Public Services and Reserves Specialist

The Position

Public Services and Reserves Specialist

Job Summary

The Public Services and Reserves Specialist provides overall public services, with a focus on course reserves, as well as building supervision of Trexler Library. This position is responsible for the daily management of the lending services desk and supervision of student assistants staffing service desks. The Reserves Specialist oversees the management, access, and use of course reserves, both physical and online. Provides informational and directional assistance to users. Serves as a link between users and other library staff by making referrals as appropriate.

Muhlenberg offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes generous paid holidays, including three days off for Thanksgiving and an extended winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day; 15 vacation days per year; sick leave; eight weeks of paid parental leave; Life Sports Center membership; undergraduate and graduate tuition opportunities; medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; short- and long-term disability coverage; life insurance; and retirement benefits. Eligibility requirements and waiting periods may apply.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution, Muhlenberg is also a qualifying employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

The College & Surrounding Area: Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering baccalaureate and graduate programs. At Muhlenberg, we are committed to a campus community that ensures students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, respected, valued and included.

The College provides an intensely challenging, supportive environment centered around a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for lives of leadership and meaning in a dynamic, global society. The academic program is amplified by a range of innovative programming: comprehensive and intentional residence-life programming, expansive experiential learning requirements, and an innovative coaching program designed to maximize every student’s performance and potential.

Part of eastern Pennsylvania’s scenic Lehigh Valley, Allentown is a diverse city of 125,000, Pennsylvania’s third-largest, located just 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. The Lehigh Valley, which also includes neighboring cities Bethlehem and Easton, is one of the fastest growing regions in the state and the Northeast, leading Pennsylvania in population growth for people aged 18–34. Home to a vibrant arts scene, extensive parks and recreational opportunities, a rich blend of diverse cuisine, and so much more, visit Life in the Lehigh Valley | Muhlenberg College and check out Allentown here .

Characteristic duties and responsibilities

• Serves as the college’s expert for course reserves; manages and coordinates the course reserves program (including physical and online reserves).
• Maintains documentation on materials placed on reserve, including purchased digitization permissions.
• Assists and advises faculty and staff on the use of the course reserves services, ensuring that items placed on reserve comply with copyright law through the use of the Copyright Clearance Center or by direct contact with individual publishers.
• Compiles and maintains the course reserves procedures manual to standardize policy and practice and to provide guidance and training for reserves student staff.
• Keeps appropriate statistics and maintains data needed to prepare reports as assigned and about matters related to the course reserves program.
• Assists with all public services, such as circulation, interlibrary loan, and building oversight (including technology troubleshooting)
• Answers basic queries received in person or by phone, advises users with complex questions about when they can get assistance from appropriate other library staff.
• Supports hiring and management of student staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned and as dictated by the needs of users.

Qualifications

While no one person may possess all the qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will have many of the following professional experiences and characteristics:

• A baccalaureate degree and related job experience.
• Working knowledge of general library procedures, information resources, computers, and library security concerns.
• Experience with or a willingness to learn: course reserves, circulation, interlibrary loan, integrated library systems, and copyright and fair use;
• Ability to work and interact effectively with diverse groups of people, including library users, faculty, and student staff.
• Ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations, maintain a proper study environment, and employ good judgment in the resolution of disputes.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Demonstrated success in working with the public and a strong commitment to library services.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive academic and professional environment where all members of our campus community are respected, valued, can succeed, and thrive.
• Successful completion of satisfactory background checks including but not limited to education verification, criminal background, and child abuse clearance.
• The Public Services and Reserves Specialist also participates in other generally assigned duties and actively engages in the activities and practices of Trexler Library.

Work / Life Balance

• This position qualifies for the campus work / life balance policies for flexible schedules and telework when available.
• Trexler Library has open building hours over 100 hours/week during the semester.

To apply, upload your complete application package as a single PDF document. A complete application package includes: 1) cover letter; 2) resume; 3) a separate statement speaking to how your professional experience will contribute to a more inclusive community at Muhlenberg; and 4) names/contact information for three professional references. Application review may continue until the position is filled. To initiate your application, use the APPLY

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An Equal Opportunity Employer, Muhlenberg College is committed to valuing and enhancing diversity and encourages applications from individuals who can contribute to the diversity of our community. Muhlenberg College does not discriminate against any person based on age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetics, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, in its education programs and activities, including admissions and employment. Muhlenberg College does not discriminate on the basis of sex as required by Title IX.

Legal Notice

Muhlenberg College Annual Crime Reporting- As provided by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, prospective employees of Muhlenberg College are entitled to request and receive a copy of the College Annual Security Report (ASR). The ASR can be accessed at http://www.muhlenberg.edu/annualsecurityreport . This report includes crime statistics on certain reportable crimes, as well as Muhlenberg College Safety Policies. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus safety and police, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters. Anyone wishing a paper copy of the ASR may contact the Campus Safety Office at 484-664-3112.