APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

​

 

 

POSITION SPECIFICS​

The University Libraries is seeking a  Common Services Supervisor to lead frontline staff in delivering high-quality customer service at Penn State’s Pattee Library and Paterno Library.   

Reporting to the Manager of Common Services, the Common Services Supervisor is part of a supervisory team responsible for the day-to-day frontline operations of first-floor service points, where staff connect users to a wide range of library services and resources. 
 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Supervise, train, and support part-time, student, and full-time employees across multiple library service points to ensure consistent, high-quality operations and customer service. 

• Develop and deliver onboarding programs, training materials, and ongoing professional development in customer service, policies, and research support, while considering current AI in academic libraries. 

• Manage hiring, scheduling, payroll, performance evaluations, and staff development while maintaining service coverage. 

• Facilitate staff communication, lead meetings, and foster a collaborative and supportive work environment. 

• Provide comprehensive customer service, including reference and circulation support, resolving patron issues, and guiding use of library resources. 

• Collaborate with campus partners and internal departments to maintain smooth operations and effective communication. 

• Maintain and troubleshoot operational systems and technologies to support public services. 

• Respond to emergency situations, ensure compliance with procedures, and coordinate facility maintenance. 

• Interpret and enforce policies, manage exceptions, oversee financial processes, and contribute to operational planning and improvements. 

Important Note: The typical schedule for this position is from the late morning to the evening hours and will include one weekend day. This is a fully on-site position.
 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Experience contributing to personnel management functions such as training, scheduling, workflow coordination, and providing frontline day-to-day support to team members 

• Proven ability to deliver high-quality customer service in a dynamic public-facing environment 

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including active listening skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others. 

• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments to ensure accurate, responsive, and high-quality customer service 

• Demonstrated teamwork experience, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, while effectively sharing information and supporting common goals

• Demonstrated accountability, initiative, and sound decision-making in managing responsibilities 

• Ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic work environment

• Experience using AI platforms, specifically related to customer service environments

• Experience using Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior supervisory experience, including employee hiring, scheduling, performance management, coaching, and staff development

• Demonstrated leadership style that promotes collaboration, accountability, communication, and employee engagement

• Experience facilitating team-building activities and fostering a collaborative, supportive work environment

• Experience using library circulation systems and library catalogs

• Experience using Springshare products (e.g., LibAnswers, LibCal, LibGuides, or related applications)

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

 

Important Application Instructions:  

Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume. 

Additional Information: 

The Common Services Supervisor will work on-site at Penn State's University Park campus. 

The typical hours of this position are subject to change according to departmental needs (e.g., changes in library hours over breaks and holiday periods).

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

 

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $49,188.00 - $71,340.00.

 

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

 

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

 

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines