Reference Supervisor - West Virginia and Regional History Center, WVU Libraries

The West Virginia and Regional History Center in Libraries and West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Reference Supervisor.

About the Opportunity

The Reference Supervisor manages and participates in reference and research services at the West Virginia and Regional History Center (WVRHC). The position is responsible for reference services enabling researchers to discover, access, and use the WVRHC’s collections. The position is also responsible for staff research services that require in-depth historical and genealogical research within WVHRC collections and delivery of findings to patrons. Ensures the delivery of knowledgeable and effective customer service. This position supervises two WVRHC staff and several student workers in the provision of reference and research services. Identifies opportunities to enhance reference and research services offerings and implement innovative solutions to improve patron satisfaction and WVRHC service effectiveness. The incumbent reports to the WVRHC Instruction and Public Services Archivist.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Reference and research services management:

• Direct the registration, reference, and manuscript room desks ensuring coverage by creating and maintaining reference schedule and managing staff call offs.
• Manage materials and space used for operations and workflows of the reading rooms and service desks.
• Approve manuscript room appointments, including helping patrons determine what materials they need, and add appointments to the appointments calendar.
• Communicate with Stacks Associate and Modern Congressional and Political Papers Collection unit staff about retrieval requests.
• Share daily appointment information to applicable WVRHC staff.
• Consult with appropriate A&M and MCPPC unit staff to review and provide access to minimally processed and/or sensitive materials.
• Reconcile in-person material requests in the appointment calendar.
• Maintain data and reports reference transactions, collection use, and other statistics.
• Update public services operations manual and public services web pages.
• Develop collections-based training materials to be added to the WVRHC website.
• Recommend policy and procedure updates to supervisor.

Reference and research services provision:

• Staff public services desks.
• Conduct reference interviews and uses finding aids, inventories, WVRHC collections databases and card catalogs, and the library catalog to help patrons identify relevant archival collections and other materials at the WVRHC.
• Monitor reference queue and claims questions.
• Engage in in-depth historical and genealogical research.
• Coordinate reproduction and licensing of images as needed.
• Communicate results to patrons in-person, over the phone, via email, and through the online reference platform.
• Record reference transaction statistics. Assist patrons using microfilm readers, photocopiers, and printers.
• Monitor the use of archival materials in the manuscript reading room.
• Register new patrons, receives payment for services, and directs calls at the registration desk as needed.
• Enforce reading room rules and regulations while maintaining a welcoming setting.

Supervision:

• Hire and supervise two Reference Assistants and several student workers. Tasks include approving leave and timecards, participating in hiring, conducting annual evaluations, identifying areas for staff development, and managing performance.
• Provide training on reference and research services for new hires.
• Communicate new or revised policies and procedures to reference staff and students.
• Review and assign incoming reference inquiries as needed.
• Oversee the reference queue to ensure questions are answered accurately and timely by other reference staff and student workers.
• Update documentation and training materials for staff and student workers who cover public services desks.

Support for exhibition, instruction, and programming:

• Provide research support to meet exhibition, instruction, and programming needs of the WVRHC.
• May assist with tours and instruction sessions.

Administrative and organizational support:

• Participate in department and library-wide meetings and training sessions.
• Serve on appropriate interdepartmental committees as a WVRHC representative.
• Identify and participate in training opportunities specific to the position.

Pay Grade: 15

• Bachelor’s degree, in History, English, or related field
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience working in a library, archives, or museum, preferably in an academic setting
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.(always include unless position requires specific degree).
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of West Virginia, Appalachian, and American history
• Demonstrated application of historical research methods
• Knowledge of archival standards and best practices
• Must be dependable, adhering to scheduled shifts and promptly communicating any scheduling changes or relevant information to supervisor and/ or library units
• Advanced computer skills, including ability to use Microsoft Office applications, library databases and preservation software, and web-based applications.
• Ability to use microfilm readers, printers, and photocopiers
• Detail oriented with an ability to verify accuracy of information and resolve discrepancies
• Ability to effectively direct and oversee the work of others
• Ability to work independently and solve problems
• Advanced organizational and time management skills
• Ability to write and communicate effectively
• Ability to understand, explain, and apply rules, policies, and procedures
• Ability to work collaboratively and interact with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications:

• Supervisory experience

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging working environment and actively seek candidates who bring diverse ideas, approaches and experiences.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and received an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. We value diversity among our faculty, staff and students and invite applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.