Senior Library Specialist - Mathematics Library

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library seeks a Senior Library Specialist for the Mathematics Library. This Civil Service role collaborates with the Mathematics Librarian to supervise, manage public services, and oversee collection development and cataloging support.

The position involves coordinating staff evaluations, scheduling 18–22 student assistants, and ensuring coverage for 100+ hours per week. Salary details are provided upon appointment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years work experience in a library or equivalent setting.
• College coursework as measured by the state conversion table (credit hours).
• Total two years work experience in a library or equivalent setting with increasing responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Manages Mathematics Library circulation and public services.
• Provides research and information assistance to Library users.
• Supervises evening staff and coordinates evaluations and hiring decisions.
• Schedules student assistants and ensures coverage for open hours.
• Assists in interviews for late-night positions and creates semester schedules.

Skills

Library resources

Cataloging concepts

Reference interviews

Math resources familiarity

Library systems learning

Education

High school diploma

Two years library experience

Associate’s/Bachelor’s preferred

Tools

LibStaffer

Alma/Primo

WorldCat/Scopus

Job description

Mathematics Library

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library

Senior Library Specialist

FUNCTION:

The Senior Library Specialist works closely with the Mathematics Librarian, who serves as the liaison librarian for Mathematics, Statistics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Computing and Data Science. The position performs a range of supervisory, public service, technical service, and collection management functions essential to the effective operation of the Mathematics Library and contributes to the mission of the University Library.

Duties And Responsibilities

Manages Mathematics Library circulation and public services, including providing research and information assistance to Library users

• Has direct operational management of the library and is the lead staff member during the early evening hours Monday-Friday. Serves as the supervisory bridge between daytime and late-night staff members.
• Coordinates with LOA and unit head on probationary evaluations and annual evaluations of the staff members whose work is supervised by this position.
• Coordinates staff interviews for open late-night positions as part of a three-person committee making hiring decisions.
• Enter and manage student schedules in LibStaffer and assists in managing student assistant swaps and absences to ensure adequate coverage for the 100+ hours per week that we are open.
• Works with LOA to interview student assistant applicants.
• Works with LOA to create schedules for 18-22 student assistants each semester.

Supports collection development and manages monograph and serial acquisitions for the Mathematics Library

• Researches and recommends materials for acquisition based on collection needs, available funding, faculty input, and established collection priorities.
• Conducts bibliographic research to verify holdings, editions, formats, and publication history and prepares orders for selected materials.
• Monitors monographic series and journals, standing orders, and other continuing publications; identifies needed volumes and resolves ordering or receipt issues.
• Works with the Mathematics Librarian and departmental faculty to identify collection needs and priorities.
• Identifies materials elsewhere in the Library that may be appropriate for transfer to the Mathematics Library.

Manages Mathematics Library collections, cataloging support, and patron account issues

• Reviews catalog and holdings records for Mathematics Library materials and works with appropriate Library units to resolve errors or inconsistencies.
• Processes donated materials, including evaluating materials for the collection, coordinating cataloging, and preparing gift correspondence.
• Assists patrons with fines, billing, lost or overdue materials, and related account issues; works with central Library units to resolve complex cases.
• Monitors the physical collection, including identifying missing, damaged, or mis-shelved materials and coordinating repair, preservation, or other appropriate action.
• Maintains local collection records and other information needed to support access to Mathematics Library materials and services.

Supervises and supports Mathematics Library staff

• Recruits, trains, schedules, approves time sheets, and supervises student assistants.
• Provides training, guidance, and constructive feedback to support effective job performance and professional development.
• Serves as a resource for resolving complex operational questions and developing or improving unit procedures.
• Collaborates with the Grainger Engineering Library Information Center, the Chemistry Library, and other Library staff to develop and implement effective, consistent workflows, procedures, and services.

Other

• Assists the Mathematics Librarian in identifying, organizing, maintaining, and documenting historical records and materials related to Altgeld Hall, the Department of Mathematics, and the Mathematics Library.
• Supports projects to preserve, describe, and improve access to historical materials and documentation related to the Library’s collections, programs, and activities.
• Performs other related duties and participates in special projects as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the following categories:
• work experience in a library or equivalent setting.
• college course work in any field as measured by the following conversion table:
• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
• Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
• 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
• Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
• A total of two (2) years (24 months) work experience in a library or equivalent setting performing progressively more responsible work consistent with the next lower level of this series.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of library resources, systems, and bibliographic searching to support acquisitions, collection management, and public services.
• Understanding of cataloging, bibliographic and holdings concepts, with the ability to identify record or processing issues and coordinate corrections as appropriate.
• Knowledge and skills to conduct reference interviews and assist patrons with questions related to scholarly resources, using general library research tools (e.g., Alma, Primo, WorldCat, Web of Science, and Scopus). Familiarity with mathematics-specific resources (e.g., MathSciNet, zbMATH, Current Index to Statistics) is preferred.
• Knowledge of reference and information services, including the ability to identify patron needs, assist with research questions, and refer specialized questions as appropriate.
• Ability to learn and use Library systems, databases, and other tools needed to maintain collections and assist patrons.

Responsibility

Incumbent performs duties under the general supervision of the Mathematics Librarian but is expected to carry out routine assignments and duties in a largely autonomous fashion and be able to delegate work to LS and student assistants as appropriate.

Difficulty

They are expected to follow and interpret University Library guidelines and policies for unit application. They must manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment in curating the unit’s collections, handle the stress of working directly with library users in a responsive and timely fashion, and learn and use multiple desktop and Web-based applications specific to the domain of mathematics.

Personal Relationships:

The incumbent is expected to provide timely, courteous, and efficient service to Mathematics Library users and to represent the unit professionally in interactions with students, faculty, staff, publishers, vendors, Library colleagues, and the Mathematics and Statistics Departments. These interactions take place through a variety of communication channels, including in person, by telephone, chat, email, Teams, and Zoom.

Physical Requirements & Environmental Demands:

Work involves handling, shelving, and shifting library materials, including occasionally moving items weighing up to 40 pounds. Work is performed primarily in the Mathematics Library (temporarily in Grainger Engineering Library Information Center). The position may involve routine exposure to book dust, older or dusty materials, and materials treated with cleaning, preservation, or other substances that may cause sensitivities or allergic reactions. No unusual risks or environmental hazards are typically associated with the position.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4903 - Senior Library Specialist position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The negotiated salary for the position is $59,806.50.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].