Job Description

Access Services Librarian

The Chicago State University Library seeks an energetic, innovative, service-oriented individual for the position of Access Services Librarian. This is a 12-month, tenure-track library faculty position. Library and Information Science professionals who are interested in working in a user-focused, collaborative environment are encouraged to apply. The Access Services Librarian reports to the Chair of Library and Instruction Services. The successful candidate will provide leadership, oversight, and strategic planning for Access Services. The successful candidate will coordinate the services and staff of Circulation, Interlibrary Loan, Print/Electronic Reserves, and Stacks Maintenance.

Chicago State University (CSU), founded in 1867, is the oldest public university in the Chicago Metropolitan area. CSU is the only four-year U.S. Department of Education-designated Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) in the state of Illinois. The university's four colleges are Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Health Sciences & Pharmacy, which collectively support a diverse and non-traditional student population that hails from 28 countries and 36 states. Located on the South Side of Chicago, Chicago State University is an oasis of green in the big city, and the campus is mass transit accessible, with a Metra stop on the edge of campus. The Gwendolyn Brooks Library has a collection of over 500,000 volumes, eighty percent of which are stored in an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), which has the nickname ROVER (Retrieval Online Via Electronic Robot). Electronic resources include over 40,000 eBooks, over 150 databases providing access to thousands of journal and newspaper articles, and microform and audiovisual materials. The librarians at the Gwendolyn Brooks Library actively participate in shared governance of the University and are represented by the same union as other faculty and academic support professionals.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Leadership in planning, developing, and coordinating Access Services operations (Circulation, Interlibrary Loan, and Course Reserves)
• Direct supervision of civil service staff members
• Manage the library's main service point
• Responsible for the hiring, training, and scheduling of student workers
• Interpretation and application of local, state and national Access Services/ Interlibrary Loan and Consortia Policies
• Review, develop, and communicate Access Services policies to ensure the library is engaged in current best practices
• Stacks management and maintenance
• Collaborate with the Systems Librarian and staff to test, evaluate and troubleshoot software and equipment
• Ensure access to physical collections held in the Automated Storage Retrieval System with collaboration and support from the Systems Librarian
• Create instructional guides and training materials for Access Services functions (Circulation, Interlibrary Loan, Course Reserves, Patron Services)
• Collect, analyze, and present data on library services
• Participate in library initiatives including Open Access and Student Success
• Other duties as assigned

The successful candidate will be an engaged member of the library faculty who will participate in department, university, and/or professional service activities. They will also participate in research and creative activities. Some evening and occasional weekend hours may be required.

Required Education:

• MLIS or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited program

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Two years of previous professional experience working in Access Services in an academic library
• Two years of supervisory experience
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, time management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• High degree of initiative and ability to identify and implement appropriate changes within a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and understanding of the contributions of a diverse workforce
• Knowledge of copyright rules and procedures specifically related to Interlibrary Loan and Course Reserves
• Ability to meet contractual and unit criteria for performance of primary duties, research, and service

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Alma/Primo VE
• Proven track record of collaborating across departments in an academic institution
• Experience with Interlibrary Loan management software (e.g., WorldShareILL, Illiad, or Tipasa)
• Experience with the LMS (Learning Management System) BrightSpace (D2L)

Posting Specific Questions:

1. Will you have an MLIS or MLS degree by July 2026?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. List of (3) References
4. Transcripts (optional)

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