Branch Library Public Services Associate

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

4d•$44,000 - $49,000•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Iowa Libraries is hiring a full-time, 12-month specified-term Branch Library Public Services Associate in Unified Access Services. The role supports day-to-day operations across six branch libraries and the Main Library, providing service-desk coverage and operational support. The associate assists library users in person, by phone, email, or chat with directional questions, basic reference, circulation, and technology needs, and refers users to appropriate campus or library experts when needed. The position also supports branch and library-system projects and oversees student workers during service-desk coverage. The position is 100% on campus and is not eligible for hybrid or remote work. Evening and/or weekend shifts are required, and schedules may need to change to address coverage needs. The role provides backup coverage for closing shifts and for staff absences, illness, leave, or unavailable student workers. When not covering service desks, the associate may assist with usage statistics, digital-content accessibility remediation, course reserves, and outreach. The position also involves operating and coaching users on library technology and equipment. The hiring salary range is $44,000–$49,000, based on experience. The position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization. Employment is contingent on disclosure of conviction history, a criminal background check, and credential and education verification.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent education and experience.
Demonstrated customer service experience in public-facing roles.
Demonstrated ability to work flexibly in a rapidly changing environment.
Demonstrated ability to work productively and sensitively with library and university colleagues, faculty, students, researchers, and community members.
Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment where consultation, flexibility, collaboration, and cooperation are essential.
Demonstrated interest in professional development that will enhance the candidate’s value to the Libraries, the University, the profession, or the scholarly community.
Ability to move up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Ability to work evening and/or weekend shifts and adjust shifts as needed for coverage.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience working in academic, special, or public libraries, with a focus on public services.
Demonstrated ability to work on all aspects of circulation services, including familiarity with circulation programs such as Alma.
At least one year of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Support day-to-day operations across the six branch libraries and the Main Library.
Provide reliable backup coverage for closing shifts and service desks during staff absences, illness, leave, or when branch student workers are unavailable.
Monitor and guide student employees while covering service desks.
Provide circulation and basic reference services, answer library users’ questions, and assist library staff as needed.
Provide customer service in person, by phone, email, or chat, including directional and technology assistance and referrals to appropriate experts.
Assist with special projects benefiting branch libraries and the broader library system, including usage statistics compilation, digital-content accessibility remediation, course reserves support, and outreach activities.
Operate and coach users in the use of printers, scanners, self-check kiosks, laptops, and other technology and equipment.