Position Title: Head of Access Services  

Classification: Full Time / Exempt

Position Overview:

The Berkeley Heights Public Library is seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented, and customer-focused professional to join our team as the Head of Access Services. Under the direction of the Assistant Library Director, the Head of Access Services  oversees daily operations of the Access Services Department, including circulation and technical services, ensuring patrons can easily discover, access and use library materials and resources.  This role plays a key part in connecting users with relevant information and maintaining a welcoming environment for both staff and patrons. As a member of the Library’s management team, this position will evaluate department and library services and make recommendations for updates and improvements to policies and procedures and supervise circulation and technical services staff.

Departmental Operations

• Workflow Management: Oversee daily circulation activities, including check-in/out, renewals, card issuance, account management, and material handling.
• Cataloging & Metadata: Supervise cataloging functions, including original and copy-cataloging, MARC record creation, and database maintenance to ensure consistent, accurate metadata.
• Systems Stewardship & Reporting: Maintain and update circulation and cataloging policies, procedures, and workflows. Perform routine ILS maintenance and analyze circulation statistics for monthly/annual reporting.
• Collections & Resource Access: Manage assigned collection areas (selection and weeding) and oversee the museum pass program. Provide expert assistance to patrons regarding library resources, databases, and the Library of Things.
• Consortium Liaison: Represent the library at Main Library Alliance meetings; communicate consortium policy changes to staff and ensure compliance.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Team Management: Oversee the full employee lifecycle, including hiring, training, scheduling, performance management, coaching, and payroll approval.
• Performance Culture: Foster professional growth through regular feedback, goal setting, and consistent staff meetings to drive accountability and engagement.
• Strategic Alignment: Collaborate with Library leadership to set annual departmental goals that align with organizational objectives.
• Continuous Improvement: Evaluate departmental workflows and implement improvements to enhance efficiency, service quality, and compliance.

User Experience & Organizational Support

• Patron Service: Resolve complex circulation issues and complaints while maintaining high service standards. Provide backup reference, reader’s advisory, and technology assistance and troubleshooting (e.g., scanners, copiers).
• Community & Programming: Support outreach efforts with schools and local organizations; assist in the planning and execution of library programs and events.
• Professional Development: Stay current with industry trends and best practices to ensure continuous improvement in library services.
• Team Player: Perform other duties as assigned to support the effective operation of the library.

Essential Qualifications:

• MLIS or MLS degree from an ALA accredited program. Must have a NJ Professional Librarian Certificate, or be able to get one within a year.
• 4 years of professional library experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Strong computer literacy, including Google Suite, MS Office, Canva, Koha ILS system, and ability to learn new software systems.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including regular nights and weekends.
• Ability to push library carts up to 40 pounds, bend down close to ground to shelve, reaching up to the top shelves, including use of a stepstool, if necessary, and move library materials as needed.

Desired Characteristics

• Knowledge of integrated library systems and participation in a library consortium is highly desirable.

Hours and Compensation

This position is a 35-hour workweek and includes a regular schedule of one evening per week and one Saturday per month. Additional evening and weekend hours may be required based on operational needs, including special events and programs.

This position offers a salary of $70,000, with flexibility up to $74,000 based on experience and overall qualifications.

The Library offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as enrollment in PERS retirement system.

About Berkeley Heights:

The Berkeley Heights Public Library enjoys a newly-created space within the municipal complex, and is centrally located within walking distance of our downtown area. Welcoming and inclusive, we serve over 13,000 residents, and enjoy strong support from the community. Conveniently located on the western edge of Union County, just 28 miles from New York City, Berkeley Heights is a desirable place to live and work. We are an active, friendly community, with top-rated schools, numerous community celebrations, and outstanding recreational programs and activities for all ages.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status under applicable federal law or the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.

If you believe that you are a good fit for the position, please send your resume, cover letter, and 3 references to director [at] bhplnj.org (director[at]bhplnj[dot]org). Applications will be accepted until May 13th.