User Services Librarian

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago as one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, our university continues to grow and evolve and now offers Boston’s only women’s undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all. 

You’re joining our community at an especially exciting time as we continue to innovate for the future. Simmons recently launched a six-school academic structure that leverages our expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that make our communities stronger. In addition, we continue to highlight our high-value education proposition that is delivering greater ROI to students and putting them on the fast track to career growth and success. You’ll find that people who work here truly believe in our mission of preparing students to become social justice-oriented leaders who excel in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace.

As a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Deputy Director and Head of Research and User Services, the User Services Librarian  ensures exceptional frontline service by fostering a warm, patron-centered environment which prioritizes the student experience and supports the Library’s essential role in Simmons education. This position advances the Library’s commitment to teaching and learning by working with staff at all levels to provide consistent, equitable access to collections, services, and spaces—promoting discovery, enrichment, and academic success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinating the work of User Services with Research Services

• Supervising the User Services Fellow

• Managing daily operations and workflow of the Library Service Desk, including social media and service-related communications 

• Overseeing student staff, including hiring, onboarding, and training

• Participating in provision of reference and research services to users

• Managing access to collections, including interlibrary loan and course reserves

• Supporting and facilitating usage of library spaces and resources

• Planning and assessing departmental work

• Managing User Services departmental budget

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

User & Research Services:

• Manage the User Services Fellow in support of User and Research Services functions.

• Oversee and support Library Service Desk staff, and User Services Fellow, in daily activities.

• Collaborate with Research Services team to provide in-person, chat, and email reference; train and support graduate student workers providing research support.

• Prepare and distribute approved Library Hours and changes to service schedules. 

• Oversee and monitor Library spaces to ensure safety, cleanliness and place service requests as appropriate.

• Manage collection and reporting of usage statistics and headcounts. 

• Make recommendations and updates to User Services policies and procedures.

• Maintain and update Service Desk internal website as appropriate.

• Manage User Services budget including reporting and payment activities in Workday

• Participate as a member of the Research Services team offering research and instruction.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Library and Archives and with University departments in support of Library programming and communications.

Collections & Access:

• Oversee the maintenance of physical collections, collaborating and consulting with subject specialists on recommended changes, collections projects, deaccessions, and acquisitions.

• Plan and implement collection maintenance projects in conjunction with Collections Strategy Librarian.

• Supervise the operation of Interlibrary Loan systems, processes, and procedures.

• Manage Course Reserves system and procedures and communicate with faculty on Course Reserves policies and procedures.

• Make recommendations and updates to policies and procedures.

Staffing & Supervision

Student Workers:

• Oversee hiring, training, and scheduling of student worker team (undergraduate and graduate students) each semester.

• Facilitate hiring and payroll activities for student workers using Workday and communicating with Student Employment

• Collaborate with User Services Fellow and Deputy Director on student worker policies, procedures, and training, or changes to systems and processes.

User Services Fellow:

• Supervises, supports, and collaborates with the User Services Fellow in all aspects of service operations and management.

• Engages in a model of mindful mentorship for Fellow career growth.

• Contributes to development of professional portfolio opportunities for Fellow.

• Oversees and advises on Fellow’s capstone project. 

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Other duties assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree from an ALA accredited program in Library & Information Science.

• Two years library or public service experience, including supervisory experience.

• Experience with MS Excel or Google Sheets.

• Knowledge of social media platforms.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

• Strong service ethic with the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in an academic library setting.

• Experience working in customer service.

• Experience creating a respectful and inclusive environment supportive of diversity.

• Willingness to contribute to the profession through activities such as publications, presentations and taking leadership roles in professional organizations.

COMPETENCIES

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills

• Strong analytical and organizational skills

• Demonstrated leadership skills

• Commitment to excellent customer service

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as part of a team

• Commitment to Inclusive Excellence and Social Justice

WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Eligible for hybrid work schedule. Nights or weekends may be required.

• Typical office environment

• Essential physical requirements, such as climbing, standing, stooping, or typing.

• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary - up to 40 pounds

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws effective October 29, 2025, Simmons University is committed to pay equity, transparency and clear communication throughout the hiring process. The hourly or annual salary range for this position is:

This is benefits eligible position.

Actual compensation will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills, equity, and external market benchmarks that help guide compensation decisions. Our compensation philosophy is centered around a comprehensive package that includes pay, health benefits, and retirement savings offerings that can be seen here, as well as work-life balance initiatives such as flexible hours and remote work opportunities. We are committed to offering a package that empowers individuals to thrive in their roles, contribute meaningfully, and lead with confidence.

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the Application Materials box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual’s community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.