Public Services Librarian

Southern Utah University • Cedar City, UT

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Public Services Librarian provides leadership and oversight for the Circulation Department, the Reference Desk, and the Copy Center to connect patrons with physical library resources and services. The Public Services Librarian advances an ethos of positive customer service and develops strategic initiatives and direction for these departments. The position also involves planning and directing the delivery of library public service programs and projects, ensuring alignment with SUU’s strategic goals for retention and student success. In addition, this position requires professional development activities per SUU policy.

Requirements

• Masters MLIS (Masters of Library and Information Science) or equivalent from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Relevant experience or class work in public services.
• Knowledge of current and emerging technology trends in higher education and library services.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Supervisory experience.

Nice To Haves

• Professional experience in a library setting, with a focus on public services (circulation, reference, or access services).
• Relevant experience managing public services, circulation, access, or guest services.
• Proficiency with Integrated Library Systems (e.g., Koha).
• Experience managing reserves including electronic devices and print materials.
• Experience with cash handling and/or point-of-sale systems.
• A strong commitment to user-centered services and a track record of resolving complex customer service issues with diplomacy.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, training, and evaluating support staff or student employees.

Responsibilities

• Defines the goals, prioritizes Public Services departmental activities, and sets departmental policies, standards, and objectives in alignment with the library’s strategic plan.
• Provides oversight of the public areas of the library.
• Coordinates the gathering of departmental data for library reporting and assessment.
• Coordinates with other departments for the success of interdepartmental efforts.
• Supervises, evaluates, and trains departmental staff.
• Monitors work assignments for the public service departments and assesses quality and quantity of work output and reviews work output for adherence to library standards.
• Conducts regular team meetings and maintains departmental procedures.
• Provides oversight for maintenance of the physical book collection and the point-of-sales systems in the Copy Center.
• Directs and coordinates, with other managers and staff, targeted engagement opportunities to bridge the gap between library services and the communities served.
• Serves as a liaison to assigned academic departments, fostering communication between the library and faculty.
• Collaborates with faculty to ensure library collections support curriculum needs and "People, Purpose, and Place" initiatives.
• Teaches credit-bearing information literacy courses (e.g., INFO 1010, INFO 2010) and course-integrated library sessions across various disciplines.
• Provides research assistance and reference services to students and faculty via in-person, chat, and email consultations.
• Develops learning objects, tutorials, and guides that support the university’s mission.
• Maintains scholarly activity and participation in institutional, professional, and community service as required for promotion, tenure, and retention under applicable departmental and University policies.
• Participates on library, university, and professional committees.
• Engages in professional development to stay current with trends in library public service, higher education, and instructional pedagogy.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level