Collection Maintenance Assistant Supervisor

University of Chicago•Hyde Park, IL

12h•$23 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

Widely known as guardian of one of the largest academic library collections in North America, the University of Chicago Library is redefining its role as a provider of services within an increasingly open global knowledge ecosystem. We value open and equitable access to knowledge, freedom of speech, thought, and inquiry, and working in partnership within and beyond the UChicago community. We are creating a working environment that embraces innovation and respect and that celebrates and develops staff. As part of the University of Chicago, we offer a wide variety of strong benefits and programs to academics and staff. From a choice of comprehensive health plan options and wellness programs, short and long-term disability insurance, continuing education opportunities including educational assistance plans, competitive retirement plans and paid time off (vacation, personal and university holidays), we’re committed to providing benefits and a work environment that matters! Job Summary Under the direction of the Head of Collection Maintenance & Retrieval, this position assists with supervising day-to-day collection maintenance and retrieval services, which includes the timely and accurate transfer of at least 100,000 volumes annually from on-campus library storage, especially the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library’s automated storage and retrieval system. Provides leadership and oversight of a large-scale collection transfer / inventory operation.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree.
Experience in a library, warehouse logistics, or related environment.
Supervisory experience, with leadership experience in library or warehouse logistics, or other related environment settings strongly preferred.
Project management experience in library collection maintenance, warehouse logistics, or related setting strongly preferred.
Supervisory experience in a library, warehouse logistics, or related setting strongly preferred.
Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills (utilizing appropriate resources to resolve issues).
Ability to build high performing team and drive team member engagement.
Communicates effectively and with influence, both in writing and orally.
Utilizes emotional intelligence to interact with users and staff professionally, respectfully, and empathetically.
Supervises and manages team members.
Ability to coordinate the work of others.
Ability to exercise sound judgment.

Responsibilities

Manages the day-to-day operations of transferring collections to off-site storage and/or withdrawal; sets daily and weekly priorities for student and clerical staff. Coordinates with Mansueto Circulation & ASRS Operations as needed. Documents and updates departmental procedures accordingly.
Hires, trains, supervises, and schedules approximately 5 (1.5 FTE) student assistants employed to remove materials from the Library’s Automated Storage and Retrieval System. Monitors and documents student performance; provides feedback and disciplinary action as needed and approves student payroll.
Works closely with the Regenstein Daily Operations & Student Staffing Coordinator to manage student hiring and scheduling across the unit as needed.
Works closely with the Head of Collection Maintenance & Retrieval and the Regenstein Daily Operations & Student Staffing Coordinator to set priorities across the unit.
In the absence of the Regenstein Daily Operations & Student Staffing Coordinator, provides operational coverage for student staff, including supervising, scheduling, and approving payroll, in accordance with established procedures.
In the absence of the Head of Collection Maintenance & Retrieval, coordinates daily workflows and communicates priorities to ensure continuity of operations, escalating matters requiring approval as appropriate.
Troubleshoots and resolves procedural, mechanical, and technical problems related to collection maintenance and retrieval, especially the transfer and/or withdrawal of collections from the Mansueto Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS). Updates inventory records across systems.
Assists in tracking and reconciling inventory shipments to off-site storage.
Acts as a resource to student and clerical staff in Collection Maintenance & Retrieval. Refers complex problems to the Head of Collection Maintenance & Retrieval or others as appropriate.
Assists the Head of Collection Maintenance & Retrieval in setting, tracking, and achieving short and long-term goals for the department. Estimates needs in terms of staff, equipment and supplies and makes recommendations to the Head of Collection Maintenance & Retrieval.
Coordinates with Library staff who provide tours to ensure daily workflows and tours do not conflict. May assist with tours of Mansueto, including demonstrations of the robotic crane system to tour groups and visitors approved by the Library. Has general awareness on matters relating to a specific library section.
Collaborates with senior management to develop guidelines, policies, and procedures. Participates in large scale library projects. Consults with management to set goals for the section. Assists with decisions that have an impact on controlling costs, planning, and procedural changes.
Performs other related work as needed.