Access & Information Services Manager – University of MN Twin Cities (St. Paul campus)

Departmental Overview: 
Access & Information Services (AIS) fosters student well-being and academic success by supporting safe, study-friendly spaces; providing users access to materials through fulfillment and borrower services; and coordinating front-line and on-demand reference and research support for users of all backgrounds. The department functions as the “front door of the Libraries,” reflecting that the spaces supported by the department are core to student experiences with libraries.

Unit Overview:
Magrath Library is the largest library on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. It provides teaching and learning and research support for several colleges and departments encompassing food, agricultural, and the life sciences, as well as several social sciences and design subject areas. The Natural Resources Library, a small branch library located in Hodson Hall, contains collections in the areas of forestry, wildlife, fisheries, zoology, entomology, and wildlife management.

Position Overview:
The manager leads and manages five labor-represented AIS staff on the St. Paul campus, aligning with the vision, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures of AIS, the Student Success Service Area, and the University Libraries. The manager is responsible for the direct and day-to-day oversight of AIS operations in the St. Paul campus libraries.

Responsibilities:

Unit Leadership and Management
Provides leadership and accountability for all unit services and operations by planning, implementing, managing, and evaluating activities of the unit.

• Develops near- and long-term goals and objectives that enable the unit to serve the current and future interests of the Libraries and the current and future access and frontline information needs of the academic community within the context of the departmental goals.
• Develops specific, quantifiable, realistic targets that will measure the accomplishment of objectives and measures of performance that are appropriate to the unit.
• In collaboration with the AIS Director and Managers performs data analysis to inform decisions regarding staffing, budgeting, and workflow.
• In coordination with the AIS Director, identifies and implements new methods of service delivery, emerging technologies, and other strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit.
• Reviews and evaluates unit structure, procedures, and processes; recommends and coordinates needed changes based on process analysis.
• Promotes consistency of service, best practices, and high standards for customer service and ethical behavior throughout the Libraries.
• Ensures that the unit’s expertise and a system-wide perspective inform and enhance decision-making.
• Represents the interests of the AIS department within the Student Success Service Area and the University Libraries.
• Ensures implementation of service-wide policies.
• Coordinates and facilitates collaboration with functional area coordinators and managers across the Libraries.
• Coordinates unit activities and special projects to ensure quality and met timetables.
• Manages unit budgets, including stewardship budgets (allocations that support the Libraries operations and services at large) within the Libraries.
• Allocates or recommends allocation of resources (both human and financial) to support the unit’s existing and emerging services portfolio.

Unit Supervision
Manages and supervises staff in the unit.

• Defines and assigns staff work; develops job descriptions and job standards in collaboration with the AIS Director and Managers.
• Facilitates accomplishment of goals and objectives and achievement of targets.
• Determines appropriate staffing strategies for the unit.
• Conducts interviews, hires new staff, and provides employee orientation and training
• Manages performance:
  • Coaches staff and gives continuous feedback on performance.
  • Works with staff to establish employee goals and objectives.
  • Conducts staff performance reviews.
  • Disciplines and uses corrective action when necessary in accordance to library/campus/contract procedure.
• Promotes effective communication between staff:
  • Schedules and conducts staff meetings.
  • Resolves conflicts among staff within the unit and/or between units and departments.
• Promotes leadership at all levels of the unit.
• Supports staff participation in division and library-wide meetings and events.
• Facilitates and encourages education and development of staff:
  • Identifies and supports training needs.
  • Develops documentation and standards for job-related tasks.
  • Supports and encourages education and professional development of staff; helps develop staff potential.
  • Ensures training and mentoring for service point staff.

Participates in the selection, implementation, and development of new initiatives and emerging technologies.

• Monitors and evaluates trends and developments relevant to academic libraries.
• In collaboration with other members of the manager’s group, continually evaluates processes and discovers new ways to maximize use of system capabilities.
• Monitors business and technological developments for their potential impact on the work of the department.  Incorporates these developments to advance the operational and strategic directions of the department in the evolving library and information environment.

This is a full-time, 12-month, annual renewable professional position.  The minimum salary for this position is $60,000.  The Libraries offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits and substantial moving allowance.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree and six or more years of related experience, including staff supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and successfully complete multiple assignments including project management experience.

Preferred:

• ALA accredited MLS/MLIS degree.
• Experience providing instruction, reference/information services and research assistance in an academic library.
• Experience in program assessment and evaluation of libraries services.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills including valuing diversity, negotiation, tact, and sensitivity.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with colleagues and library users in a service-oriented, collaborative environment.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Please attach the following documents in Word or PDF Format:  (DO NOT copy and paste.)

• Resume.  
• Cover Letter (identify cover letter with UL446).  
• Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three current references. 

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Activities” page and uploading documents there.  Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.