Access Services Specialist
Vanderbilt University
Access Services Specialist
Vanderbilt University
Private research and higher education institution
This position serves as Access Services Specialist in the Logistics and Access Services departmentwithintheVanderbiltUniversityLibraries.LogisticsandAccessServicesisanewly reimagined department, which aims to remake access services to meet current and future needs.This individual is part of a team responsible for services and projects related to the access of print and digital materials in the Vanderbilt Libraries to optimize space, accessibility, and user experience in the Central Library and the Annex. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, be able to handle ambiguity and change, be proficientinavariety oftechnologyapplications,automationmapping,andpossessanabilityto work independently and collaboratively with library staff.This position reports to the Manager, Access Services.
The Logistics and Access Services department is based in the Central Library and the Annex and with the potential to be deployed across the library system to fulfill mission-critical service needs works in a team-based model, where responsibilities are shared, and planning and decision making are done collaboratively.The Logistics and Access Services department is taskedwithdevelopingaforward-lookingservicemodelthatstrategicallyalignswiththe evolving needs of the Vanderbilt user community, ensuring relevance and sustainability.Moving beyond routine transactions, this department will focus on seamless access, exceptional user experiences, and transformative projects related to legacy print collections (such as mass digitization) all with an eye toward defining the future of library access for the next decade and beyond.Positions in this department are intentionally designed to be highly flexible and adaptable to strategic priorities.In addition to supporting core departmental needs, Access Services Specialists are equipped to meet emerging demands across the library system by moving beyond traditional transactional support to a model that prioritizes proactive service,user engagement, and operational agility. They may be deployed across various service desks andlibrarylocationstoensureconsistent,high-qualityinteractionswithpatrons,contributingtoa unified service experience. Thisadaptability positions the role as a key component in advancing a future-oriented library system built on responsiveness, efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration.
Theteamwillleveragetechnologytoautomateprocessesandenhanceefficiency in next-generation access services.The Access Services Specialist is based in the Central Library and will work on projects in the Central Library, the Annex and throughout the Heard Libraries.
The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries at Vanderbilt University comprises nine libraries, as well as service departments in collections services, digital scholarship & scholarly communications,informationtechnologyanddigitalservices,andteaching&learning.Weseek to create a welcoming environment and serve as a partner in research and scholarship. The libraries are dynamic places for faculty, staff, students,and alumnito reflectand discover.Wealso strive to be aworkplace in which staff at everylevelcontinuously growinknowledgeandskills,stayingabreastofadvancesandtrends in librarianship to power relevant, vibrant research libraries.
The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries are fundamental to the university’s goal of advancing scholarshipandlearning.Wecollect,preserveandmakeaccessibleawidevarietyofresources, we partner with faculty and students to shape research, and we encourage the development of informed scholars and engaged citizens.
LogisticalServicesandTransformativeProjects–40%
WorkscloselywiththeManagerofAccessServicesandteammatestodefinescopeof projects and execute project deliverables according to a prescribed timeline.
Leadorsupportlogisticsoperationssuchasinventoryaudits,materialmovement,and spatial planning.
Applystructuredprojectmanagementpractices(LeanSixSigma,PMP-styleworkflows) to digitization, space optimization, or asset transfers.
Usetimelinetools(e.g.,MSProject,Asana,Trello)tosupportlong-rangeplanningof service improvement initiatives.
Applyleanworkflowmethodstostreamlinecirculation,reserves,orinterlibraryloan functions.
DraftdocumentationandSOPstoenhanceconsistencyandcross-trainingacrossservice points.
Supportafter-actionreviewstoinformcontinuousimprovementacrossthesystem.
Communicateregularupdatesonprojectprogress,challenges,andcompletionstatusto supervisor and other stakeholders.
Manages one of the following areas on a rotating basis for the team, continuously improving and seeking workflow efficiencies within each area – 30%
Supervisingstudentworkforce
ManagingcoursereservesforCentralLibrary(andotherlibrariesasneeded)
ManagingInter-LibraryLoanborrowingandlending
Develops and plans student engagement programming and events – 10% Provides assistance to library patrons – 10%
Providetechnologysupportforlibrarypatrons
Providesupportforlibrarystudyspaces,includingroomreservationsandtroubleshooting equipment issues.
Assistspatronswithaccessservicesquestionsandneeds.
Helpcreateaninclusive,mission-alignedserviceculturethatmodelsinstitutionalvalues.
Participatesinsystem-wideinitiativesandcommittees–5%
Engageinongoingprofessionaldevelopmenttostaycurrentwithtrendsandbest practices in information services – 5%
SupervisoryRelationships:
Thispositiondoesnothave supervisoryresponsibility,thispositionreportsadministrativelyand functionally to the Manager of Access Services.
Associate’sdegreeorhigherisrequired.
Trainingorcertificationinprojectmanagementorlogisticsispreferred.
Strongorganizationalskillsandattentiontodetailare necessary.
Awiderangeofcomputerandtechnologyskillsarenecessary.
Basicunderstandingoflibrarycatalogingsystemsandmanagementsoftwareis preferred.
Projectmanagementexperienceispreferred.
Comfortwithphysicallabor,includingliftingboxesofbooks,standingforextended periods, and pushing carts of materials is necessary.
Strongcommunicationskills,bothwrittenandverbalarenecessary.
Abilitytoworkindependentlyandcollaborativelyinateamenvironmentisnecessary.
Dependable,proactive,andabletoprioritizetaskseffectivelyisnecessary.
Flexibleandadaptabletochangesinprioritiesorprojecttimelinesisnecessary.
Experienceworkingwithinhighereducationoracademiclibrariesispreferred.
Private research and higher education institution
Vanderbilt University operates as a private research institution that provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional education to over 11,000 students. The university functions by integrating classroom instruction with active research initiatives, allowing students and faculty to collaborate on projects across various fields such as information technology, athletics, and the arts. Unlike many large public institutions, Vanderbilt maintains a smaller student body and emphasizes a community-driven environment where diversity of thought and culture is central to the learning process. The university distinguishes itself by operating at a "global crossroads," focusing on a multidisciplinary approach that encourages employees and students to apply their expertise to real-world challenges. Vanderbilt’s goal is to foster a center for growth and discovery where individuals can expand their knowledge and contribute to societal improvements through education and research.
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