Access Services Specialist

About the company

Vanderbilt University

Higher education · 1,001 to 5,000 employees

What you'll do

• Works closely with the Manager of Access Services and teammates to define scope of projects and execute project deliverables according to a prescribed timeline.
• Lead or support logistics operations such as inventory audits, material movement, and spatial planning.
• Apply structured project management practices (Lean Six Sigma, PMP-style workflows) to digitization, space optimization, or asset transfers.
• Use timeline tools (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Trello) to support long-range planning of service improvement initiatives.
• Apply lean workflow methods to streamline circulation, reserves, or interlibrary loan functions.
• Draft documentation and SOPs to enhance consistency and cross-training across service points.
• Support after-action reviews to inform continuous improvement across the system.
• Communicate regular updates on project progress, challenges, and completion status to supervisor and other stakeholders.
• Manages one of the following areas on a rotating basis for the team, continuously improving and seeking workflow efficiencies within each area – 30%
• Supervising student workforce
• Managing course reserves for Central Library (and other libraries as needed)
• Managing Inter-Library Loan borrowing and lendingDevelops and plans student engagement programming and events – 10% Provides assistance to library patrons – 10%
• Provide technology support for library patrons
• Provide support for library study spaces, including room reservations and troubleshooting equipment issues.
• Assists patrons with access services questions and needs.
• Help create an inclusive, mission-aligned service culture that models institutional values.
• Associate’s degree or higher is required.
• Training or certification in project management or logistics is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are necessary.
• A wide range of computer and technology skills are necessary.
• Basic understanding of library cataloging systems and management software is preferred.
• Project management experience is preferred.
• Comfort with physical labor, including lifting boxes of books, standing for extended periods, and pushing carts of materials is necessary.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal are necessary.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment is necessary.
• Dependable, proactive, and able to prioritize tasks effectively is necessary.
• Flexible and adaptable to changes in priorities or project timelines is necessary.
• Experience working within higher education or academic libraries is preferred.

What you need

• Be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Be able to handle ambiguity and change
• Be proficient in a variety of technology applications
• Possess an ability to work with automation mapping
• Be able to work independently and collaboratively with library staff

Key skills

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