership for public services in Special Collections and Archives. The role oversees the reading room, remote reference, and copyright permissions, guiding staff and student workers to deliver expert reference support.

The position requires a robust background in archives or library public services, supervisory experience, and strong collaboration with Digital Collections and instruction teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum 3 years in archives or library public services.
• At least 1 year supervising students or paraprofessional staff.
• Demonstrated competence with diverse populations and sensitive handling of materials.
• Knowledge of library operations and reference interview strategies.
• Understanding of archival materials care and handling.
• Proficiency with office software, library databases, Alma/Primo, and project tools like Trello or AirTable.
• Strong customer service, written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and maneuver carts up to 100 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement reference service policies and workflows according to professional standards.
• Train SCA staff and students working at the reference desk to ensure high service levels.
• Serve 8 hours weekly at the reference desk and coordinate desk/paging schedules.
• Troubleshoot reading room issues and escalate when necessary.
• Manage remote reference queries and first contact for SCA inquiries.
• Develop expertise in Las Vegas and Nevada history and SCA holdings.
• Coordinate copyright and permissions workflows and research status for items.
• Collaborate with Digital Collections on reproduction workflows and invoicing.
• Lead outreach events, coordinate instruction sessions, and supervise students during instruction.
• Coordinate and provide tours of the division.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Supervising staff

Reference interviewing

Project management

Technology proficiency

Library databases

Diversity awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Alma

Primo

Trello

AirTable

Job description

UNLV University Libraries is seeking a Reference and Reading Room Manager to provide strategic leadership for public services in Special Collections and Archives. The role oversees the reading room, remote reference, and copyright permissions, guiding staff and student workers to deliver expert reference support.

The position requires a robust background in archives or library public services, supervisory experience, and strong collaboration with Digital Collections and instruction teams.