Circulation Supervisor

Department

Library C & A - Access Serv - Coll Mgmt & Circ - Regenstein Circ

About the Department

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 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

Reporting to the Head of Regenstein Circulation & Building Resources, this position oversees building security and enforces policies that support a scholarly environment in the Library. As one of the supervisors in charge of the Regenstein and Mansueto Libraries, the role oversees the work of clerical staff and shares responsibility for hiring, training, and supervising student circulation staff. The position also oversees the lending of materials from the Regenstein including course reserves and materials awaiting pickup. In addition, the role answers patron questions related to access services and serves as a resource for inquiries regarding other Library services.

Responsibilities

• Supervises the work of clerical staff and serves as the supervisor in charge of the Regenstein Library. Oversees the building security, resolves problems and appeals related to entry policies.

• Responsible for executing opening or closing procedures. Promptly reports building issues to Library and University Facilities Services and provides initial response to emergencies.

• Enforces policies that support a scholarly environment. Resolves problems professionally and with tact and/or refers patrons’ concerns to other campus entities (Dean on Call, UCPD, etc.) when appropriate. Documents and reports incidents.

• Troubleshoots library technology including public access workstations, micro-media readers, compact shelving, printers, and a/v equipment.

• Provides excellent customer service by answering patron questions related to access services, overdue books, recalls, reserve problems, and fines in person, over the phone, and via online ticketing system. Responsible for collection of fines and fees.

• Routes questions to appropriate resources as needed, if beyond the supervisor's area of expertise, responsibility or knowledge. Documents and updates departmental procedures accordingly.

• Manages daily circulation workflow including lending of materials awaiting pickup, course reserves, and general collections.

• Provides supervisory coverage for Mansueto Circulation on an as needed basis due to staffing absences/vacancies.

• Trains, supervises, and helps track attendance and performance of student counter attendants (approximately 20 part-time student employees). Coaches and directs student counter attendants in maintaining Circulation policies and customer service standards.

• Responsible for answering patron questions related to Access Services and serves as a resources for other questions related to other Library services.

• Distributes work to and monitors the work done by student counter attendants; troubleshoots equipment as needed.

• Performs other related work as needed. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:     

• College degree.

Experience:

• Experience in a library, or related environment.

• Previous experience directing or supervising the work of others.

• Significant customer service experience.

• Experience with MS Office, email, and internet work applications.

Preferred Competencies

• Give and receive direction, work with a high degree of independence, and collaborate effectively as part of a diverse team.

• Serve patrons and enforce library policies with clarity, consistency, patience, and empathy.

• Manage staff and projects in alignment with departmental priorities.

• Identify, respond to, and refer issues while exercising discretion and sound judgment.

• Communicate clearly and professionally in spoken and written.

Working Conditions

• 100% onsite.

• Weekly Schedule for Position 1:  Wednesday, Thursday 8:00pm - 12:00am | Friday, Saturday, 3:00 - 11:00pm.

• Weekly Schedule for Position 2:  Saturday, Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm | Monday, Tuesday  8:00pm - 12:00am.

• Availability to work late evenings and weekends, with occasional schedule flexibility during changes in Library hours and periods of staff shortages or absences; ability to work independently as the sole supervisor in a large academic library.

• Ability to carry or lift loads of up to 50 pounds, push/pull loaded book trucks, and shelve and retrieve materials at varying heights.

• Ability to sit and use a computer for extended periods, stand for up to four hours, perform repetitive wrist, hand, and finger movements, and visually and audibly engage with print and electronic materials for extended periods.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Professional References (3) (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Library

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

24

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$20.50 - $23.50

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.