Public Services Coordinator (Full-Time), Colby College Libraries, Waterville, ME

Posted October 27, 2021

Description:

The public services coordinator manages the Colby College Libraries’ public service infrastructure through proactive and collaborative engagement. The public services coordinator balances organizational, observational, and interpersonal skills in the service of efficient program delivery. The coordinator is responsible for two connected and essential areas within the libraries: stacks management and student employment. Much of the work within each of these areas requires working in partnership with others on the Public Services team, throughout the Colby College Libraries, and across campus. The schedule for this position is Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
General

Oversee, coordinate, and/or perform complex integrated activities in the public services area; plan, organize, and implement the provision of services
Create or participate in the development, implementation, and shared documentation of service procedures and workflows related to student workers and stacks management
Provide timely, accurate customer service that meets the needs of faculty, staff, and students; provide expert information services and assistance on the use of library systems and the location of resources
Review, evaluate, analyze, and make recommendations for service improvements and implementation
Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with faculty, staff, and students
Compile annual statistics and reports related to areas of responsibility to both assess services (and recommend changes) and to meet reporting requirements for annual reports and feasibility
Build and sustain relationships with students, faculty, and staff
Serve on committees and working groups within the Libraries and also within the Colby-Bates-Bowdoin (CBB)
consortium, as required
Participate in quarterly meetings with campus security
Work evenings and weekends at least twice each week, during the academic year, and in support of the department, as needed
Must be able to manage a broad variety of tasks in response to varying time pressures with shifting priorities and changing constraints
Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Student Employment

Recruit, hire, train, and supervise the student work force in support of operations across all Public Services areas;
assign work projects, including ensuring appropriate desk coverage
Provide ongoing leadership, coaching, and assessment of student staff, in collaboration with Public Services
colleagues

Stacks Management

Oversee the coordination of student workers and Public Services colleagues in the care and management of physical collections across all library spaces
Manage shelving, shelf reading, inventory, and care of materials such as those needing repair or new labels; direct students in the maintenance and cleaning of the stacks
In collaboration with colleagues in Collections Management, coordinate shifting, pulling, and moving of library materials.
Coordinate with Facilities Services any projects that require moving furniture, shelving parts, and other heavy items
Create, assess, and improve (as needed) processes for collection usage statistics
Assist with the planning and implementation of stack shifting projects

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
A minimum of two years of experience in public services in a library
Experience hiring and managing student employees, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments
Familiarity with stacks management/maintenance
Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with internal and external parties to identify and resolve issues and adapt to changing priorities
Ability to assess objectives and operational requirements and to develop and implement suitable operational policies and/or procedures
Service-centered orientation and exceptional problem-solving skills
Talent to organize resources and establish priorities
Strong written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills including a professional, positive and approachable demeanor
Computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office Suite and Google Apps
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team in a diverse community
Valid driver’s license required and must meet the College’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements
Familiarity with integrated library system software and Innovative Interfaces products preferred
Marketing, public relations, and/or graphic design skills preferred

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
Reporting to the assistant director for public services, this position has significant interaction with faculty, staff, students, and colleagues and programs in the Colby College Libraries. This position may also work closely with CBB colleagues as well as colleagues based in Miller Library including Colby Writing Program, Colby Center for Teaching and Learning, Academic Information Technology Services, and Colby Center for the Arts and Humanities.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Occasional nights and weekends may be required to support related College events. Must have the ability to occasionally lift and move up to 30-50 pounds.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply” button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

Public Services Coordinator – Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8855

For more information about the College, please visit our website: www.colby.edu.