Supervisor, Physical Collections Receipt and Processing Unit

Princeton University Library (PUL) seeks an enthusiastic and knowledgeable individual for the role of Supervisor for the Physical Collections Receipt and Processing Unit. The Supervisor is responsible for the hiring, training, and oversight of members of the PCRP unit as well as overseeing and directing the activities of the individual in shipping logistics. This position is responsible for ensuring that library material is received, processed, and routed effectively and efficiently by members of the PCRP unit. This position is essential for overseeing day-to-day operational activities, answering questions, and resolving complex issues.

The Supervisor collaborates with colleagues to identify and resolve workflow issues and develops and revises procedures in response to changing priorities. This position requires continual assessment of the work on hand, participation in the discussion and planning of cross-departmental workflows, and the ability to reprioritize tasks in order to keep the large volume of received physical material moving smoothly through the unit.

The Supervisor directly oversees and monitors the activities of 7 PCRP staff and is responsible for hiring, training, and evaluating staff work performance. The Supervisor delegates responsibilities; establishes procedures; provides necessary planning, training and support documentation to implement new functions; and analyzes and adjusts workflows to best meet the changing needs of the library. The Supervisor generates reports related to the receipt of library material and organizes weekly workflow activities for the unit’s staff.

The Supervisor serves as a liaison to individuals outside the unit whose work relates to or involves the unit’s day-to-day processing activities. The Supervisor builds and maintains professional relationships with colleagues and campus constituents, facilitating communication while coordinating activities related to effectively and efficiently receiving and moving material to its determined location. The supervisor generates material review reports in order for library subject specialists to review received items. The individual in this position serves as a member of committees and working groups, participating in the resolution of issues and framing of policies for technical services functions library-wide.

The Supervisor is responsible for resolving complex or atypical problems related to staff management as well as workflow challenges resulting from externalities related to changes in ordering processes, technology, and the organizing and preparation of library material to be moved from technical services.

The Supervisor monitors and tracks the quality of work performed by book vendors, shelf-ready providers, and binders, communicating with them to report and resolve any procedural or QA issues.

The Supervisor oversees and directs the activities of the individual in shipping logistics, coordinates the movement of material to and from the shipping and receiving area to and from staff workspaces, and ensures that material is adequately prepared for transport to off-site locations.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years work experience in a library or related field, with at least three years of relevant supervisory experience in a large academic library setting or the equivalent of a scale and complexity sufficient to demonstrate competency in the position offered.
• Recent direct experience with hiring, training and supervising staff in a high-demand, complex workflow environment.
• Demonstrated evidence of excellent interpersonal, analytical, organizational and oral and written communications skills, including ability to actively listen, understand and articulate needs.
• Work experience using an integrated library system or equivalent.
• Ability to balance priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong commitment to enhancing service through teamwork and using technology to advance goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• MLS or equivalent combination of a college degree and relevant work experience.
• Cataloging experience and/or bibliographic knowledge of one or more languages other than English.
• Demonstrated ability to assess, develop and implement new workflow efficiencies.
• Demonstrated understanding of the mission and functions of a large research library.
• Experience working with integrated library system reporting and summarizing large data sets.
• Experience working successfully in a complex organizational structure.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS