Library Technical Services Specialist Lead

MPL•Milwaukee, WI

About The Position

The Library Technical Services Specialist Lead supports and coordinates the acquisition of library materials in all formats for the Milwaukee Public Library. The role manages acquisition records and payments, resolves vendor and order issues, supports gift-material acquisition, and processes the technical aspects of ordering, receiving, cancellation, and payment in the library’s Integrated Library System (ILS). The Lead also troubleshoots daily workflow issues, advises and trains Library Technical Services Specialists, coordinates with selectors and other library staff, and supports unit workflow, training, and cross-training. The position provides system and staff support by maintaining procedures and training documentation, assigning support duties, developing staff schedules, tracking acquisition statistics, supporting library personnel training, and assisting the Library Technical Services Supervisor with staff reviews. It also supports Interlibrary Loan processes and collaborates with Copy Cataloging and Database Management staff on materials flow and workflow. Candidates selected for hire will start on or after December 21, 2026.

Requirements

Three years of full-time office experience, including one year working in Library Services; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Ability to keyboard with facility, speed, and accuracy.
Ability to use computer software, including Microsoft Office/365 Suite, an Integrated Library System (ILS), and library-related systems, and to manage electronic files.
Ability to arrange materials accurately in alphabetical and numerical order.
Ability to accurately calculate basic arithmetic problems.
Understanding of the organization of knowledge in a library setting, including collocation and the Dewey Decimal Classification System.
Knowledge of library technical services operations and ability to interrelate this knowledge among areas of the Technical Services Division.
Ability to develop and document work procedures.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to communicate ideas and information effectively in writing and verbally.
Strong customer-service orientation and excellent interpersonal and teamwork attitude.
Ability to work in an inclusive environment where people are treated respectfully, valued for their strengths, and able to express themselves safely.
Aptitude for and interest in highly detailed work.
Excellent judgment and ability to collaborate in solving problems.
Ability to make sound decisions, meet deadlines, and be flexible and adaptable.
Honesty, integrity, and responsible stewardship of library resources.
Ability to follow supervisor instructions verbally and in writing.
Strong time-management and organizational skills.
Ability to evaluate situations and make independent decisions based on experience, knowledge, or training.
Ability to learn and knowledge of management and supervisory principles and practices.
Ability to establish policy and deadlines, set goals and expectations, assign and review work, monitor employee performance, provide training and feedback, and address minor employee problems while reporting larger problems to the supervisor.
Ability to create and develop a diverse work team in which all members can reach their potential.
Ability to identify workflow problems and opportunities, communicate them effectively, and contribute ideas for solutions.
Skill in training others in new procedures, tools, and techniques.
Ability to make decisions in accordance with rules, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
Willingness and ability to perform medium physical work, including daily stooping, reaching, standing, and walking.
Ability to lift and move items continually weighing up to 10 pounds, frequently up to 20 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds, and to push and pull wheeled loads weighing approximately 100 pounds.
Must meet pre-employment medical requirements, including a physical test, audiogram, and vision screening.

Nice To Haves

Experience using financial management systems.
Experience working in a Library Technical Services area.

Responsibilities

Manage acquisition and selection records, including running lists and reports.
Import electronic invoices, organize invoice groups, and make payments for materials in the ILS and the City’s Financial Management System (Workday).
Organize and direct invoice grouping and materials invoices for city payments and related record-keeping.
Resolve problem orders and manage vendor statements and credits.
Manage damaged materials received from vendors, including arranging replacements or credits, returns, documentation, and timely resolution.
Address order cancellations by running vendor reports, facilitating order and bibliographic-record updates, and managing cancellation reports in the ILS.
Administer the technical aspects of gift-material acquisition, including compiling lists, creating order records, and facilitating processing of approved gifts.
Partner with Technical Services Supervisors, Leads, and Library Technical Services Specialists on specialized pre-processing, processing, and bindery functions.
Troubleshoot daily acquisition issues and advise Library Technical Services Specialists on strategies and solutions for assigned tasks.
Train staff in advanced ILS functions.
Communicate with library selectors to ensure accurate ordering and materials processing.
Collaborate with library staff on unit workflow, tasks, training, and cross-training.
Process and troubleshoot technical aspects of ordering, receiving, cancellation, and payment processing of library materials in the ILS.
Model professionalism in support of Milwaukee Public Library’s Code of Customer Care and Code of Employee Care.
Maintain procedural and training documentation, assign support duties to LTSS staff, resolve or refer problems to the supervisor, and develop LTSS staff schedules.
Maintain statistics related to acquisitions work.
Support training of Library personnel and participate in ongoing training and continuing education.
Consult with the supervisor on performance issues and collaborate to refine skills and optimize LTSS team performance.
Assist the Library Technical Services Supervisor in preparing probationary and annual staff reviews of Library Technical Services Specialists.
Provide support for Interlibrary Loan processes.
Collaborate with Copy Cataloging and Database Management staff regarding materials flow, cross-training, and workflow.