Description

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2670P

Working Title

Director of User Services

Department

Libraries-Access Services

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The UGA Libraries advance the University of Georgia's mission by providing the best possible access to recorded knowledge, actively contributing to the success of students and faculty through teaching and research services provided in physical and virtual environments, exemplifying the University's strategic priority to serve the people of Georgia and beyond. A member of the Association of Research Libraries with 75 faculty librarians and archivists, 150 staff and nearly 200 student workers, the UGA Libraries receive more than three million visits per year on average and provide services at nine locations across the Athens campus, among them the Main Library, Miller Learning Center, McBay Science Library, Special Collections Libraries and Music, Art and Education branch libraries. The UGA Libraries offer nationally distinctive special collections related to Georgia's history, politics, and public policy, and preserves one of the foremost media collections in public broadcasting. The UGA Libraries provide IT support for Georgia Library Learning Online ( GALILEO ), Georgia's statewide virtual library initiative, and is home to the UGA Press and Georgia Review literary journal. Please visit libs.uga.edu for more information.

About the City of Athens:
Athens is a vibrant college town filled with creative energy. The city is located along the North Oconee River in Clarke County, in northeast Georgia just below the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and only a few hours' drive from the Atlantic coast. In 1801 it was chosen as the site of Georgia's first state college and named Athens after the city in Greece.

Nicknamed the Classic City, Athens is best known for great music, a happening food scene, and of course the Georgia Bulldogs, winners of the 2021 and 2022 College Football National Championships. In the spring, the city's Twilight Criterium, one of the country's largest cycling events, attracts both cyclists and spectators. Athfest, a local music festival held on outdoor stages and in venues around town takes place each summer, and the Hot Corner Festival celebrates the African American business community and culture each June. On autumn Saturdays the town swells as football fans flock to cheer on the University of Georgia Bulldogs. In recent years the town is becoming known around the Southeast for its great breweries like Creature Comforts and Terrapin. Filled with historic architecture and home to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Athens is a unique blend of traditional heritage and trend-setting southern culture.

In 1990, the city of Athens and Clarke County combined to form a unified government. Home to more than 100,000 residents, the top three employers include the University of Georgia, Piedmont Regional Healthcare System, and the Athens-Clarke County School District. With more than 12,000 enrolled students, the Athens-Clarke County School District is proud to serve a diverse population across 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 2 high schools, as well as an early learning center and community career academy.

College/Unit/Department website

libs.uga.edu

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

$90,000; commensurate with experience

Anticipated Start Date

07/01/2026

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

03/06/2026

Job Closing Date

04/10/2026

Open until filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should attach a 1-2 page letter of interest, a complete CV, and the names, titles, and contact information of three professional references. The University of Georgia Libraries wish to emphasize that preferred qualifications are not required and we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop preferred knowledge, skills and abilities. Applicants are encouraged to communicate the ways in which their work meets required or preferred qualifications in ways that may not be obvious. Candidates should submit their materials by April 10, 2026

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Librarian AC

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank

Contract Type

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status

Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

An ALA -accredited Master's in Library and Information Science or terminal degree in a related field.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Learning Services & Academic Engagement, the Director of User Services is responsible for the leadership, vision, and administration of borrowing & delivery services, course reserves, resource sharing, stacks maintenance, and information support at the Main & McBay Libraries, in addition to providing oversight of staff at branch locations who are responsible for the service point and day-to-day operations of those facilities. The Director of User Services sets the service standard for the department, creatively enhancing the user experience-establishing the framework, and providing the support and culture that allow staff to offer consistently excellent customer service; being responsive to user needs by revising and developing policies and services; and performing ongoing assessment of services, and service points, regularly seeking input from the user community and staff. To support these efforts, this position directs the work of 15 full-time staff and approximately 50 student assistants.

Monitors Alma enhancements by participating in the continued development of Alma as it pertains to departmental activities, including acting as liaison with appropriate Systems and Library IT personnel. Has primary responsibility for maintaining circulation rules, policies, and calendars within Alma.

Responsible for the coordination of focused outreach to existing special audiences, including new faculty, new graduate and undergraduate students, extension campus and the broader Georgia state community.

UGA librarians are non-tenured faculty members. UGA offers an attractive benefits program including a choice of health and retirement plans, dental plan, vision plan, tuition remission, paid relocation, 21 days annual leave, 12 days sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.

Additional Requirements

• At least 5 years of professional library experience
• At least 5 years increasingly responsible management experience, including successful personnel management and supervision

Candidates will be considered at the rank of Librarian I, II, III , or IV. For more information about the requirements for the Librarian ranks, please see the Guidelines for Librarian/Archivist Faculty Rank and Promotion: https://www.libs.uga.edu/sites/default/files/admin/Guidelines.pdf

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

5 or more years of public service experience preferred

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Familiarity with automated circulation systems such as Alma
• Knowledge of current and/or emerging access services and reference trends/procedures in academic libraries
• Familiarity with and interest in learning more about resource sharing function and ILL
• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills, imagination and creativity, service orientation
• Demonstrated organizational ability, initiative and flexibility, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to assess services and policies, and implement identified necessary changes
• Ability to plan, organize and managing special projects
• Ability to establish and maintain productive, long-term, effective working relationships with Libraries' staff and faculty as well as patrons, university administrators, community members and peers across the state

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Plans, organizes and implements the work of the User Services Department which includes borrowing and delivery services, course reserves, stacks maintenance, general informational services, and branch location oversight for UGA community and visitors. Formulates goals, objectives and priorities to support these services; makes necessary adjustments due to staffing and workload.

Ensures excellent customer service, including assessment of existing services and development of new service offerings based on evolving user needs, with an expectation of decision-making informed by qualitative and quantitative data.

Leads and drives the development, adoption, and ongoing revision of library-wide practices, guidelines, and policies related to user services, focusing on exceptional service and user experience.

In coordination with departmental staff, supervises allocation of student resources for daily operations to maintain coverage of service points and key functions. With staff, determines responsibilities of and levels of student positions and provides guidance to student supervisors on resolving student employment issues, coordinating as appropriate with the Head of Human Resources in the library.

Collaborates with the Assistant Director of User Services, Resource Sharing on strategic planning and oversight of resource sharing services, including monitoring developments in resource sharing technology, consortial partnerships, and copyright issues. Supports the Assistant Director's efforts in maintaining effective workflows and policies that balance the needs of the UGA community with those of resource sharing partners.

Collaborates with the Assistant Director of User Services, Course Reserves & Branches on planning and oversight of branch library locations and course reserves services, including monitoring new systems and collaborating on information materials/outreach needed.

Coordinates with Stacks Manager to ensure that material is reshelved in a timely manner and in proper call number order; determines and continually revises signage and user access to stacks.

Effectively directs, mentors, and leads a dynamic, highly skilled staff and provides administrative oversight with the managerial tasks of recruitment, hiring, retention, and evaluation.

Promotes communication within the Department and the Libraries by encouraging and actively engaging in the exchange of needed information through a variety of methods.

Works effectively across UGA Libraries on shared initiatives and programs relating to the administration, security, physical infrastructure, and technical infrastructure that may impact User Services at UGA Libraries.

Contributes to the department, as well as the Libraries or University and participates in general library administration by serving on the Department Heads Group and other appropriate committees.

As appropriate, contributes at the national level, recognizes library trends and opportunities, and uses this knowledge to enrich local programs and strategic planning. Represents the Libraries through active participation in professional organizations on state, regional, and national levels.

Percentage Of Time

100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you find out about this position at the UGA Libraries?
   (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents