Reference and Reading Room Manager, UNLV University Libraries [R0152689]

University of Nevada Las Vegas • Las Vegas, MD

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) University Libraries is seeking a Reference and Reading Room Manager to provide strategic oversight and leadership of Special Collections and Archives (SCA) public service points. This role includes managing the onsite reading room and remote reference queries, ensuring knowledgeable and effective reference and research services for all patrons. The position supervises 3-5 student assistants in performing reference and administrative duties. The University Libraries is a partner in research and student learning, fostering critical thinking and lifelong learning at a rapidly growing university. UNLV Libraries comprises Lied Library and four branch libraries, offering access to extensive electronic journals, volumes, and e-books. The Special Collections and Archives Division focuses on collecting, preserving, and providing access to materials documenting the history, culture, and environment of Las Vegas, Southern Nevada, the gaming industry, and UNLV itself. Collections include manuscripts, books, photographs, maps, oral histories, and more, with significant collecting areas in gaming, regional history, entertainment, architecture, and mining.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• 3 years of experience working in archives or library public services.
• 1 year of experience supervising students or paraprofessional employees.
• Competence and sensitivity in working with individuals who are highly diverse regarding many facets of identity, including but not limited to gender, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, ability, income, level of educational attainment, and religion.
• Knowledge of basic library operations and reference interview strategies.
• Knowledge of best practices for care and handling of archival materials.
• Demonstrated proficiency with technology and common office computing software, library databases and management systems such as Alma and Primo, and project management software such as Trello or AirTable.
• Strong customer service, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with diverse faculty, staff, administrators, students, and external partners.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills, with the ability to manage detailed tasks, assess needs, develop action plans, and coordinate with appropriate stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively across organizational levels and employee classifications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment and respond professionally to varying situations.
• Ability to lift boxes that weigh up to 40 pounds and maneuver carts that weigh up to 100 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Las Vegas and Southern Nevada history.
• Knowledge of U.S. Copyright Law.
• Strong training and teaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement policies and workflows for conducting all aspects of the reference process, following professional standards for public services.
• Train all SCA faculty, staff, and students who work on the reference desk, ensuring that everyone who works the desk is maintaining a high level of customer service.
• Serve 8 hours per week on the reference desk and coordinate both the reference desk and paging schedules.
• Troubleshoot and resolve problems that arise in the reading room and discern when an issue may need to be escalated to a higher authority.
• Serve as the first point of contact for SCA email and phone reference requests, managing the majority of remote reference queries.
• Develop expertise in general Las Vegas and Nevada history and SCA’s archival and rare book holdings in order to provide effective reference assistance.
• Coordinate responses to copyright and permissions requests, conducting research on the copyright status of items in the collections and overseeing the permissions process.
• Collaborate with colleagues in Digital Collections to manage the reproduction workflow, accurately invoice patrons for orders, and manage the PCI-compliant payment process.
• Collaborate with the Head of Special Collections Research, Engagement, and Instruction to develop and execute outreach events, coordinate instruction sessions, select materials for classes, and supervise students during instruction activities.
• Coordinate and provide tours of the division.

Benefits

• Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays
• Excellent health insurance including medical, dental and vision
• Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs
• No state income tax
• Tuition discounts at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools
• Tuition discounts for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents
• Employee recognition and appreciation programs
• UNLV athletics ticket discounts
• Statewide employee purchase program discounts
• RebelCard discounts on and off campus
• Wellness programming for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost
• Opportunity for career advancements to leadership roles
• Connect with colleagues with shared interests
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• A comprehensive onboarding program, Rebels: Onboard
• Annual allotment for professional development activities

What This Job Offers

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