Student Spaces Specialist

Code4lib; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University is seeking a Student Spaces Specialist for the Access Services division within the ARM department at Fenwick Library, Fairfax. The role manages student spaces, booking systems, and serves as a departmental lead on facilities topics.

Responsibilities include front-desk service, space management, and collaboration on policies. Strong communication, organizational, and team skills are essential for success in a fast-paced library setting.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with library systems and resources is desirable.
• Strong communication and customer-service skills.

Responsibilities

• Provides customer service at the Fenwick Library service desk on the Fairfax campus, including circulation services and basic reference service.
• Maintains knowledge of circulation operations, policies and procedures to assist patrons.
• Explains and enforces library guidelines to provide accurate information to patrons.
• Responds to inquiries regarding library services and policies.
• Serves as lead when staff are unavailable and may open/close Fenwick Library or cover weekend shifts.
• Manages study room bookings and the department's reservation system.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Problem solving

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Alma

EBSCO

JSTOR

ProQuest

Job description

George Mason University provides salary ranges representing a good-faith estimate of the compensation the university reasonably expects to offer for this position. The salary for a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as — but not limited to — qualifications of the individual; internal equity; and alignment with the university's approved pay structures.

At George Mason University, base salary is one component of a comprehensive total rewards package that includes competitive health and wellness benefits, retirement contributions, generous leave, tuition benefits for employees, and the opportunity to contribute to the mission of Virginia's largest and most diverse public research university.

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department

The University Libraries foster innovation, creativity, and imagination by facilitating and preserving access to scholarship and information, providing expert consultation in the research process, and actively teaching the effective and critical use of information. The Access & Resource Management (ARM) division works across the libraries to support the University’s strategic goals and plan by acquiring, managing, and providing access to scholarly resources that enhance curricular and research needs. The division manages the lifecycle of the University Libraries’ scholarly collection from budget development to point of ordering to provision of access and all associated maintenance and assessment. The division is comprised of three departments: Collection Management, Discovery Services, and Access Services.

About the Position

The Student Spaces Specialist supports the circulation and user services functions of the information desk and manages student spaces and the related booking system. The position serves as a departmental lead within Access Services regarding Fenwick library facilities issues. Participates in the development, recommendation, implementation and administration of Access Services policies, procedures, and processes. This position participates in internal and external collaboration on security issues and on committees and/or workgroups as required to share knowledge, develop best practices, and advance the work of the Libraries.

Responsibilities

User Services & Engagement

• Provides customer service at the Fenwick Library service desk on the Fairfax campus, including circulation services and basic reference service;
• Maintains knowledge of circulation operations, policies and procedures in order to provide courteous service assistance to patrons;
• Explains and enforces library and departmental guidelines, policies, and procedures to provide accurate and satisfactory service and/or information to patrons;
• Responds to and resolves routine and progressively complex inquiries regarding library services, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;
• Uses discretion and independent judgment to help resolve issues and provide exceptional service; and
• Serves as the lead in charge of library facilities and services when staff in library administration and/or supervisor are not available, and opens or closes Fenwick Library and/or work weekends as assigned.

Student Spaces Management

• Manages study room bookings and student spaces in Fenwick Library, including managing the reservation system for the department;
• Interacts with library patrons to answer questions, resolve complaints, etc.;
• Reports problems with software or equipment to appropriate parties (DSS, physical plant, Admin coordinator, etc.);
• Tracks and maintains headcount data on a weekly basis to ensure all information regarding student space usage;
• Works with the User Services and Experience Coordinator and Facilities Manager to identify and adjust student spaces for noise levels and furniture needs;
• In conjunction with supervisors, determines best practices to ensure room access equitability (cancellations, exceptions, policy changes, etc.);
• Manages Fenwick Library’s Lost & Found: weekly, transfers Lost & Found items from the Information Desk to Access Services storage area, boxes previous week’s items and sends to Campus Police; and
• Maintains familiarity with Campus Police’s policies regarding lost items and sends items in adherence with their policies.

Facilities Management Support

• Serves as the Access Services point of contact for facilities management, supporting facilities-related needs and issues as needed in coordination with Access Services managers and the Facilities and Operations Manager;
• Coordinates student workers for facilities management-related tasks and projects; and
• Reports building, facilities-related, or security issues using library and university processes and systems to engage Facilities or other appropriate departments as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent;
• Library work experience;
• Experience with library systems (such as Alma) and research resources (such as EBSCO, JSTOR, ProQuest, etc.);
• Experienced remaining calm and arrive at fair and equitable solutions in a customer service environment;
• Experience collaborating within and outside of department to achieve common goals;
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities for self and others;
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with library staff, faculty, students and members of the public;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, production, and service-oriented environment; and
• Able to skillfully navigate sensitive or challenging conversations with professionalism and diplomacy, ensuring alignment and mutual understanding.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field;
• Academic library experience;
• Knowledge of facilities-related issues;
• Knowledge of student spaces coordination and management;
• Ability to utilize and navigate a room reservation system;
• Ability to work with library staff and patrons to address furniture and noise issues with student study rooms and spaces; and
• Ability to train others.

Salary: Anticipated hiring range for this position is from $50,000 - $55,000

Posting Open Date: October 30, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: November 13, 2026

Mason Ad Statement

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.