Library Operations Supervisor

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

Penn State Lehigh Valley Library is seeking a Library Operations Supervisor to lead the daily operations of its library with an emphasis on circulation, collection maintenance, and customer service.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to provide front-facing customer service within a prestigious library system, while overseeing and supporting library staff and student assistants.

You will get to partner with many others at Penn State Lehigh Valley and across the Pennsylvania State University Libraries as you support our students, faculty, and campus – giving you the opportunity to learn from and/or offer guidance to fellow employees.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Facilitate and lead the daily operations of the library including coordination of circulation, reserves, interlibrary loan, acquisitions, catalog maintenance, and collection maintenance
• Supervise library staff (i.e., hire, schedule, train, and conduct performance management) including a few full-time and part-time staff and several student employees
• Provide outstanding customer service to students, faculty, and community users (e.g., answering questions; resolving concerns; instructing patrons in technology, systems, and equipment; and administering policies for library users)
• Develop and implement operational procedures
• Collaborate with the Head Librarian on planning, implementing, and evaluating unit priorities including analysis and improvement of library services and assisting with projects and initiatives that advance library priorities
• Monitor budgets including ordering and reconciling supplies purchases, forecasting and budget planning
• Maintain records, compile and analyze data, prepare reports, develop and maintain process documentation
• Represent the library and the campus by serving as the primary contact with selected Penn State units and through service on committees
• May engage in other initiatives and projects depending on the skills and interests of the successful candidate and the needs of the department

Joining a small yet impactful and supportive team, the Library Operations Supervisor will work independently and collaboratively to complete the above responsibilities.

Library staff are also cross trained to complete duties in multiple areas as needed.

To perform the essential functions of this position, the Library Operations Supervisor will regularly move around the library and physically manage collections and equipment (e.g., carrying, shifting, and shelving books; pushing book carts; handling laptops), with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Location & Schedule:

The Penn State Lehigh Valley Library’s current hours of operation during the academic year are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern from Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern on Friday.

The Library Operations Supervisor will be expected to regularly work shifts which provide consistent afternoon and evening coverage. Work schedules will be established in consultation with the Head Librarian and may vary to meet operational needs (e.g., during the summer and student breaks).

Infrequent weekend work may be required to support library events.

Important Note: This position requires regular on-site work.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Committed to providing excellent customer service; demonstrated ability to be adaptable, flexible, and patient with customers and staff
• Excellent interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to stay organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy while multi-tasking
• Experience providing leadership or guidance to others, demonstrated through formal supervisory responsibilities or by serving as an informal team lead or go‑to resource for questions and problem-solving
• Ability and willingness to learn job-related software
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools or comparable software used for communication, documentation, and spreadsheet management

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working in a library setting, utilizing library systems (strongly preferred)
• Experience working with circulating technologies
• Experience managing departmental budgets

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Library Operations Supervisor - Senior Supervisor, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Library Operations Supervisor - Supervisor, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

Important Application Instructions:

Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume.

Additional Information:

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

This position will report to the Head Librarian of the Penn State Lehigh Valley Library.

The Penn State Lehigh Valley Library provides the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus community with access to all resources and services offered by the Penn State University Libraries – one of the Top 10 research libraries in North America.

Penn State Lehigh Valley is located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. The Allentown–Bethlehem–Easton metropolitan area, which includes the Lehigh Valley, is Pennsylvania's third-most populous metropolitan area after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

The Lehigh Valley is a historically rich and economically vibrant area.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $71,340.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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