Library Specialist IV - Frey Library Operations and Service Point

Job Title: Library Specialist IV - Frey Library Operations and Service Point
Classification: C4
Department: University Libraries
Updated: January 2019

Job Summary

Responsible for overseeing all aspects of library operations at the Frey Library and the security and safety of all library users, resources, collections and equipment providing an environment conducive to research and learning. Supervises the Frey Library student employees and is responsible for creating, maintaining and updating the Frey Library holdings. Oversees patron interactions and provides leadership in customer service initiatives for University Libraries, delivering an array of library services, securing the library and its resources, and ensuring an environment conducive to learning.  Flexibility to work varied shifts is required.

Essential Functions

  • Prepares materials for course support as well as fulfillment of Document Delivery requests. This requires the ability to locate, obtain and make available the requested materials by searching the library’s catalog and online databases.
  • Works with Pew Campus Security and Operations Manager for Pew Campus Libraries to ensure the security and safety of all library users, resources, collections and equipment
  • Hires, trains, budgets, schedules, and supervises student employees.
  • Coordinates the work of other PSS.
  • Creates bibliographic records in the library’s online catalog allowing students to locate and access course reserve resources.
  • Responsible for quality control of online catalog entries for books and periodicals at the Frey Foundation Learning Center. Updates the online catalog to reflect current holdings, location and other changes.
  • Serials responsibilities: create, maintain and update holdings records, as well as adjust physical holdings. Update OCLC to reflect current holdings.
  • Observes and oversees student assistant and patron interaction and is responsible for intervening when necessary to address elevated patron emotion and/or to provide clarification related to policies and procedures. Responsible for training and guiding student assistants on issues related to customer service, library services and resources, and coaches them in communicating with clarity and tact.
  • Responsible for assisting patrons with a wide range of transactions and inquiries related to the circulation of materials, patron accounts, library policies, reference and access, directional, and of general variety usually in a high-paced, multi-tasked environment.
  • Provides reference and research services requiring an in-depth knowledge of the library’s holdings, web site and online databases. Additionally, knowledge of proper reference interview technique is also needed.
  • Assist with gathering and compiling statistics in relation to the user experience program.
  • Participates in the promotion of library services.
  • Responsible for tracking inventory to ensure accuracy of library holdings and to coordinate general stacks maintenance.
  • Oversees opening of the library.
  • Identify and report problems with the facilities (i.e. burned-out light bulbs, water leaks, etc.) and help reduce energy use in the building.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Functions

  • Assists with projects as assigned
  • Assist with energy issues by monitoring and reducing the use of lights, power and water as appropriate

Required Qualifications

  • High school graduate or equivalent.
  • Minimum of four years of relevant work experience.
  • Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated experience to successfully work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrated experience to successfully maintain positive interpersonal relationships.
  • Demonstrated experience to successfully provide quality customer service.
  • Demonstrated experience to successfully maintain satisfactory work performance and attendance records.
  • Possess strong verbal and written communication skills. 
  • Demonstrated experience to successfully use a variety of computer software applications.
  • Demonstrated experience to successfully work independently, organize own work and coordinate work activities of others.
  • Demonstrated experience to successfully coordinate large projects.
  • Demonstrated experience to successfully handle multiple demands efficiently.
  • Demonstrated experience to successfully organize and prioritize workload.
  • Demonstrated experience to successfully handle differing situations and problems in the work routine by exercising judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Experience working in academic libraries
  • Experience with an integrated library system
  • Supervisory experience

Supervision Received

Receives minimal supervision from a designated supervisor. Much of the work is self-initiated. Person is expected to function with considerable independence and apply appropriate policies and procedures within the assigned area of responsibility.

Supervision Exercised

Hire, train, schedule and coordinate the work of student employees and may act as lead worker to PSS staff members within the department/unit/division. 

Physical Demands

  • To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Standard hours for this position: Coverage during open library hours (gvsu.edu/library/hours) including pre and post opening hours; Monday-Friday, daytime.



Page last modified November 17, 2020