Senior Library Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The University of Iowa Libraries is seeking to hire a Library Operations Lead (Senior Library Associate classification, PLC2/3A) at Hardin Library for the Health Sciences. The Library Operations Lead coordinates day-to-day operations that support public services, staffing, facilities, and service continuity at Hardin Library. This position supervises Professional & Scientific staff, Merit staff, as well as student employees who support core service operations, including interlibrary loan (ILL), reference desk coverage, and other public-facing services, and serves as a key operational partner to the Assistant Director in maintaining consistent, user-centered library services. In addition to overseeing service operations, this position provides direct coverage at public service points as needed to support user services and maintain service continuity.

The Library Operations Lead manages workflows and staffing related to service points, facilities operations, resource sharing support, and building services in partnership with the Assistant Director to ensure effective delivery of services across library spaces. Serving as Hardin Library's facilities coordinator, this position develops and maintains operational procedures, workflows, and practices that support organizational effectiveness and enhance the user experience. This role supervises 4 staff members and 6-12 student workers. Evening and weekend coverage may be required to support staffing needs, service continuity, direct service desk coverage, and library operations.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND SPECIFIC JOB TASKS

Acquire, Organize, Digitize, Preserve, and Provide Information Resources and Services
    Coordinate workflows and operational practices that support access to library resources, services, and spaces.
    Provide oversight and guidance for resource sharing workflows and service continuity, including backup support and escalation for complex issues as needed.
    Collaborate with staff and partners to identify workflow improvements and resolve service issues involving university offices, vendors, and partner libraries.
    Maintain operational documentation and procedures that support consistent service delivery.

Instruction, Consultation, and Public Services
    Coordinate daily public service operations, including service desk activities and staffing coverage.
    Collaborate with the Assistant Director, librarian staff, and operational staff to maintain evening and weekend service coverage and continuity.
    Provide operational guidance and escalation support for circulation, resource sharing, and public service issues.
    Support outreach, communication, and service initiatives that enhance user access and experience.
    Assist library users with directional, reference, circulation, and technology support, including referrals to appropriate campus and library resources. 
    Supports users in person, virtually, and by phone using clear, patient, and professional communication.
     Occasional evening and weekend hours required.

Leadership/Staff and Resource Management/Financial Responsibility
    Manage daily operational activities for public-facing services, staffing coordination, and facilities-related functions.
    Provide functional and administrative supervision for merit staff, student employees, graduate assistants, and/or Professional & Scientific staff, including hiring, scheduling, training, coaching, performance management, and oversight to ensure effective operations and compliance with university policies and procedures.
    Serve as facilities coordinator by monitoring library spaces, coordinating building-related concerns, and responding to facility and security issues.
    Develop and maintain operational procedures, documentation, and training resources that support service consistency and cross-training.
    Collaborate with Hardin leadership to establish operational priorities, support planning efforts, and recommend improvements related to staffing, facilities, and services.
    Exercise judgment in interpreting operational policies, resolving service issues, and making decisions that support effective service delivery.

Continuous Learning & Skills Development
    Maintain current knowledge of library operations, supervision, facilities coordination, and service practices.
    Stay informed regarding emerging trends and best practices that strengthen operational effectiveness and user services.
    Participate in professional development and support learning activities that promote continuous improvement and organizational resilience.