Resource Sharing Specialist (Library Services Associate), University Libraries

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 41,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries at University Park is seeking a Resource Sharing Specialist (Library Services Associate) to join the Resource Sharing and Interlibrary Loan department. The role focuses on obtaining materials not owned by Penn State and delivering documents to faculty, staff, and students worldwide.

You will support patrons through multiple channels, coordinate with lending libraries, ensure copyright compliance, and help optimize workflows across the library

Qualifications

• Experience working in a library environment with knowledge of library operations, patron services, and resource sharing practices
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and a proven record of reliable, timely task completion
• Driven to provide excellent customer service
• Excellent interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others

Responsibilities

• Interlibrary Loan & Borrowing Process interlibrary loan borrowing requests using ILLiad and related systems.
• Search catalogs, databases, and online resources to verify citations and locate materials.
• Identify and coordinate with lending partners based on availability, cost, policies, and delivery timelines.
• Ensure compliance with copyright and resource-sharing policies.
• Communicate with patrons, lending libraries, acquisitions staff, and subject specialists to resolve requests and support fulfillment.
• Deliver electronic articles and documents to patrons in a timely manner.
• Maintain procedures, documentation, and workflow processes.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Libraries to support resource-sharing services.
• Assist with training, onboarding, hiring activities, and continuous service improvement.
• Represent the department in meetings, committees, and outreach activities.

Skills

Library experience

Patron services

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Education

Associate degree

Tools

ILLiad

ReShare

RapidILL

OCLC Resource Sharing

Job description

Position specifics

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries at University Park is accepting applications for a Resource Sharing Specialist (Library Services Associate) to join the Resource Sharing and Interlibrary Loan department.
The Resource Sharing Specialist will work as part of our borrowing team, plus will serve as part of the larger resource sharing team to support the research needs of Penn State University patrons and our library partners from around the world.
The primary duties of this position will be to obtain materials not owned by Penn State from other libraries and provide document delivery services for our faculty, staff, and students.
The Resource Sharing Specialist will also provide customer support for patrons via various communication methods.

Responsibilities

• Interlibrary Loan & Borrowing Process interlibrary loan borrowing requests using ILLiad and related systems.


• Search catalogs, databases, and online resources to verify citations and locate materials.


• Identify and coordinate with lending partners based on availability, cost, policies, and delivery timelines.


• Ensure compliance with copyright and resource-sharing policies.


• Communicate with patrons, lending libraries, acquisitions staff, and subject specialists to resolve requests and support fulfillment.


• Evaluate unfilled requests and determine appropriate next steps.


• Customer Service & Team Support Provide customer service to Penn State users and partner libraries via phone, email, ticketing systems, and in person.


• Monitor and respond to departmental email accounts and service requests.


• Deliver electronic articles and documents to patrons in a timely manner.


• Maintain procedures, documentation, and workflow processes.


• Collaborate with colleagues across the Libraries to support resource-sharing services.


• Assist with training, onboarding, hiring activities, and continuous service improvement.


• Represent the department in meetings, committees, and outreach activities.


• Materials Processing Receive, verify, and process interlibrary loan and E-ZBorrow materials.


• Document due dates, use restrictions, and special handling requirements.


• Prepare and distribute materials for patron pickup or electronic delivery.


• Process returned items and coordinate returns with lending institutions.


• Resolve issues involving incorrect, incomplete, or damaged materials.


• Maintain user borrowing privileges and records.


• Coordinate with circulation and billing staff to resolve patron account issues related to borrowed materials.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a library environment with knowledge of library operations, patron services, and resource sharing practices


• Effective written and verbal communication skills


• Excellent organizational skills and a proven record of reliable, timely task completion


• Driven to provide excellent customer service


• Excellent interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of resource sharing, interlibrary loan, and document delivery services


• Experience with or familiarity using resource sharing systems such as ILLiad, ReShare, RapidILL, and OCLC Resource Sharing


• Knowledge of library circulation systems and the ability to effectively search library databases, catalogs, and online resources


• Ability to research and resolve issues related to patron requests, citations, and resource access

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.

Required Certifications: None

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.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $40,608.00 - $58,836.00. 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.

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage


• robust retirement plans


• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time


• generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

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.

EEO & Diversity

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.