Employment at the Library

UMBC offers competitive compensation.  This role starts at $48,138 and has 11 days of vacation as well as winter break, spring break, and personal days for regular full time roles.  Tuition remission is also available. 

What is it like to work at UMBC?  Check out Glassdoor or Indeed. And read about our recent award, UMBC is a 2023 Great College to Work for…. In every category.

A hybrid telework schedule may be available after completing the probationary period.

This position works collaboratively with the Head of Reference & Instruction, subject librarians, and library student employees to provide essential reference support and outreach to the campus community. Specific responsibilities include: 

• Provide independent reference assistance in a variety of modalities, including in person, by phone, email, and chat, while referring complex inquiries to subject librarians.

• Collaborate with subject librarians to provide library support within the First Year Experience programs, including developing instructional videos and tutorials.

• Coordinate the hiring, training, supervision, and support of Reference student employees.

• Serve on the library’s outreach committee, and in partnership with other campus units, plan, market, and conduct key outreach events at the library, as well as participate in and support other campus and library outreach events.

• Assist with general orientations and library workshops.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree

• One year of experience directly related to the primary duties of the position

• Ability to learn and apply research skills in an academic setting

• Knowledge of basic principles of quality customer service and teamwork

• Interest in working with a diverse population in a supportive manner

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to exercise initiative in decision-making and managing tasks

Note: Additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications: 

This role requires a customer-focused and collaborative individual with supervisory experience. As the head of the Circulation Department’s leadership team, the successful candidate will collaborate on strategic priorities, supervision of student assistants, training goals and policies and procedures for the department at large. 

The candidate will also ensure that library services are performed safely and efficiently, and library users are served courteously, promptly and in accordance with the Public Services Division’s values of approachability, cooperation, diversity and inclusion, professionalism and excellent quality of work.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree

• Five years of progressively responsible supervisory experience with a proven record of performance management, creating/implementing policies and procedures and accountability

• Proven ability to train, delegate, assign and evaluate staff in performing detailed procedures and specific tasks and responsibilities

• Strong skills in communication and interacting with a diverse staff in a fast-paced environment with fluctuating demands

• Ability to understand and apply principles of quality customer service, teamwork and conflict resolution 

• Proven ability in analyzing and solving problems and exercising judgment in resolving or referring to special or non-routine situations

• Knowledge of the principles and organization of libraries

• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel and Google Suite applications (e.g., mail, calendar, etc.)