Senior Library Specialist - Mathematics Library

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library

FUNCTION: The Senior Library Specialist works closely with the Mathematics Librarian, who serves as the liaison librarian for Mathematics, Statistics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Computing and Data Science. The position performs a range of supervisory, public service, technical service, and collection management functions essential to the effective operation of the Mathematics Library and contributes to the mission of the University Library.

Duties and Responsibilities

Manages Mathematics Library circulation and public services, including providing research and information assistance to Library users

• Has direct operational management of the library and is the lead staff member during the early evening hours Monday-Friday. Serves as the supervisory bridge between daytime and late-night staff members.
• Coordinates with LOA and unit head on probationary evaluations and annual evaluations of the staff members whose work is supervised by this position.
• Coordinates staff interviews for open late-night positions as part of a three-person committee making hiring decisions.
• Enter and manage student schedules in Lib Staffer and assists in managing student assistant swaps and absences to ensure adequate coverage for the 100+ hours per week that we are open.
• Works with LOA to interview student assistant applicants.
• Works with LOA to create schedules for 18-22 student assistants each semester.

Supports collection development and manages monograph and serial acquisitions for the Mathematics Library

• Researches and recommends materials for acquisition based on collection needs, available funding, faculty input, and established collection priorities.
• Conducts bibliographic research to verify holdings, editions, formats, and publication history and prepares orders for selected materials.
• Monitors monographic series and journals, standing orders, and other continuing publications; identifies needed volumes and resolves ordering or receipt issues.
• Works with the Mathematics Librarian and departmental faculty to identify collection needs and priorities.
• Identifies materials elsewhere in the Library that may be appropriate for transfer to the Mathematics Library.

Manages Mathematics Library collections, cataloging support, and patron account issues

• Reviews catalog and holdings records for Mathematics Library materials and works with appropriate Library units to resolve errors or inconsistencies.
• Processes donated materials, including evaluating materials for the collection, coordinating cataloging, and preparing gift correspondence.
• Assists patrons with fines, billing, lost or overdue materials, and related account issues; works with central Library units to resolve complex cases.
• Monitors the physical collection, including identifying missing, damaged, or mis-shelved materials and coordinating repair, preservation, or other appropriate action.
• Maintains local collection records and other information needed to support access to Mathematics Library materials and services.

Supervises and supports Mathematics Library staff

• Recruits, trains, schedules, approves time sheets, and supervises student assistants.
• Provides training, guidance, and constructive feedback to support effective job performance and professional development.
• Serves as a resource for resolving complex operational questions and developing or improving unit procedures.
• Collaborates with the Grainger Engineering Library Information Center, the Chemistry Library, and other Library staff to develop and implement effective, consistent workflows, procedures, and services.

Other

• Assists the Mathematics Librarian in identifying, organizing, maintaining, and documenting…