Reading Room Supervisor, University Libraries

Reading Room Supervisor, University Libraries

Location:

United States, Pennsylvania, University Park

• Current Penn State employee
  : internal application via Workday.
• Current Penn State student
  : student application via Workday.
• External applicant
  : click "Apply" to complete the external process.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

• Communicate with researchers regarding Special Collections visits.
• Guide researchers in accessing and using Special Collections materials through in‑person consultations and reference support.
• Ensure Special Collections desk shifts are filled and staffed; schedule semester‑long desk shift assignments for the entire department.
• Provide weekly coverage at the Special Collections reference desk.
• Review, evaluate, and update policies and procedures for public services in collaboration with colleagues.
• Assist with remote reference requests involving Special Collections materials.

• Supervise part‑time and student employees, as well as graduate students.
• Conduct peer management of colleagues at the reference desk.
• Triage and prepare projects and tasks for student and part‑time employees in service of access to rare and archival materials.
• Onboard and train new team members in public services workflows and best practices.

• Assist in facilitating and coordinating engagement events and outreach activities hosted by the Special Collections Library and campus and community partners.
• Facilitate or assist with assigned events and activities.
• Provide gallery tours.
• Contribute to Special Collections' robust social media presence.
• Participate in events such as panels, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, Open House, De‑stress Fest, and Discovery Day.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and active listening, responsiveness, and relationship‑building.
• Demonstrated ability to be inclusive and respectful when working with others.
• Committed to delivering exceptional service with proven experience in customer‑facing roles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Outstanding organizational and time‑management skills.
• Reliable, detail‑oriented, self‑motivated worker; comfortable working independently with minimal supervision.

• Previous experience providing and supporting experiential learning opportunities for students.
• Knowledgeable about proper handling techniques for archival and rare book materials.
• Understanding of preservation concerns and issues for rare and archival materials.
• Experience working in an archives, special collections library, or academic library.

• Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is accepted. Required certifications:
None.

Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. Please apply via the internal or external process described above.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use the online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473. Penn State is also a federal contractor and follows applicable labor law requirements.