Description

Position Overview

The Watson Library Operations Manager position oversees circulation services and frontline public services, including direct supervision of Watson Access Services staff (Night & Weekend Supervisor, Library Assistant, Circulation Business Specialist, Stacks Maintenance Supervisor) and student employees. This position fosters and maintains quality customer service and reliable staffing and operations in Watson Library.

The Operations Manager coordinates facilities and repair activities, oversees stacks management, public technology implementation and supplies, conference room setup and frontline tech support, and provides day-to-day coordination with other KU Libraries employees as their projects intersect with public services in the building. This dynamic, user-focused position reports to the Director of Public Operations and collaborates with many people and units to support programs and space needs along with staff across the KU Libraries and other University departments.

Job Description

60% - Watson Library Public Services Management and Supervision:

• Provides oversight of circulation and public services at the Watson service desk.
• Oversees the process of hiring, training, supervising and scheduling Watson Library service desk employees. Aspects of this oversight are delegated to staff as appropriate and for efficiency.
• Maintains high service quality standards and oversees ongoing public operations assessment tasks and initiatives.
• Manages daily operations of the service desk: oversees the opening and closing process, assures that appropriate information, services, and referrals are being provided, and takes responsibility for difficult users and complex situations.
• Maintains records and prepares statistical reports relating to the responsibilities and operations of the service desk.
• Coordinates complex projects with other library sections and departments.
• Interprets and enforces library and university policy. Recommends changes and/or adjustments in library policy to library administration to efficiently and effectively accomplish service desk and library objectives.
• Reviews and negotiates requests for exceptions to policy from library users for the library unit.
• Plans, schedules and organizes work activities to meet unit goals and objectives.
• Maintains close connection with the Art & Architecture Library Operations Manager to provide them with backup staffing support as needed.

30% - Stacks Management, Conference Room, Facilities, and Technology Support:

• Oversees stacks maintenance in coordination with the Stacks Maintenance Supervisor and KU Libraries Administration.
• Provides frontline technology troubleshooting support for Watson instruction and conference rooms. Trains staff to provide similar frontline support and delegates to IT staff as appropriate.
• Provides orientations to Watson instruction and conference rooms on setup and AV functionality. Oversees the setup of these rooms and the Watson 3 West Reading room for scheduled events.
• Assists Libraries Administration in the monitoring of maintenance, repair and renovation issues in Watson Library.
• Meets with the Director of Public Operations, Facilities Services staff and needed technicians to help coordinate installations and repairs. Submits and monitors work orders for repairs.
• Liaisons with supervisor and Campus Operations appropriate groups in addressing relevant building and security issues.
• Implements building and weather emergency responses and keeps KU Police, library leadership, library preservation, and other library staff advised of situations as they arise.
• Aids other library units in the building with the implementation of safety procedures as needed.

5% - Public Technology Coordination:

• Collaborates with campus IT to coordinate the planning, implementing and managing of public computing and user centered technology in Watson Library.

5% - Other Duties, Training Development & Projects:

• Participates in training opportunities for job-specific and developmental purposes. Participates in department/division meetings.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree.
2. Minimum of three years library or related experience.
3. Minimum of two years supervisory experience.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Monday, 5/18/2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.