Public Services & Engagement Specialist University Libraries UTK

Position Summary

This position is responsible for a complex range of duties to meet the Universitys educational research and outreach goals by providing excellent customer service at Pendergrass Library with tasks including: providing research assistance and assisting users with all types of questions; providing access to materials in all formats including equipment; fulfilling patron and Resource Sharing requests; troubleshooting and resolving patron problems; and providing technology support for patrons. This position also fulfills large format printing and 3D printing requests including consulting with patrons Tuesday-Saturday 9am-6pm.

Job Description

This position will make significant contributions to the outreach engagement and instructional support efforts for Pendergrass Library. They will design and implement various outreach and instructional support initiatives to connect users with the UT Libraries resources services spaces and collections. This will include the creation of physical and digital media and collaboration with partners across campus and in the UT Libraries. This position will also manage critical tasks for Pendergrass Library including the management of all procurement and surplus processes. Additionally this person will collaborate with UT Libraries colleagues to develop and maintain the UT Libraries website. This position requires a high level of decision-making related to the implementation and interpretation of library policies and procedures including security and student safety as well as addressing any emergency that may arise. This individual must communicate effectively with UT faculty staff students and the public as well as with UT Libraries and campus partners. They must possess strong multi-tasking skills the ability to prioritize tasks efficiently and a commitment to meeting deadlines.

Public Services

• Works 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesday - Saturday (semesters) and Monday - Friday (breaks) which includes opening and closing the library
• Provides in-person and online research assistance to all patrons including faculty staff graduate and undergraduate students and members of the general public; analyzes users information needs determines appropriate library resources to use and designs research strategies to meet those needs
• Circulates library materials and technologies including but not limited to assistance with selection and location checking out and renewing adjusting loan periods as needed placing holds explaining policies and inspecting and processing returns
• Manages patron library accounts including but not limited to adding and collecting library fines and fees and placing and updating requests
• Provides technology support to all patrons
• Interprets library and university policies procedures and regulations to staff and patrons using judgment to create exceptions as appropriate; mediates and resolves conflicts
• Fulfills Resource Sharing scan on demand and library express requests - Fulfills large format printing requests including consulting with patrons about large format design and printing
• Engages in 3D printing services including consulting with patrons operating 3D printing equipment and staying abreast of Pendergrass technology policies and procedures as they relate to 3D printing
• Oversees the facility on Saturdays ensuring it is safe secure and clean; liaises with appropriate campus partners on facility security and service issues

Outreach Engagement and Instructional Support

• Designs promotes implements and assesses activities to connect users with Pendergrass and UT Libraries resources services spaces and collections
• In collaboration with Public Services & Engagement Librarian plans and executes Big Orange Finish Line activities
• Conceives and plans other engagement activities including ideation execution and assessment
• Produces physical and digital media in support of library events messaging and instruction
• Creates displays throughout the library that highlight library collections services and resources
• Organizes library orientations and tours and collaborate with student ambassadors leading tours
• Collaborates with UT Libraries Marketing & Communications team to develop content and strategies for sharing Pendergrasss story
• Additional outreach and engagement duties as assigned

Library and Departmental Activities

• In collaboration with Business Services Office personnel orders regular supplies for large format printing 3D printing the Seed Library the computer lab and general library use
• Compiles and submits surplus requests
• Develops and maintains the Pendergrass website and contributes to the development and maintenance of the UT Libraries website in consultation with Pendergrass and UT Libraries colleagues and those in the UT Libraries Digital Initiatives department
• Actively contributes to departmental activities including team meetings departmental planning and other Pendergrass UT Libraries and university committees and initiatives
• Completes 1-3 hours of professional development each month totaling 32 hours/year to grow and develop skills in areas of job responsibility and library need
• Strives to foster an inclusive and accessible learning environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued
• Regularly works Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Fall and Spring semesters) and Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Winter and Summer breaks); may need to work outside normally scheduled hours to ensure library coverage and accommodate the academic calendar
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • High school diploma or GED
• Experience:
  • Library experience or 1 year of work with the public
  • Demonstrated experience with a variety of hardware and software technologies
• Knowledge Skills Abilities:
  • Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
  • Ability to work independently and also effectively in a collaborative team environment
  • Effective applied customer service skills
  • Effective oral and written communication skills including graphic design
  • Ability to make sound decisions and solve problems with creativity and flexibility
  • Ability to balance multiple tasks and set priorities
  • Ability and willingness to learn new technologies tasks and procedures
  • Ability to complete assignments on time and with minimal errors
  • Demonstrated initiative flexibility and ability to work effectively to complete assignments as scheduled and assigned
  • Knowledge of Windows and Mac operating systems and familiarity with MS Office applications
  • Ability to adjust work schedule

Preferred Qualifications

• Education
  • Bachelors degree
• Experience
  • 1 or more years of Library experience
• Knowledge Skills Abilities:
  • Technology Support Skills
  • Knowledge of integrated library systems Ex Libris Alma preferred
  • Knowledge of basic graphic design skills

Work Location

• Knoxville TN On-site

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR07
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structurehere
• Find more information on UT Benefitshere

Application Instructions

To be considered for candidacy you must submit a cover letter and resume.