Director, Access & Information Services – University of MN Twin Cities

The Director of Access & Information Services fosters student well-being and academic success by developing and managing safe, study-friendly spaces, student-accessible academic and co-curricular programming, resources, and services (both in-person and virtually). The Director structures and coordinates fulfillment and borrower services, frontline and on-demand reference and research support for users from all backgrounds with their information needs. The Director ensures a programmatic- and partnership-driven approach to access services that focuses on user needs and student success.

Leadership (55%)

• Builds a sustainable programmatic plan for Access Services. Develops near- and long-term plans and priorities to enable the department to serve the current and future interests of the campus and public communities.
• Collaborates with the Associate University Librarian and Directors for Student Success to develop a holistic and interconnected approach to services–including service points, student employment enhancement, and space planning–that supports and welcomes students from all populations and backgrounds.
• Develops and implements a stable and flexible model for staffing library service points, including cross-training across locations for library staff and student workers, recognizing commonalities and differences between locations.
• Collaborates with other system campus libraries and relevant Library Enterprise Systems/Alma Operations and Leadership Groups to develop and implement borrowing privileges, fulfillment, and stacks management policy and procedures, considering system-wide implications of fulfillment services. Applies policies and procedures consistently across all locations.
• Coordinates with Minitex, Interlibrary Loan, Library Enterprise Systems, and the system campuses to ensure efficient physical delivery (Get-it) of requests through Primo and Alma functionality, and retrieval and delivery of items across library locations/home delivery.
• Investigates and deploys service enhancements for on-demand support and borrower and fulfillment services that enhance user experience and connect students and others to the resources and expertise they need.
• Contributes to the overall leadership of the University Libraries in planning, policy development, and resource allocation.

Management and Supervision (30%)

• Coordinates overall operational activities of the Access Services department across 8 locations, facilitating relationships with other groups in the Libraries, evaluating needs and processes, managing the resources (personnel and non-personnel) of the department.
• Drafts and implements policies and procedures pertaining to access services, borrowing privileges, and customer service.
• Supervises staff within the department through direct and subordinate supervisors. Writes position descriptions, hires, assigns job responsibilities, and conducts performance evaluations.
• Coaches and mentors staff, providing guidance and support for their career development. Identifies and cultivates opportunities for access services staff to cross-train and join service teams for career growth.
• Reports on the efforts and impact of access services for Libraries leadership and campus.

Campus Engagement (5%)

• Develops effective relationships with relevant campus units through systematic outreach to promote services, identify opportunities for partnership, and highlight the capabilities of the University Libraries;
• Assesses user needs, including trends in academic teaching and research programs, to develop and maintain relevant, high-quality services and to design attractive, functional spaces that facilitate learning and research.
• Connects with students from diverse backgrounds to gain a more expansive understanding of student needs and challenges and enable services and resources to address the achievement gap for underrepresented students.
• Engages with local community groups, non-profit organizations, and academic and public library colleagues to connect services, access, and material delivery options through mutually beneficial partnerships.

Service to the Libraries, University, and/or the Community (5%)

• Provides service to the Libraries, University and/or community through contributions to the department and, as appropriate, related units; service on Libraries, academic department, or university committees; participation in community activities or service to organizations, in which one’s professional expertise or position makes a significant contribution.

Professional Development and Contribution (5%)

• Contributes to the profession through relevant research activities, including publications, papers delivered, presentations, exhibits, works of art, public performances, database or digital development; participation in appropriate professional organizations, for example, serving on committees and leadership roles in the organization.

Salary:   This is a full-time, 12-month, annual renewable administrative appointment.  The salary minimum for this position is $89,000 depending on qualifications.  Upto 0ne-months salary for moving allowance.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of experience, or Master’s degree and at least eight years of experience.
• Experience working in access services or user services library department.
• Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated proficiency with Ex Libris’ Alma/Primo and Canvas. 
• Experience with assessment of user services.
• Demonstrated skills in planning and implementing services and resources, and a strong access services approach, outlook, and commitment.
• Competence with information technologies and excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential.
• Experience mentoring professional staff and students is highly desirable.
• Supervisory experience with unionized employees and bargaining unit agreements.

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 UL458).  
• 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.

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.