Access Services Manager (HR Title: Supervisor, Library Administration)
About The Position
This role is an on-campus, in-person position. SMU Libraries seeks an innovative and service-oriented Access Services Manager to lead public service operations at the Bridwell Library. As part of the SMU Libraries Access Services Team, this position ensures consistent, user-centered services that support the research and resource needs of the SMU community. The Access Services Manager provides leadership and oversight for circulation, stacks management, course reserves, and resource sharing operations. This position supervises full-time and student employees, manages daily workflows, and collaborates closely with colleagues across SMU Libraries to ensure seamless and equitable access to library materials and spaces. The position reports to the Director of Bridwell Library and works in partnership with SMU Libraries' Director of Access & Resource Sharing.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
- Minimum of three years of experience in an academic library or equivalent setting.
- Demonstrated excellence in public service and user-centered library operations.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to lead and develop staff and manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
- Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
- Alma certification required within one year of employment.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent.
- Experience with integrated library systems (e.g., Alma).
- Familiarity with access services in a theological or higher education context.
- Experience in service assessment and improvement initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Supervision and Staff Development: Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate full-time staff and student employees. Provide mentoring and performance feedback, schedule coverage for service points, and promote a supportive, growth-oriented work culture.
- Service Delivery and Patron Support: Oversee front-line public services including circulation, reserves, stacks, and basic reference support. Ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery, uphold policies with professionalism, and resolve patron access issues.
- Administration and Operations: Monitor access services workflows and procedures. Manage desk statistics, usage reports, course reserves, resource sharing, and supply ordering. Ensure compliance with SMU Libraries' policies and procedures.
- Collaboration and Team Participation: Actively participate on the Access Services Team and other SMU Libraries committees. Collaborate with colleagues in different areas (including systems, resource sharing, and discovery) to improve communication and service quality.
- Location-Specific Responsibilities: Coordinate with Bridwell's reference, research, writing, and technical services staff to support seamless user experiences. Partner with SMU Libraries staff to improve access to digital and physical materials.
Benefits
- SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
- SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
- The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Industry
Educational Services
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
