How to Apply
To ensure full consideration, applications must include all the following in a single document:
- A cover letter describing your interest in the position and your experience directly relevant to the work of the position
- A resume / CV
- A list of three professional references, including their names, contact information, and your professional relationship
Job Summary
The University of Michigan-Dearborn has an exciting job opportunity for an Access Services Associate in the Mardigian Library. Any time the library is open, a member of Access Services is available to help students, faculty, staff and visitors find and use our collections, services and resources. As a member of the Access Services team, this position handles the coordination and delivery of public-facing services: circulation services, library information services, first-tier reference services, campus information services and ensures a safe and welcoming environment.
The successful candidate will thrive on a team dedicated to providing excellent customer service with empathy and respect and will contribute to the continual improvement of Access Services. This full-time position reports directly to the Head of the Access Services Department.
Note, the responsibilities and associated percentage of time spent on the specific job functions below are what is anticipated for this position. The associated percentage of effort may shift and change over time.
Responsibilities*
In-person oversight of the Mardigian Library Info Desk (55%)
- Provide excellent customer service to all faculty, students, staff, and guests
- Assist patrons in locating library resources and services and general campus resources
- Respond to inquiries in-person, over the phone or via email about library policies, procedures, and services
- Provide first-tier reference service in-person and virtually through Springshare LibApps (e.g. LibChat, LibAnswers)
- Manage the training and daily work of library student employees and guide them as young professionals
- Reliably report to the library on time and close the library at 10:00 p.m.
- Hours may change depending upon the needs of the library. Appropriate notice will be given for any schedule change due to final exams, intersession, or campus holidays.
- Contribute to a respectful and productive work environment
Cash Management (10%)
- Receive and record fines and payments
- Process cash and credit card transactions, balance the cash register
- Clear blocked patron records
Circulation Services (10%)
- Operate automated circulation system (Innovative Interfaces Sierra)
- Run reports and notices using Sierra integrated library system
- Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned
Events (15%)
- Review and approve/deny reservation requests for event space in the library building
- Provide support for events held in library spaces such as managing set up/break down and liaising with the event contact
Professional Development (10%)
- Keep abreast of developments and trends in the rapidly-changing field of access services in academic libraries
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Proficiency with Google Suite and MS office (Docs, Slides, Sheets, Word, Excel) and comfort using computers and technology
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to work effectively in a team-based, collaborative environment
- Must be able to reliably and consistently work evenings
- Flexibility to work changing schedules when necessary according to library needs
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with colleagues and library patrons
- Strong interpersonal skills, strong customer service ethic and responsible decision making skills
- Capable of effectively balancing multiple priorities and projects
- Ability to maintain library policies with faculty, staff, students and the public
- Ability to move throughout the building; bend, reach and shelve items; push/pull fully loaded carts or other large items up to 40 pounds
Desired Qualifications*
- Previous experience with library work
- Experience with library automation (Sierra/Millennium experience a plus)
- Familiarity with Library of Congress Call Number system
- Demonstrated commitment to practices that enrich an inclusive and equitable campus community
Why Work at U-M Dearborn?
The University of Michigan-Dearborn is one of the three campuses of the University of Michigan system. A vibrant and diverse community, centrally located within one of America's largest business regions. The area provides a variety of urban, suburban, and rural environments within a reasonable commute, including Detroit, its suburbs, and Ann Arbor. The campus is strategically located on 200 suburban acres of the original Henry Ford Estate in the Greater Detroit Metropolitan Region.
UM-Dearborn is a comprehensive university offering high-quality undergraduate, graduate, professional, and continuing education to residents of southeastern Michigan, and currently enrolls just under 9,000 students.
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan-Dearborn offers a comprehensive benefits package, effective on your first day to help you and your family stay well, and plan for a secure future.
Benefits include:
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after 12 months of eligible service
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance, along with prescription drug plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Eligibility for benefits is based on your job group, your appointment percentage and the length of your appointment. Learn more about employee benefits and eligibility from the UM Human Resources Benefits and Wellness webpage.
Additional UM-Dearborn benefits include:
- Employees may be eligible for tuition reimbursement. Learn more about the tuition reimbursement policy.
- Eligible UM-Dearborn dependents may receive a 50% tuition and fees scholarship towards undergraduate courses. Learn more about the Dependent Tuition Scholarship from the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships webpage.
- No charge for all faculty and staff parking permits. Learn more from the Parking Transportation webpage.
Information about our mission, values and leadership can be found at: https://umdearborn.edu/about-um-dearborn/mission
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Work Schedule
Sunday - Thursday 1:45 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.
Hours subject to change depending upon the needs of the library. For example, adjustments may be made to account for extended hours during final exams, campus holidays, or intersessions. Ample notice will be provided for any scheduling change.
For shifts beginning on or after 12:00 pm (noon) there is an additional $1.00 per hour shift premium.
Additional Information
Applicants must have appropriate work authorization at the time of application. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.
Union Affiliation
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the University Staff United (USU), which represents bargaining unit members in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.