Supervisor, Physical Collections Receipt and Processing Unit

Princeton University Library is looking for a motivated individual to lead the Physical Collections Receipt and Processing unit. The Supervisor, Physical Collections Receipt and Processing unit (PCRP) plans, coordinates, and oversees all aspects of the intake and processing of over 89,000 physical items. Leading a team of seven, the Supervisor guides and oversees day-to-day services provided by the unit and plays an integral role in facilitating communications that are essential to effectively manage the processing and movement of materials between teams, library departments, and selectors. The scope of the work is broad and, in addition to coordinating the receipt and processing of physical library material, involves administering bindery activities; generating reports; drafting workflows; utilizing ServiceNow to coordinate and organize implementation of Approval Plan agreements; and participating in meetings and working groups comprised of managers and team leaders in Acquisitions, Finance, and Cataloging and Metadata Services.

Princeton University Library, one of the world’s leading research libraries, has a dedicated, knowledgeable staff of 300 in a large central library, 9 specialized branches and 3 storage facilities. PUL supports a diverse community of 5200 undergrads, 2700 graduates, 1200 faculty, and many visiting scholars. Holdings include more than 7 million printed volumes, 5 million manuscripts, 2 million non-print items, and extensive collections of digital text, data and images.

• Hires, trains, and supervises the seven team members in PCRP. Monitors and evaluates staff performance. Provides the necessary planning, training, and support.
• Administers departmental workflows and ensures procedures are followed. Assigns and delegates responsibilities to department staff. Establishes new workflows, revises existing procedures, and adapts department activities as needed.
• Serves as a primary point-of-contact for Princeton University librarians and staff outside the unit whose work relies on the PCRP team’s day-to-day activities being completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Generates reports for weekly operations and develops analytical reports to review material location changes and modify physical item information.
• Reviews bibliographic and holdings records for received material and revises records according to PUL guidelines and accepted standards.
• Participates on committees and in working groups, contributes to the resolution of issues and the drafting of policies for technical services functions library-wide.
• Plays a key role in the ServiceNow group addressing the receipt and processing of material on approval.
• Coordinates the processing of materials sent to the bindery. Ensures that incoming material is routed to the correct location. Communicates directly with PUL staff and the bindery to establish bindery parameters, resolve issues, and verifies receipt of bindery shipments for invoice processing purposes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Minimum of 4 years work experience in a library, 3 years of relevant supervisory experience in a large academic library setting, with at least 2 years of experience in library technical services environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, organizational and oral and written communications skills.
• Demonstrated ability to balance priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong commitment to enhancing service through teamwork and using technology to advance goals.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.
• Ability to anticipate workflow changes and adjust priorities accordingly.
• Physical requirements include the ability to box and unpack material, handle heavy books and boxes, and the pushing and pulling of heavy book trucks; must be able to lift or handle boxes weighing from 60-75 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• MLS or equivalent combination of a college degree and relevant work experience
• Familiarity with Ex Libris ALMA Acquisitions and Cataloging functions
• Experience working with integrated library system reporting and summarizing large data sets.
• Experience working on projects in libraries that leverage library technology to improve workflows and communication.
• Proficiency with searching OCLC (WorldCat, First Search) and other major bibliographic databases
• Demonstrated ability to assess, develop and implement new workflow efficiencies.
• Ability to move boxes of books (up to 25 pounds) from book trucks to shelves (and the reverse). This position requires frequent bending and reaching.

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