Information & Learning Commons Desk Supervisor (Thurs/Fri/Sat), BiblioTemps (UMass Amherst) (Amherst)
BiblioTemps® is an employment service of the Massachusetts Library System that provides experienced library workers for temporary placements in public, academic, and special libraries throughout Massachusetts.
Title: Information & Learning Commons Desk Supervisor (Thurs/Fri/Sat)
Location: W. E. B. Du Bois Library, UMass Amherst
Amherst, MA
Position Type: Temporary
Start date: September 17, 2026
End date: December 19, 2026
Schedule:
● Thursday: 3:30pm - 11:30pm
● Friday: 3:30pm - 7:30pm
● Saturday: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Pay Rate: $18.00 per hour
CORI: Required
Description:
This part-time position (19 hours/week) will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing service desk activities including circulation, information, and technical support at the Information and Learning Commons desks in the W.E.B. Du Bois Library. This position monitors library building operations and elevates facility, safety, or security concerns to appropriate University or Library personnel.
Supervision received:
● This position reports to the Manager for Circulation and Information Services.
Supervision exercised:
● Supervise frontline student staff at the Du Bois Library’s Information and Learning Commons service desks in collaboration with other library staff.
Responsibilities:
● Perform opening and closing service point procedures.
● Exercise considerable independent judgment in supporting service and security activities while monitoring the W.E.B. Du Bois Library. Assist in the event of an emergency evacuation.
● Supervise and assist student employees in providing inclusive and responsive service to patrons at the Information and Learning Commons desks.
● Respond to maintenance and other emergencies within the building. Take appropriate steps to correct the problem, safeguard building occupants, and maintain services. Initiate work order requests for building maintenance issues.
● Answer patron inquiries regarding circulating materials, collections, services, policies and lending activities. Respond to patron inquiries in-person, online and by telephone during each shift.
● Resolve and/or refer user questions and concerns as appropriate.
● Provide basic hardware and software technology support. Assist users in the use of scanners, readers, printers, copiers, and other hardware devices.
● Assist users in the use of online discovery systems to identify, locate and request available library materials.
● Create and update state and alumni patron records in the FOLIO Library System.
● Collaborate with full-time staff in the performance of these duties. Clearly communicate emerging issues and notable events during work shifts to the department manager and staff on a daily basis.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
● Prior experience in a position requiring excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills. Considerable customer service experience and the ability to interact with users (in-person and online) graciously and tactfully.
● Experience using word processing, spreadsheet, email, chat, and web-based software applications; ability to adapt to various commonly used mobile devices and applications; and ability to explain technologies and software applications to others.
● Working knowledge of methods, materials, and technologies used in libraries.
● Ability to locate and shelve books by Library of Congress classification system.
● Ability to lift, shelve, and move books, and lift/carry up to 30lbs of books.
Massachusetts Library System (MLS) is an equal opportunity employer.
MLS is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, age, marital status, sex, physical or mental challenge, creed, religion, political affiliation, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. Members of underrepresented groups, and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment are encouraged to apply.
Full/Part Time
Temporary
Education
BA/BS
Salary
$18.00 / hour
Closing Date
Closing Date September 3, 2026
How to Apply
Submit resume via our job board - https://www.bibliotemps.com/jobs
Contact with questions – bibliotemps@masslibsystem.org
Posted
2026-08-27