Reading Room Supervisor, University Libraries

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

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries seek a Reading Room Supervisor to oversee the essential work that goes into making rare and archival collections accessible for research, teaching, and scholarship in the Eberly Family Special Collections Library.

The Reading Room Supervisor's key responsibilities will focus on public services and reference desk management, part-time and student employee supervision, and student and community outreach and engagement to extend the library's impact.

This role will play a vital part in the Eberly Family Special Collections Library's reputation in the scholarly community by serving as the first contact that researchers from around the world make with the University Libraries.

In addition to creating a welcoming space for the researchers, the Reading Room Supervisor will foster a learning and collaborative working environment for the part-time and student employees they will oversee.

The responsibilities of the Reading Room Supervisor include but are not limited to:

Public Services and Reference Desk Management:

• Communicate with researchersregardingresearch visits to Special Collections

• Guide researchers in accessing and using Special Collections materials through in-person consultations and reference support.

• EnsureSpecial Collections desk shifts are filled and staffed; scheduling semester-long desk shift assignments for the entire department

• Provideweeklycoverage at the Special Collections reference desk

• Review, evaluate, and updatepolicies and procedures for public services in collaboration with colleagues

• Assistwithremote referencerequests involvingSpecial Collections materials

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise part-time and student employees, as well as graduate students

• Conduct peer management of colleagues at the reference desk

• Triage and prepare projects and tasks for student and part-time employees in service of accessto rare and archival materials

• Onboard and train new team members in public services workflows and best practices

Student and Community Outreach and Engagement:

• Assist in facilitating and coordinating engagement events and outreach activities hosted by our Special Collections Library and campus and community partners

• Facilitate or assist with assigned events and activities

• Provide gallery tours

• Contribute to Special Collections' robust social media presence

Events this role will assist with and/or participate in may include (but are not limited to) panels, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, as well as larger University Libraries events, such as Open House, De-stress Fest, and Discovery Day.

Regular onsite presence at the University Park campus is expected.

The Reading Room Supervisor will also participate actively with the Special Collections Research and Travel grant program topublicize award opportunities,evaluate and select recipients, communicate about collection resources, and coordinate visits.

RequiredQualifications

• Outstanding interpersonal skills; ability to foster engagement through active listening, responsiveness, and relationship-building

• Demonstrated ability to be inclusive and respectful when working with others

• Committed to delivering exceptional service with proven experience in customer-facing roles

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills

• Reliable, detail-oriented, self-motivated worker; comfortable with working independently with minimal supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• Previousexperienceproviding and supporting experiential learning opportunities for students

• Knowledgeable aboutproper handlingtechniquesfor archivalandrare book materials

• Understanding ofpreservation concerns and issuesforrare and archival materials

• Experience working in an archives, special collections library, or academic library

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Application Information: Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume.

Regular onsite presence at the University Park campus is expected. 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.

Additional information:

Located within the Paterno Library, the Eberly Family Special Collections Library at Penn State - University Park is home to more than 200,000 printed volumes, more than 25 million archival records and manuscripts, and another million photographs, maps, prints, and audio-visual items.

The library offers primary source materials for a vast community of researchers, who range from K-12 and Penn State students, as well as scholars around the world. We collect in a variety of subject disciplines, a sampling of which includes Utopian literature, science fiction, labor organization and representation, local Centre County history, and we are also home to the Penn State University Archives.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

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.

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