Access Services Specialist - Beirut

Role Summary

The Access Services Specialist is primarily responsible for supporting library patrons in accessing library services. Responsibilities during opening hours may include front-desk support, managing reserves and closed-stack materials, digitizing materials, supervising student workers, conducting floor checks, and maintaining collection organization.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Facilitates circulation activities by upholding and enforcing the Library Access Services policies and guidelines
• Delivers user-centered and inclusive customer service to library patrons, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors fostering diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness within the LAU community
• Works with faculty members to manage course-reserve materials ensuring they are properly organized and accessible to students – including creating course records, compiling and digitizing course-reserve materials
• Assists in hosting library tour and orientation events for current and prospective students and visitors in coordination with the Instruction and Outreach Unit
• Trains library patrons on the use of the library management system and discovery tools and assists them in locating the LAU library materials
• Checks all outgoing/return materials at the access services, processes hold requests, and supports timely return of materials
• Works within the fulfillment module of the library information system to ensure proper data entry of transactions ensuring accuracy and availability of the library collection
• Digitizes materials requested through Inter-Campus or Resource Sharing
• Processes Inter-Campus borrowing requests
• Assists patrons with access to physical and digital reserve materials
• Supports patrons in reserving specialized equipment and spaces within the LAU Libraries
• Organizes and shelves library materials according to the Dewey Decimal Classification System and standard alphabetization in English
• Supports inventory control of the LAU libraries materials
• Intervenes in or reports incidents of harassment, safety hazards, and other disruptions to maintain a safe and secure environment conducive to knowledge discovery for all patrons
• Responds to emergencies and maintenance issues, making necessary calls and/or staying late to ensure appropriate resolution while maintaining the safety of all patrons and security of the collection
• Coordinates with security guards to open and close the library building abiding by the set schedule
• Provides essential data to the Access Services Manager to support data-informed decision making – essential data includes but is not limited to daily counts of patron visits, service transactions, material inventories, and event participation counts
• Performs other duties pertaining to this job as assigned

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor degree, preferably in Library & Information Science or a related field
• Minimum 1 year of working experience, preferably in a library or academic setting, or in a customer service role
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively and courteously with students, staff, and faculty
• Proficiency in providing inclusive and accommodating services to all patrons, ensuring a welcoming environment for individuals with diverse needs
• Excellent communication skills in both English and Arabic
• Ability to work well both independently and within a team setting
• Strong organizational skills

Work Schedule

The standard work schedule is an 8-hour shift (start times may vary between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM) either Monday through Friday or four weekdays plus Saturday (Saturday shift may start between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM to meet operational opening needs). During semester breaks, an alternate morning shift may apply. To ensure adequate coverage particularly during exam periods, other peak times, or to provide backup during staff absence, flexibility is required and employees may be required to work late shifts and/or weekends.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk and use the stairs, along with the following: occasional light lifting, carry material and stack on shelves, and occasional opening/closing of fire doors.

Interested candidates should email their CVs with a letter of interest outlining the applicant’s relevant experience to vacancy3@lau.edu.lb, specifying the job title in the subject line. 

CVs should include the exact month and year while listing the candidate’s professional experience and educational background.

Closing date for accepting applications is Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

No applications will be accepted after this date, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

The Lebanese American University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.