Location: North Adams, MA
Category: Administrative
Job Type: Full-time
Posted On: Tue Sep 1 2026
Job Description: GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Director of Access Services manages and promotes the use of the Freel Library/Learning Commons facility and collections with an emphasis on creating equitable access to the library facility and physical collections, building community, fostering a sense of belonging, and empowering students to succeed as lifelong learners. This position is accountable for ensuring that the library is adequately staffed during all hours of operation and for responding to issues that arise outside of regular business hours as needed, with backup from the Dean as necessary.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Direct supervision of 1-5 full-time library assistants; direct or general supervision of part-time and student library assistants.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to the Dean of the Library and Integrated Student Support.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Access Services Management
- Provide leadership, guidance, and strategic direction for Access Services.
- Hire, supervise, and train full-time, part-time, and student library assistants within Access Services. Strive to recruit and support a library staff that reflects and contributes to MCLA's diverse community. Understand and apply HR policies and provisions from relevant collective bargaining agreements.
- Oversee the provision of high-quality frontline services in all modalities. Through training and by example, ensure a welcoming environment for all who visit the library.
- Lead the creation and documentation of Access Services policies and procedures.
- Prepare and submit reports and statistics.
- Collaborate with the Digital Services Librarian on Access Services components of the integrated library system, the website, and other relevant platforms.
- Represent Access Services in relevant consortial and professional organizations
- As a complement to the work of other full-time staff, exercise primary responsibility for selected access services functions.
- Contribute regular and/or backup coverage at the library service desk.
- Provide backup coverage of other library staff duties as needed.
Facility and Learning Spaces Oversight
- Ensure adequate staffing of the building and service desk during all hours that the library is open, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Create regular work schedules for all Access Services staff. Respond to staff absences and arrange substitute coverage as needed. Communicate with librarians as needed regarding backup coverage.
- Manage library learning spaces, technology equipment, and facility needs.
- Assist in developing and publicizing the library's hours of operation.
Outreach and Engagement
- In collaboration with colleagues within and beyond the library, create and coordinate initiatives that invite student engagement with the library and enhance the life of the campus.
Additional Duties
- Contribute to special and ongoing projects as needed.
- Engage in continuous learning and professional development in areas of responsibility.
- Assume general oversight of library operations in the absence of the Dean of the Library and Integrated Student Support.
- Serve on relevant campus committees and working groups.
Job Requirements:REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree
- 4+ years of library access services experience, preferably in an academic library
- 2+ years of supervisory experience
- Flexibility and availability to work outside established hours as needed and to respond to operational needs that arise during evenings and weekends.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in library science or related field
- Experience in a unionized workplace
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Proven strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with students, staff, and faculty both verbally and in writing.
- Excellent organizational, coordination, and time management skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and exercise sound judgment.
- Commitment to pursuing greater equity and belonging as part of a diverse, inclusive campus community.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Routine work requires the following, with or without accommodation:
- Moving between and throughout the floors of the building
- Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at will.
- Lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds
- Reaching overhead and at/below shoulder level
- Pushing and pulling doors and book carts
- Keyboarding and extensive computer use
- Gross and fine manipulation of objects
- Understanding and distinguishing speech and other sounds
- Near and far visual acuity
Additional Information:This is a full time, permanent, benefited position within the APA bargaining union. The work schedule is typically daytime Monday-Friday, with flexibility to respond to operational needs outside of regular working hours as required. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.
The salary range for this position is $70,000-$75,000 per year.
Employee Benefits:
Health Insurance: MCLA offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is effective immediately.
Retirement: The MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution. Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.
Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.
Until further notice, in response to the Presidential proclamation, issued on September 19, 2025, imposing a significant fee on the entry of individuals with new H-1B visas, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Should you need to request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email Brenda Stokes, Executive Director of Human Resources.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is deeply committed to fostering a community of excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We provide equal access to educational, co-curricular and employment opportunities for all applicants, students, and employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, veteran status, or membership in any other legally protected class. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that they operate, which extends to admission and employment.
Inquiries about Title IX, Equal Opportunity, or ADA/504 and other non-discrimination policies may be directed to MCLA's Interim Title IX and Equal Opportunity Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both.
Lucas Morrill
Interim Title IX and EO Coordinator
375 Church Street, North Adams, MA 01247
Telephone: (413) 662-5103
Titleix@mcla.edu
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
33 Arch Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02119-1424
Telephone: (617) 289-0111; FAX: (617) 289-0150; TDD (877) 521-2172
OCR.Boston@ed.gov
