Manager of the Patron Services Office of the Library

  • Full-time
  • Department: Library
  • Job Type: Administrative staff
  • Grade: 12

Company Description

The Patron Services Office supports the University’s research and academic activities through provision of high-quality library services, contributes to the development of information infrastructure, and promotes the dissemination of advanced international and national practices in the field of librarianship, in alignment with the University’s strategic development goals.

Job Description

1. Organizing and providing access to the collections, equipment, and facilities of the Library, as well as maintaining a comfortable and inclusive environment:
1) Works with automated library and information systems, as well as a wide range of online tools, electronic resources, and library equipment; 
2) Manages the receipt of new books from the Office of Fund Account and Cataloging;
3) Participates in daily shelving of books and ensures their correct placement in reading rooms and storage areas of the Library;
4) Participates in operational projects, including collection relocation and the Library’s annual inventory;
5) Ensures maintaining a comfortable and inclusive library environment for all user groups, including individuals with special educational needs; 
6) Monitors the condition of reading rooms and reports issues using appropriate reporting systems.

2. Ensuring high-quality services for Library patrons:
1) Provides prompt and high-quality service to Library patrons based on their needs, including the check in and out of materials;
2) Assists patrons in locating library materials via the electronic catalog and open collections;
3) Provides reference and information services at service desks in response to patrons inquiries;
4) Processes patron requests received via email, telephone, and the Library’s online reference management system;
5) Provides guidance on using library equipment in reading rooms;
6) Provides guidance on using software applications and assists with terminals reservations;
7) Assists patrons at self-service stations;
8) Supports patrons with special educational needs in accessing inclusive and adaptive technologies;
9) Participates in organizing and conducting the distribution of textbooks at the beginning of each academic semester;
10) Informs patrons about the Library’s collections and new arrivals;
11) Monitors the timely return of library materials by patrons.

3. Organizing educational and cultural-leisure events:
1) Organizes book exhibitions within the Library;
2) Organizes activities to promote library resources, services, and a culture of reading;
3) Participates in organizing and conducting educational, cultural, and introductory events, including author and book presentations, seminars, and library tours for the university community and external guests.

4. Contributing to the development of library services:
1) Facilitates with the regular updating of the library's website and/or social media with current news;
2) Participates in assessing patron satisfaction with library services and uses the feedback received to improve and adapt services according to user needs;
3) Participates in organizing library conferences and training programs for university librarians and librarians from other institutions;
4) Contributes to the development and implementation of other Library projects and programs within the scope of the competence.

Qualifications

Education requirements
1) Higher professional education in librarianship (or an equivalent); 
2) Possession of professional certifications in librarianship or education

Work experience
Minimum of 2 years of successful work in an academic or research library in fields corresponding to the functional areas of this position

Knowledge
1) Knowledge of regulatory and legal documents related to library and information activities;
2) Understanding of the basics of organizing the library collection, its accounting and preservation, as well as the principles of working with library fund;
3) Knowledge of effective methods for delivering library services;
4) Ability to use information technologies in the delivery of library services;
5) Knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the Status of Nazarbayev University, Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, and Nazarbayev Fund”, and other legislative and regulatory acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the fields of librarianship. 

Professional skills
1) Skills in preparing and delivering presentations, as well as public speaking (preferable);
2) Social communication skills;
3) Problem-solving skills;
4) Proficient use of MS Office programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. 

Required competencies
1) Ability to interact effectively with faculty, students, and library staff;
2) Ability to work as part of a team;
3) Ability to respond quickly to changes in technology and user needs

Language requirements
Fluent in English, Kazakh, and Russian for effective user service, business correspondence, and administrative and reference communication with colleagues, students, faculty, researchers, and staff

Additional Information

Recruitment and selection process
Recruitment and selection at Nazarbayev University include the following process: preliminary selection based on experience and qualifications, assessments (e.g. technical skills/capabilities, aptitude, personality, work samples, in-basket exercises, and informal interviews), and motivation.

Formal interviews form the final stage of the selection process.
They are typically based on organizational values and behaviors and conducted in English.
You are encouraged to share your views and values  to identify how they fit into  Nazarbayev University core values