Special Collections Reference & Reading Room Lead

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV); Campus (IL); On-site; USD 58,140 - 71,060; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discounts for self and depend

Paid time off

Sick leave

Holidays

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision care

Retirement plans

Job summary

UNLV's University Libraries – Special Collections and Archives Division seeks a Reference and Reading Room Manager to lead reference services, policy development, and oversee the reading room schedule.

The role involves training staff and students, handling remote reference requests, coordinating copyright inquiries, partnering with Digital Collections on reproductions, and supervising 3–5 student assistants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution (CHEA recognized).
• Three years of experience in archives or library public services.
• One year of supervisory experience with students or paraprofessionals.
• Knowledge of basic library operations, reference interview strategies, archival handling, and technology (Alma, Primo, Trello, AirTable).
• Strong customer service, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, project management and time‑management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively across levels.
• Conflict‑resolution and problem‑solving skills; sound judgment.
• Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs and maneuver 100 lb carts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement policies and workflows for reference services.
• Train Faculty, staff and students in customer service and reference desk procedures.
• Maintain and monitor the reference desk (8 hours per week) and paging schedules.
• Serve as the primary contact for SCA email and phone references, managing most remote requests.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues in the reading room; identify when escalation is needed.
• Coordinate copyright and permissions inquiries, conduct research on copyright status and oversee the permissions process.
• Collaborate with Digital Collections to manage reproduction workflow, invoicing and PCI‑compliant payments.
• Work with the Head of Special Collections Research, Engagement and Instruction to execute outreach events, instruction sessions, material selection and student supervision.
• Coordinate and provide tours of the division.
• Supervise 3–5 student assistants in reference and administrative duties.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Time management

Project management

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Alma

Primo

Trello

AirTable

Job description

UNLV's University Libraries – Special Collections and Archives Division seeks a Reference and Reading Room Manager to lead reference services, policy development, and oversee the reading room schedule.

The role involves training staff and students, handling remote reference requests, coordinating copyright inquiries, partnering with Digital Collections on reproductions, and supervising 3–5 student assistants.