Reference and Reading Room Manager, UNLV University Libraries [R0152689]

nshe; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 58,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition discounts

Wellness programs

Career development

Onboarding program Rebels: Onboard

Job summary

UNLV Libraries seeks a Reference and Reading Room Manager to provide strategic leadership for public service at the reading room and remote reference. The role supervises 3-5 student assistants and coordinates reference desk and paging schedules, ensuring high-quality service for diverse patrons.

The candidate will develop and implement reference policies, handle copyright queries, and collaborate with Digital Collections to manage reproduction workflows and invoicing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university recognized by US DoE/CHEA.
• 3 years of experience in archives or library public services.
• 1 year of experience supervising students or paraprofessional employees.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement policies/workflows for reference processes.
• Train staff and students on reference desk operations for high customer service levels.
• Serve 8 hours weekly on the reference desk and coordinate schedules.

Skills

Diversity awareness

Reference interview

Customer service

Communication

Project management

Team leadership

Public service

Problem solving

Training staff

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Experience supervising students

Tools

Alma

Primo

Trello

AirTable

Job description

ROLE of the POSITION

Reporting to the Head of Special Collections Research, Engagement, and Instruction, the Reference and Reading Room Manager (RRM) provides strategic oversight and leadership of Special Collections and Archives (SCA) public service points, including our onsite reading room and remote reference queries. They ensure that knowledgeable and effective reference and research services are provided to all SCA patrons. The position supervises 3-5 student assistants in the performance of reference and administrative duties essential to the division.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement policies and workflows for conducting all aspects of the reference process, following professional standards for public services.
• Train all SCA faculty, staff, and students who work on the reference desk, ensuring that everyone who works the desk is maintaining a high level of customer service
• Serve 8 hours per week on the reference desk and coordinate both the reference desk and paging schedules.
• Troubleshoot and resolve problems that arise in the reading room and discern when an issue may need to be escalated to a higher authority.
• Serve as the first point of contact for SCA email and phone reference requests, managing the majority of remote reference queries.
• Develop expertise in general Las Vegas and Nevada history and SCA’s archival and rare book holdings in order to provide effective reference assistance.
• Coordinate responses to copyright and permissions requests, conducting research on the copyright status of items in the collections and overseeing the permissions process. As such, they are expected to understand the basics of US copyright law.
• Collaborate with colleagues in Digital Collections to manage the reproduction workflow, accurately invoice patrons for orders, and manage the PCI‑compliant payment process.
• Collaborate with the Head of Special Collections Research, Engagement, and Instruction to develop and execute outreach events, coordinate instruction sessions, select materials for classes, and supervise students during instruction activities.
• Coordinate and provide tours of the division.

PROFILE of the UNLV UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

As a strong partner in research and student learning, UNLV Libraries fosters critical thinking and lifelong learning at one of the nation's fastest growing universities. University Libraries comprises Lied Library and four branch libraries and we are a gateway to more than 80,000 electronic journals, 1.2 million volumes, and 1.4 million e‑books. We welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds to join our growing organization of over 120 experienced faculty librarians, professionals, and staff members.

The primary mission of the Special Collections and Archives Division is to collect, preserve, provide discovery and access to, and promote, interpret, and instruct in the use of our materials. Special Collections and Archives document the history, culture, and physical environment of the city of Las Vegas, the Southern Nevada region, the global gaming industry, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Our collections include manuscripts, books, photographs, periodicals, maps, architectural drawings, oral history interviews, audiovisual materials, University archives, born‑digital records, and other cultural artifacts. Significant collecting areas are: gaming and gambling; regional community groups and organizations; sexual entertainment and economies; Las Vegas entertainment and the arts; Las Vegas and urban resort architecture; mining and railroads; and Southern and Central Nevada history.

The division is comprised of three departments: Technical Services, Public Services, and Digital Collections. It also includes the Libraries’ preservation unit and conservation lab and the Oral History Research Center. Staff includes 10 academic faculty positions, 6 administrative faculty positions and multiple student and temporary positions.

COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY of the UNLV UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

The successful candidate will demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusiveness as well as leading a respectful, positive work environment. The University Libraries values begin with our belief that everyone deserves a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment where they are treated with respect and dignity. The Libraries extends its commitment to diversity and equity in employment and especially welcomes applications from women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, and others who contribute to diversification.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), 3 years of experience working in archives or library public services and 1 year of experience supervising students or paraprofessional employees. Credentials must be obtained prior to the employment start date.

• Competence and sensitivity in working with individuals who are highly diverse regarding many facets of identity, including but not limited to gender, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, ability, income, level of educational attainment, and religion
• Knowledge of basic library operations and reference interview strategies
• Knowledge of best practices for care and handling of archival materials
• Demonstrated proficiency with technology and common office computing software, library databases and management systems such as Alma and Primo, and project management software such as Trello or AirTable
• Strong customer service, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with diverse faculty, staff, administrators, students, and external partners
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills, with the ability to manage detailed tasks, assess needs, develop action plans, and coordinate with appropriate stakeholders
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively across organizational levels and employee classifications
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and conflict‑resolution skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment and respond professionally to varying situations
• Ability to lift boxes that weigh up to 40 pounds and maneuver carts that weigh up to 100 pounds

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of Las Vegas and Southern Nevada history
• Knowledge of U.S. Copyright Law
• Strong training and teaching skills

COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY and CAMPUS VALUES

A successful candidate will support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and contribute to a respectful, positive work environment. They will use our Campus Values to guide their decisions and actions and demonstrate our Rebel spirit.

SALARY

This is a full-time, 12-month, Administrative Faculty position at a Grade B. Minimum salary is $64,600. Salary is competitive with those at similarly situated institutions and dependent upon labor market.

For more information on salary ranges please visit UNLV Salary Range.

In addition, University Libraries is committed to and helps fund professional development opportunities: each position receives annual allotment for professional development activities.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT UNLV

• Competitive total rewards package includes:
  • Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays
  • Excellent health insurance including medical, dental and vision
  • Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs
• No state income tax
• Tuition discounts at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools
• Tuition discounts for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents

PERKS & PROGRAMS

• Employee recognition and appreciation programs
• UNLV athletics ticket discounts
• Statewide employee purchase program discounts
• RebelCard discounts on and off campus
• Wellness programming for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost
• Opportunity for career advancements to leadership roles
• Connect with colleagues with shared interests
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• A comprehensive onboarding program, Rebels: Onboard
• Support and resources available for veteran applicants — contact [e-mail] or visit Veterans Webpage.

This position may require that a criminal background check be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member’s first day of employment.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job‑related tasks.

For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements (if a closing date is provided).

Recruitments that provide a work schedule are subject to change based on organizational needs.

Administrative Faculty

Exempt