Job Details

Title: Public Services Librarian

Department: Instructional Resources

Area: Library

Supervisor: Executive Director of Instructional Resources

Status: Salary, Exempt, Full Time, On-Campus

Date: December 20, 2024

Position Summary

With a strong service orientation, the Public Services Librarian conducts basic circulation activities, manages student workers, leads public relations efforts, assures seamless processing of incoming and outgoing OhioLINK items, provides patrons with research assistance, fulfills general building duties, and assists library staff with projects as needed. Please be aware that ODU is currently migrating our ILS to Alma with the guidance and support of OPAL and OhioLINK, so the duties outlined below will likely change with that migration.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Circulation Services

• Works as part of a team with other staff members and student workers to provide high quality customer service at the Spangler Front Desk.
• Assures continuous coverage of the Front Desk. If student workers are not available, the Public Services Librarian fills in at the desk.
• Conducts basic circulation activities such as answering the phone, checking out items to patrons, processing returns, assisting students in locating course reserves, answering directional questions, etc.
• Supervises and assists in the maintenance of library stacks.
• Processes replacement payments.

• Communicates with OPAL and OhioLINK and keeps up on changes, updates, and troubleshooting that is related to the circulation system.

• Assists with the hiring, scheduling, and training of student workers on operations, policies, and procedures of the Circulation Services unit.
• Supervises student workers in general circulation functions, online library systems, and patron services.
• Evaluates student worker performance and provides feedback and guidance to student workers when necessary.

• Leads the Library PR team in all promotional events and communications that need to go out to the campus community.
• Communicates building hours via library web page, signage, and Front Desk voicemail.
• Creates signage, flyers, and displays about library events, news, celebrations, and more.
• Maintains regular updates to the library's social media sites.

• Assures seamless processing of incoming and outgoing OhioLINK items. Supervises student workers in the processing OhioLINK items. In the absence of student workers, the Public Services Librarian processes OhioLINK items.
• Guides and assists student workers in the planning, strategizing, and assessment of OhioLINK processing, statistics, label creation, supply use, and potential issues.

• Assists patrons with research needs, remotely (via phone, chat, and e-mail) and in-person.
• Conducts in-depth research appointments with patrons.
• Stays abreast of reference assignment alerts.
• Works on reference projects, such as constructing and editing research guides and tutorials.

• Collaborates with Spangler Learning Center building staff to ensure its efficient operation.
• Follows pre-determined procedures for opening and/or closing Spangler Learning Center.
• Monitors the behavior of patrons utilizing the building to prevent theft and/or destruction of materials and equipment.
• Works with ODU Public Safety when there is a safety concern, building issue, emergency, or patrons that need assistance (escorts, lost and found, etc.).

• A Master's degree in Library & Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Experience with library systems and general computer software, such as MS Office.
• Experience assisting patrons with research using online catalogs, the internet, and research databases.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Ability to work as a team member to establish agreed upon goals and to share a common purpose that is service oriented.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Willingness to work in a changing environment to meet the needs of library patrons.

• Routine physical demands for an office environment.
• Frequent standing or walking.
• Sitting at a desk or in meetings for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift/move up to 25lbs.
• Operate all computer equipment, copier, printer, telephone, calculator, etc.

• Generally responsible for the safety of your own work area, the area you're currently working in, and attention to safety is displayed by direct reports.