Library Access Services Specialist - Late Evening/Overnight

University Staff position in the Access Services team at the University of Wisconsin - Madison Libraries. This role connects patrons to the Libraries’ world-class collections, services, and spaces, managing circulation and service desks at College, Memorial, Steenbock, and Kohler Art Libraries. The Specialist will serve as the library’s Manager on Duty, overseeing general library operations, coordinating circulation, supervising student staff, and applying policies and procedures. When not acting as Manager on Duty, the Specialist will contribute to departmental projects, student supervision, and maintaining a safe environment.

About the role

The Library Access Services Specialist reports to the Access Services Neighborhood Coordinator and works primarily as the Manager on Duty, ensuring smooth library operations during assigned shifts. This position’s home location is College Library, but staff work across campus libraries. The role includes evening and weekend responsibilities, such as managing closing duties, handling security and emergency situations, and overseeing overnight access procedures.

This position is full-time (100%) and ongoing/renewable. Typical hours are 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. during fall and spring semesters, with schedules adjusted to accommodate library hours. The role is eligible for partial remote work (up to 20% per week) during academic breaks or when College Library is not operating on a 24-hour schedule.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and strengthen Access Services student staff members' relationship with the Libraries through management, hiring, training, and mentorship (15%).
• Contribute to continuous improvement within the Access Services department, including policy development, strategic alignment, service assessment, and community building (10%).
• Assist patrons by providing support navigating UW-Madison resources and identifying areas for service improvement (5%).
• Manage regular circulation services and collection maintenance tasks to provide access to library patrons and the community (10%).
• Conduct building rounds and manage overnight access procedures, including Wiscard-only access and enforcing the Libraries Code of Conduct (15%).
• Foster a safe and secure library environment, including on-site response to safety and security emergencies (15%).
• Interpret policies and procedures to answer non-routine questions and resolve complex issues (5%).
• Utilize library systems, tools, and software to retrieve, enter, and report data (5%).
• Act as a resource to other library staff and provide complex library services support in the absence of a supervisory authority (15%).
• Conduct reference searches to locate relevant materials and answer questions as needed (5%).
• Participate in committee work within the library and the university (5%).
• Actively contribute to an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful workplace (5%).

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, faculty, students, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently prioritize workload, manage multiple projects and deadlines, and follow through on tasks.
• Physical ability to lift 30 lbs with or without assistance, lift materials overhead, and stand or move for over 2 hours a day.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a library setting.
• Experience leading teams or projects.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team across multiple locations and modalities.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize and appropriately address safety, security, and facilities concerns while maintaining a welcoming environment.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Pay

Starting hourly pay will be based on experience and qualifications, with well-qualified applicants anticipated to earn $19 per hour. Additional differentials include:

• $0.80/hr night differential for hours worked between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• $0.80/hr weekend differential for hours worked between 12:01 a.m. Saturday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

Differentials are layered, so weekend night shifts receive both.

Benefits

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, and sick leave).
• Competitively priced health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Tax-advantaged savings accounts.
• Participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

For a summary of benefits, visit Wisconsin University Staff Benefits.