Description

The University of Mississippi Libraries seeks a collaborative and service-oriented Head of Access Services. The Access Services department is responsible for front-line service operations that ensure students, faculty, staff, and walk-in users can effectively access library resources. The Head of Access Services provides leadership for key functions, including circulation, resource sharing, stack maintenance, and reserves.

The position reports to the Assistant Dean for Public Services, supervises seven full-time dedicated staff, and takes lead on recommending policy revisions and workflow changes that improve the overall library user experience. The position also collaborates with library administration and other library unit heads to align UM Libraries with University goals.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the Access Services department
• Oversee circulation, course reserves, interlibrary loan, and stack maintenance
• Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise staff and student employees to deliver high-quality, user-centered services.
• Collaborate with Access Services team members to manage student workers that include one graduate assistant and undergraduate students
• Monitor effectiveness of services and recommend improvements in staffing, technology, and facilities
• Develop, implement, and assess access services policies, standards, and workflows
• Work closely with other library departments to support teaching, research, and student success
• Engage in sustained scholarly research and publication to meet tenure and promotion requirements.
• Provide meaningful service at the departmental, institutional, and professional levels

Position Details:

Appointment: 12-month

Assignment Type: Tenure Track

Compensation: $55,000/year base pay, $7,000 administrative stipend, and the university’s excellent benefits package.

Application Procedures:

Application review begins immediately and the position will remain open until an adequate applicant pool is reached.

All applicants must complete an online application at https://olemiss.edu/hr/um-careers/.

Complete applications include a letter of interest, C.V., and reference contact information. 

If you have any questions, please contact Brian Young, Interim Assistant Dean for Public Services at [email protected].

Interview Requirement:

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

EEO Statement:

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in library science or information science from an ALA accredited program
• At least 3 years of professional library experience
• Proven ability to lead teams and projects within access services or related library functions that support user access and engagement.
• Strong emphasis on service excellence and continuous improvement in user support
• Commitment to establishing a research agenda that supports tenure and promotion requirements.