Job Description

The Health Sciences Library (HSL) has an outstanding opportunity for a User Experience Lead to join their team.

Under the general direction of the Supervisor, User Experience (UE), this position performs complex technical and public service tasks in information assistance, reference service, and course reserves processing, using intensive application of knowledge and skills. Leads operations of the public service desk on Fridays and Saturdays, including closing HSL on Fridays and Saturdays and opening the library on Saturdays. Leads stacks maintenance, facilities, and public service activities of student workers. Participates in special projects. Regular schedule is Tuesday - Friday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; schedule may vary for intersessions, summers, and holidays.

Duties

Public Service  

• Closes HSL on Fridays and Saturdays, opens the library on Saturdays. Acts as backup closer Tuesday - Thursday. 

• Assists HSL users in identifying information needs.  

• Answers reference and general information questions, referring users to other staff as appropriate. Regularly checks and responds to patron questions using online tools such as LibAnswers and email.

• Provides information to users about library holdings and resource access. 

• Assists library users in interpreting library policies and procedures. Responds to complaints, referring to others as appropriate. 

• Makes authorized decisions regarding exceptional circumstances such as exceptions to normal policy, waiver of limitations, and interpretation of policies. 

• Circulates library materials following established loan code rules. 

• Assists Library visitors with the use of equipment, such as research workstations, printers, and scanners.  

• Assists with HSL user education, events, and other programs.  

 

Lead Responsibilities

• Responsible for the operation of HSL on Friday evenings and Saturdays. 

• Regularly assigns, instructs, and checks the work of student assistants during evening and weekend shifts. Helps identify, plan, and oversee student projects in cooperation with the UE supervisor.   

• Leads the execution of emergency and security procedures to ensure the safety of HSL users, staff, and collections during evening and weekend shifts.

• Coordinates evening and weekend facilities maintenance.

• Assists in training student assistants, especially for evening and weekend duties. 

• Opens and closes library meeting rooms and spaces, as needed.

 

Technical Duties

• Processes course reserve requests and contributes to updating library-wide course reserve procedures and documentation. Cross-trains with other UE staff on course reserve procedures.

• Performs behind-the-scenes functions, including communication with other departments and processing and monitoring paging/hold requests.

• Prepares and presents statistical and other reports as assigned. 

• Maintains and updates procedures and operations manuals. 

• Reports updates to Library Tech III for internal intranet changes to maintain consistency. 

• Assists with stacks maintenance and related projects, ensuring shelving turnaround times are kept. 

 

Other Duties

• Recommends changes in policies and procedures to HSL staff, as needed. 

• Plays an active role by participating in HSL and Libraries projects, activities, events, and meetings.  

• Attends meetings and events for course reserves group and reports out to UE staff.

• Manages HSL display slides and other HSL signage.

• Understands and abides by the Libraries Personal Communication Responsibilities. Communicates appropriately, effectively, and positively. 

• Acts as a backup to other departmental technicians. Rotates shifts with other departmental staff to cover holidays and planned absences, including opening/closing the Library as assigned. 

• Performs related duties as required. 

 

Minimum Requirements.

• High School graduation or equivalent and three years of applicable library technician experience, including one year beyond entry level or equivalent experience. 

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Additional Requirements

• Proficiency with MS Office in a Windows environment required. Ability to learn new technical skills and adapt them to HSL needs.

• Demonstrated evidence of strong interpersonal communication skills required. 

• Experience working in a customer service setting required. 

• Demonstrated ability to perform well under pressure, prioritizing duties when faced with multiple demands and deadlines required.  

 

Physical Requirements

• This position requires physical handling of library materials, including occasionally lifting and carrying up to 36 lbs and pushing carts containing library materials using up to 40 pounds of force. 

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$45,288.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$56,124.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

WFSE Libraries

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.