Head of Access Services

at Lewis & Clark College
Location Portland, 615 S. Palatine Hill Road
Date Posted March 20, 2025
Category Executive / Management
Job Type Full-time
State Oregon (OR)

Description

  • open until filled, with initial review beginning Monday, April 7

    PRIMARY PURPOSE 

    The Head of Access Services within Watzek Library is primarily responsible for the oversight and development of library access services, including circulation, stacks management, resource sharing, and course reserves. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills, along with a commitment to improving library services in an evolving environment. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at managing operations, overseeing workflows and technologies, supervising staff, fostering collaboration across departments, and driving efficiencies within library access services. This role reports directly to the Associate Director of Watzek Library.

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES

    Oversee Access Services Operations

    • Manage daily operations for Circulation, Stacks Management, Course Reserves, and Interlibrary Loan services.

    • Ensure the library’s service desk is consistently staffed during all operating hours.

    • Provide direct assistance to patrons and support Access Services staff in performing complex procedures and resolving exceptional policy issues.

    • Maintain essential services, including course reserves and interlibrary loan processing, during staff absences.

    Supervise Staff and Student Employees

    • Supervise three Access Services staff members and provide regular performance reviews.

    • Lead recruitment, training, and scheduling of 25 student employees within Access Services.

    • Encourage professional development and foster a supportive work environment for both staff and students.

    Manage Access Services Technologies

    • Lead the development and management of technologies related to access services, including circulation, resource sharing, and discovery platforms.

    • Directly manage the circulation and discovery modules of the integrated library system (Alma, Primo VE), resource sharing systems (RapidILL, Tipasa),  and room booking software (LibCal).

    Drive Collaborative Workflows and Efficiencies

    • Identify and implement improvements in workflows within Access Services and across library and campus departments.

    • Collaborate with Acquisitions, Cataloging, IT, Facilities, Campus Safety, and Boley Law Library on shared responsibilities and initiatives.

    • Report building and security concerns to appropriate departments.

    Contribute to Library and Consortium Initiatives

    • Participate in Orbis Cascade Alliance initiatives related to resource sharing and fulfillment activities.

    • Stay informed on consortium policies, best practices, and evolving trends in access services.

    • Serve on Discovery Team and other library committees, and engage in professional development opportunities.

    Other Duties as Assigned

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

    • Proficient in managing library access services, including circulation, resource sharing, and course reserves.

    • Excellent leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to motivate and guide staff and student employees toward professional development and success.

    • Superior organizational and time management skills, ensuring the efficient operation of library services across multiple areas.

    • Extremely skilled in using an integrated library system (ILS) such as Alma and resource sharing systems like Tipasa and RapidILL.

    • Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with a diverse range of individuals, including students, staff, faculty, and external partners.

    • Proficient in assessing and resolving complex situations related to library policies and procedures, ensuring a positive user experience.

    • Strong problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to evaluate and implement improvements in workflows and systems.

    • Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in financial management and resource allocation within Access Services.

    • Highly skilled in promoting inclusion and diversity in the workplace, fostering an environment where all staff and students feel valued and supported.

    • Superior interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and build strong working relationships with colleagues.

    REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

    • Bachelor’s degree

    • Two years of experience in library services or a related field

    • One year of supervisory experience

    PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

    • Master’s degree in Library and/or Information Science

    • Operations management experience

    • Knowledge of copyright law and fair use as it applies to libraries

    WORK SCHEDULE

    • Full-time position: Yes, 37.5 hours per week

    • Benefits Eligible: Yes

    • Work Days: Monday through Friday

    • Typical Schedule: Standard office hours with occasional evening or weekend hours based on departmental needs or events.

    • Travel: Minimal travel required for professional development, conferences, and community outreach efforts.

    • Hybrid/Remote: On-site presence required. Occasional remote work may be allowed with prior approval from library administration.

    PAY RATE

    • FLSA Status: Exempt

    • Starting at $72,000 annually, with consideration for experience

    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

    • General office and library environment.

    • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

    • Ability to communicate effectively via phone, email, online meetings, and in person.

    • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.

    • Requires occasional walking, standing, and bending, with minimal physical exertion.

    • Moderate amount of repetitive tasks such as typing, filing, and organizing materials.

    Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission.  We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws.  The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies.  Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators

    (https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance)

    Reasonable Accommodation
    Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

    Eligibility to Work
    For non-student positions, Lewis & Clark College will conduct a background check on the finalist (unless a background check has been completed within the last 3 years), which will include a criminal record check. If a conviction is discovered, a determination will be made whether the conviction is related to the position for which the individual is applying or would present safety or security risks before an employment decision is made. A criminal conviction does not necessarily automatically bar an applicant from employment.

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