About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

SMU Libraries seeks an enthusiastic librarian to set the vision and strategic direction of Access and Resource Sharing services at SMU Libraries. This critical position supervises the team that provides circulation and interlibrary loan services at Fondren Library, the main campus library of Southern Methodist University. Additionally, this position leads a cross-library Access Services Team that establishes goals and ensures consistent, high-quality user experience and patron-focused service delivery across all six libraries. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Academic Initiatives and Director of Fondren Library, this position serves as the assistant director of Fondren Library and supports the Director in managing a very busy and active library.

SMU is a nationally ranked private research university in Dallas, TX, with eight degree-granting schools. SMU Libraries includes six libraries on the main campus and one library at our satellite location in Taos, NM. The seventh library on the main campus, the Rees-Jones Library of the American West, is scheduled to open in 2027. The Rees-Jones Library will be constructed adjacent to Fondren Library and house one of the country's most significant collections of Western Americana.

SMU Libraries and the SMU campus are dedicated to diversity and inclusion. We are committed to creating a supportive team environment where all voices are heard, and all staff are supported in their professional goals. We seek to hire a person who shares our values of a diverse and equitable workplace based on teamwork with a proactive and positive approach in all that we do. The ideal person for this role will be able to build relationships, lead a team, set goals, and create and implement a plan with staff collaboration across libraries.

Essential Functions:

• Leads all-library access services team. Coordinates and promotes the delivery of circulation, course reserve, and stacks management across all libraries. Ensures consistent, high-quality customer service, effective policies and procedures, and resource delivery. Uses analytics to improve and evaluate services and identify service gaps.
• Directs and coordinates interlibrary loan and document delivery services across libraries; works with systems and IT staff to manage ILLiad software.
• Supervises Fondren Library's circulation manager, interlibrary loan team, and stacks manager. Supervises full-time security guard and coordinates guard service. Sets goals and priorities, completes annual evaluations, and encourages professional growth of library staff.
• Serves as the assistant director of Fondren Library, providing backup to the director as needed. In emergencies, may work nights and weekends due to building closures or staffing issues.
• Leads streamlining and standardization of student worker policies and procedures across SMU Libraries.
• Represents access services on the Academic Initiatives Steering Committee. Shares strategic goals, proposes projects, and creates reports. Makes recommendations for decision-making.
• Continues professional growth through publishing, presentations, or participation and leadership in professional organizations. Serves on or chairs library, university, and professional organization committees as appropriate.

 

Qualifications

 

Education and Experience:

Required Qualifications:

ALA-accredited master’s degree in library science or equivalent

At least 5 years of work experience in public services in an academic or public library

At least 1 year of supervisory experience

Experience in circulation or interlibrary loan services

Demonstrated leadership skills

Demonstrated commitment to scholarship and service in the field of librarianship.

Preferred Qualifications:

Alma certification or equivalent

Knowledge of ILLiad software

Proficiency in circulation module within an integrated library system

Ability to analyze and review software applications

Experience delivering high-quality customer service

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Deadline to Apply:

Open until filled. Applications submitted by September 2, 2024, will receive priority consideration.

To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit:

(1) A resume or CV,

(2) A cover letter that addresses the education and experience required and preferred for this position.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.