Public Services Associate

Position OverviewThe University of Kansas Libraries seeks a dedicated team player to join the Public Services unit at Kenneth Spencer Research Library. Spencer Research Library is the home of remarkable and varied collections of rare and unique materials. The Public Services Associate plays a vital role in creating and maintaining a welcoming, accessible, helpful, and comfortable atmosphere for visitors that is also a secure environment for the handling of collection materials. Specifically, the Public Services Associate works closely with Public Services colleagues and other coworkers at Spencer Research Library to support key public-facing functions including reference, instruction, and outreach. The ideal candidate is a highly-collaborative, user-focused individual who thrives in a team environment. This position reports to the Head of Public Services. Some work on Saturdays during the spring and fall semester is required.

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.Job Description45% Reference Services and Support

• Develops in-depth knowledge of the library's collections, practices, and services.
• Provides excellent service to users in regular rotation in Spencer's Reading Room.
  • Works individually with scholars, students, and other researchers through reference consultations.
  • Communicates, explains, and enforces library material use policies and procedures.
  • Assists library users with a range of information technology including computer workstations, scanners, laptops, microform readers, and associated software.
• Assists the Reference Coordinator and other Spencer colleagues with answering remote reference queries.
• Assists the Reference Coordinator with fulfilling reproduction requests.

35% Program Support

• Coordinates with Spencer colleagues to manage Spencer's three classrooms by ensuring each space is appropriately set up for classes, tours, and meetings and overseeing the operation of computers and audiovisual equipment.
• Assists and collaborates with curators and the Head of Public Services in setting up and putting away collection materials for classes, tours, and other events; staffing events; and conducting instruction sessions and large group tours.
• Assists Spencer staff members developing exhibitions by managing collection materials and associated transactions in the library's Aeon software.
• Creates digital versions of Spencer exhibitions using Omeka software.

10% Administrative Associate Backup

• Updates daily schedules for student assistants when the Administrative Associate is unavailable or absent.
• Approves student timesheets when the Administrative Associate is absent.
• Assists with managing student projects, especially those involving collection storage areas.
• Attends and participates in appropriate public services meetings.
• May assist with event setup and building maintenance.
• May assist with developing content for the Spencer blog and other Public Services initiatives, working under the direction of the Head of Public Service and with other colleagues in Spencer and KU Libraries.

10% Other Duties

• May staff the reception desk or serve as the Reading Room page as needed.
• May participate in service and committee work within KU Libraries.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree and three years of library or related experience OR high school diploma/GED and five years of library or related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Strong commitment to high-quality, user-centered public service as demonstrated in application materials.
2. Work experience in an academic or research library.
3. Knowledge of the use and proper handling of archives, manuscripts, rare books, and photographs as demonstrated in application materials.
4. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills as evidenced in application materials.
5. Experience working effectively and cooperatively as part of a team - as well as independently - in a changing work environment as demonstrated in application materials.
6. Experience managing and completing a range of projects in a timely fashion and with a high level of accuracy as demonstrated in application materials.
7. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills as demonstrated in application materials.

Additional Candidate InstructionsApplicants should attach a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor) to this online application. Please use your cover letter to address how you meet the required and preferred qualifications. An online application must be completed to be considered for this position.

Application review beings Monday, May 12th. To ensure consideration please apply no later than Sunday, May 11th.Contact Information to ApplicantsTonia Morgan
Salary RangeMinimum salary $38,000, final determination commensurate with experienceApplication Review BeginsMonday May 12, 2025Anticipated Start DateMonday May 26, 2025 Apply to Job