Public Services Supervisor, University Library in Bristol, Rhode Island at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University
Title: Public Services Supervisor, University Library

Location: Bristol, RI

Category: Professional and Clerical

Job Type: Full-time Regular

Posted On: Wed Apr 29 2026

Job Description:

Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Libraries, the Public Services Supervisor is responsible for overall user experience at service points and in other public spaces in the University Library. The Public Services Supervisor oversees the day-to-day operations of the information desk and is responsible for developing and encouraging a positive, engaging, and user-centered approach to customer service, while working collaboratively with library colleagues as well as University faculty and staff.

This position will require working some evening and weekend hours.

Essential Functions/Characteristics
Manage the Information Desk and the Public Services Department.

Manage patron and circulation modules of the LMS.

Manage Access Services related information on the library website and in LibApps.

Oversee stacks, space, and collection maintenance.

Collect statistics and conduct assessment of access services functions.

Invoice library patrons for lost or non-returned materials when necessary. Work with Student Accounts to reconcile bills.

Manage policies and processes for items from the Library of Things, Study Rooms, and related systems.

Conduct regular inventory of physical collections.

Communicate with the IT helpdesk as necessary to ensure public printing and PCs remain functional and accessible.

Hire, train, and manage access services student workers.

Collaborate with the Library Dean and Assistant Dean on library-centered student experiential learning
opportunities.

In consultation with the Dean, develop new services and policies where appropriate.

Staff Management
Hire, train, manage, motivate, and evaluate direct report staff.

Additional Functions
Undertake special projects as directed by the Dean of Libraries. Serve on library and Learning Commons committees and task forces.

Participate in professional development activities related to the position.

Opens and close the Library in collaboration with the Office of Public Safety when necessary.

Job Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree. ALA-accredited Master's in Library Science or the equivalent strongly preferred.

Minimum of two years of previous library experience, preerrably in an academic library.

Comfort and proficiency with academic library technologies, databases, and services.

High commitment to the role of library services in fostering student success.

Previous bibliographic instruction and/or research support experience strongly preferred.

Outstanding customer service skills, including a professional, positive, and approachable demeanor.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Experience hiring and managing staff and/or students.

Excellent research skills and familiarity with a wide range of information resources.

Familiarity with library management systems (such as OCLC WMS, FOLIO, Alma, etc.).

Ability to interact with all levels of staff and to work closely with departments across campus.

High level of attention to detail.

Ability to prioritize and to handle multiple competing projects.

* At the University's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be accepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the University, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Additional Information:

Roger Williams University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable state and federal law. For information on our Non-discrimination policy, visit here.

RWU prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. Complaints of Title IX sexual harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the contact information listed below. Details regarding the formal complaint process can be found here: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and responded to promptly. TITLE IX COORDINATOR: Dr. Jen Stanley, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 / Phone Number: (401) 254-3123 /Email Address: jstanley@rwu.edu