Library Circulation Assistant Jobs in Lynn, MA (NOW HIRING)

Access Services is dedicated to advancing the mission of Harvard Library by providing exceptional service, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports academic research and inquiry, and carefully stewarding the University’s collections. Access Services connects the academic community to a broad array of library resources, ensuring equitable access for users with diverse abilities. By collaborating with students, scholars, and professionals, we actively support the teaching and scholarly pursuits of the University, extending our impact to the Harvard community and beyond.

Job Summary

The Access Services Manager is a working manager who leads Access Services operations and staff at the Monroe C. Gutman Library at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Ernst Mayr Library of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and the Eda Kuhn Loeb Music Library. The manager supervises staff and student workers; oversees circulation services, stacks management and maintenance, course reserves, resource sharing services, facilities, and equipment; and assists patrons in identifying, accessing, and using library resources in the associated libraries. The position is a member of the Access Services Extended Leadership Team (ELT), a collaborative group that includes all Access Services managers and members of the Access Services Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

Appointment Details

The position is a 1-year term-limited appointment with potential for renewal. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 9am–5pm, with hours subject to change based on the academic calendar and departmental needs.

• Staff Management and Leadership: Lead, direct, and supervise daily Access Services operations at assigned libraries, set high patron service standards, mentor staff, and foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Operational Planning: Ensure units meet operational and communication expectations; plan and prioritize daily workflows; assign tasks; and adjust staffing to meet service demands.
• People Development: Recruit, develop, coach, and performance manage staff; set clear expectations and goals; provide ongoing feedback; conduct performance reviews; address issues; and support growth and succession planning, in collaboration with the Associate Director.
• Communication and Alignment: Maintain regular communication with the Associate Director on performance and priorities; share updates and ensure alignment on goals and decisions.
• Policy and Procedure Communication: Communicate departmental goals, policies, procedures, and best practices through meetings, conversations, and documentation.
• Process Improvement: Develop, document, and refine procedures and workflows to enhance efficiency, service quality, and user experience.
• Cross-unit Collaboration: Coordinate activities with other Access Services units and collaborate to solve complex, time-sensitive problems.

• Operations Management: Manage service points and circulation desk services; ensure accurate operations and enforce library policies; support collection security measures.
• Reserves and Digital Services: Train and support centralized digital course reserves services; communicate reserves policies; manage onsite reserves workflows.
• Public Service and Reference: Provide Tier 1 information support; collaborate with reference librarians; maintain effective local referral processes; ensure high-quality, user-centered service.
• Accessibility and Accommodation: Assist staff in helping users with disabilities; coordinate guest policies to ensure equitable access.
• Collections and Stacks: Manage access to onsite and offsite collections; oversee shelving, shifts, transfers to offsite storage, and item record accuracy.
• Resource Sharing and Equipment: Support on-site resource sharing activities; troubleshoot workflows and equipment with relevant units; maintain patron-facing equipment.
• Facilities and Environment: Monitor building conditions; coordinate with facilities and preservation services; conduct regular safety walkthroughs.

• Project Management: Work with the Associate Director to initiate collection projects; develop plans, timelines, and deliverables; assign staff; monitor progress and resources; analyze data to inform decisions.
• Cross-Unit Collaboration: Coordinate with ITS, collection management, and public services to align priorities and ensure effective project outcomes.
• Documentation and Training: Develop project procedures; provide guidance and training to staff and students; monitor performance and provide feedback throughout the project lifecycle.
• Communication: Regularly update the Associate Director and local leadership on project progress.

• Extended Leadership Team: Actively participate in the ELT; contribute to strategic planning, policy development, and service initiatives; foster an inclusive and equitable work environment.

• Other Duties: Participate in library-wide task forces, contribute to Access Services goals, and perform other duties consistent with the role.

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) or equivalent education or work experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of academic library experience with a strong public service orientation.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in GLAM or related organization.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in supervision and performance management of staff, students, or contingent workers.
• Record of successful collaboration in complex or matrixed organizations.
• Strong project management skills including planning, communication, assessment, and delivery of complex projects.
• Data-driven decision making and ability to analyze workflows to improve service benchmarks and staff capacity.
• Ability to set priorities, multitask, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Flexibility and enthusiasm for working in a changing, technology-oriented environment.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and antiracism.
• Commitment to high-quality user experiences and secure stewardship of collections.

• Appointment End Date: 1 year from hire date.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week; onsite 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday; hours may adjust based on academic calendar and needs.
• Work Location: Onsite; multiple locations may be involved; flexwork requests will be considered per policy.

• Work is conducted primarily in a library/office setting; may involve basements, attics, warehouses, and offsite storage.
• Potential exposure to dust, mold, or other contaminants; may travel locally between libraries.
• Regular movement between facilities; ability to lift items up to 30 pounds; occasional climbing ladders or step stools.
• Reasonable accommodations available for essential functions.

• Generous paid time off and family leave; health insurance coverage starting on day one; retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing resources, caregiver support, professional development including tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and campus perks.

Note: This description is subject to change and reflects the role as described at the time of posting. EEO/Non-Discrimination statements are included in official postings and policies.

Important – This description does not include links to external resources; all hyperlinks have been removed to preserve formatting compliance.