Head, Access Services:

The George Mason University Libraries seeks a dynamic, innovative, collaborative, and communicative leader for the Access Services department. The Head, Access Services will lead a department of dedicated staff in developing a forward-looking and service-oriented vision for the provision of services for faculty and students at the integrated services Fenwick Library Information Desk, the flagship service point for the university's library system. The Fenwick Library Information Desk is the nexus for faculty and students' information needs, as it deftly handles circulation, reserves, consortial loan, and general reference inquiries. This is an exciting time for Mason Libraries as we seek a Head, Access Services to collaborate with us in finding the best ways to serve the university's students and faculty. Incumbent will be an integral part of our exciting partnerships with the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC) and George Mason University's Student Government, and will have the opportunity to truly make a difference for students and faculty as we continually explore the best ways to support George Mason University's commitment of access to excellence.

George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.

About the Department: The George Mason University library system, comprised of a large central library and four other distinctive libraries, is located on three campuses in the Northern Virginia-metropolitan Washington, D.C., region. One of Virginia's leading academic research libraries, the Mason Libraries continues to gain steadily in national stature as it undergoes extensive transformation in all areas that are key to a 21st century research library-innovative technologies and services, expert library faculty and skilled staff members, growing collections, publishing, modern facilities, and transformational partnerships. Visit us at library.gmu.edu for more information.

Responsibilities: This position provides leadership, coordination, and staff supervision in the Access Services department, while assisting in and contributing to setting a high standard for user-centered services in Mason Libraries. The department is part of the Access & Resource Management division, a collegial and supportive division encompassing the following other departments: Resource Acquisition, Metadata Services, Resource Licensing & Delivery, and Preservation Services. This position serves on the Management Advisory Council, and reports to the Assistant University Librarian for Access and Resource Management.

Duties: * Directs the activities of Access Services staff in the work of information provision, circulation, consortial loan, reserves, and the provision of excellent user-centered services at the Fenwick Library Information Desk; * Overall managerial responsibility for nine classified staff and 10-15 student employees; * Provides leadership and coordination of access services policies across all University Libraries, working with colleagues at the Arlington Campus Library and the Mercer Library; * Provides leadership, guidance and training for provision of on-site library information services at the integrated services Fenwick Library service desk; * Works closely and collaboratively with Digital Technologies and Services to troubleshoot circulation issues in Alma; participates in developing efficient workflows for circulation functions in Alma; * Serves as a resource for the University Libraries on all matters related to circulation, reserves, consortial loans, patron accounts, fiscal services for fines, lost books, etc.; * Develops access services-related policies as best practices in the profession evolve; educates staff across the Libraries about evolving best practices and trends in access services; * Represents George Mason University on relevant consortial committees, particularly the Washington Research Library Consortium's (WRLC) Resource Sharing Advisory Committee (RSAC); * Handles outreach to our user community through answering questions about library services and responding to issues or suggestions received from the Libraries' user community, always seeking to build and foster proactive and responsive services and positive relationships (both within the library system and university community).

Required Qualifications: * ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library or Information Science OR an equivalent certified foreign degree; * Previous substantial experience in one or more areas of access and information services in an academic library: circulation, reserves, consortial loan; * Substantial experience with an integrated library system (ILS); * Supervisory experience * Demonstrated customer service orientation; * Excellent communication skills; * Ability to build collaborative and mutually beneficial working relationships with people of varying backgrounds; * Ability to thrive in a team-based environment and work collaboratively; * Demonstrated commitment to professional development and growth.

Preferred Qualifications: * Experience with Ex Libris' Alma ILS; * Experience in working in, or managing, an academic library integrated services point/desk; * Experience in the related areas of interlibrary loan/document delivery and/or reference; * Experience with data gathering and in data-informed decision making.

Appointment/Benefits/To Apply: 12-month professional faculty appointment with rank; health plan options and paid life insurance; several retirement plans, including TIAA-CREF; 24 vacation days and 12 paid holidays; tuition waiver for self.

All applications for this position (FA607z) MUST be submitted online at George Mason's employment page (https://jobs.gmu.edu/). Applicants must submit letter of application, resume, and the names, addresses (including e-mail) and phone numbers of three current references. Questions should be directed to Renee Prokop (rprokop@gmu.edu), Human Resources Coordinator, Office of the Dean of Libraries. Review of applications will begin August 14, 2019.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason!

George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."