The Pennsylvania State University Libraries at University Park is accepting applications for a Resource Sharing Specialist (Library Services Associate) to join the Resource Sharing and Interlibrary Loan department.   

The Resource Sharing Specialist will work as part of our borrowing team, plus will serve as part of the larger resource sharing team to support the research needs of Penn State University patrons and our library partners from around the world.  

The primary duties of this position will be to obtain materials not owned by Penn State from other libraries and provide document delivery services for our faculty, staff, and students. The Resource Sharing Specialist will also provide customer support for patrons via various communication methods. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Interlibrary Loan & Borrowing 

• Process interlibrary loan borrowing requests using ILLiad and related systems. 

• Search catalogs, databases, and online resources to verify citations and locate materials. 

• Identify and coordinate with lending partners based on availability, cost, policies, and delivery timelines. 

• Ensure compliance with copyright and resource-sharing policies. 

• Communicate with patrons, lending libraries, acquisitions staff, and subject specialists to resolve requests and support fulfillment. 

• Evaluate unfilled requests and determine appropriate next steps. 

Customer Service & Team Support 

• Provide customer service to Penn State users and partner libraries via phone, email, ticketing systems, and in person. 

• Monitor and respond to departmental email accounts and service requests. 

• Deliver electronic articles and documents to patrons in a timely manner. 

• Maintain procedures, documentation, and workflow processes. 

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Libraries to support resource-sharing services. 

• Assist with training, onboarding, hiring activities, and continuous service improvement. 

• Represent the department in meetings, committees, and outreach activities. 

Materials Processing 

• Receive, verify, and process interlibrary loan and E-ZBorrow materials. 

• Document due dates, use restrictions, and special handling requirements. 

• Prepare and distribute materials for patron pickup or electronic delivery. 

• Process returned items and coordinate returns with lending institutions. 

• Resolve issues involving incorrect, incomplete, or damaged materials. 

• Maintain user borrowing privileges and records. 

• Coordinate with circulation and billing staff to resolve patron account issues related to borrowed materials. 

Qualifications: 

Required Qualifications: 

• Experience working in a library environment with knowledge of library operations, patron services, and resource sharing practices 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills 

• Excellent organizational skills and a proven record of reliable, timely task completion 

• Driven to provide excellent customer service 

• Excellent interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others 

It is also preferred that candidates have one or more of the following qualifications:  

• Knowledge of resource sharing, interlibrary loan, and document delivery services

• Experience with or familiarity using resource sharing systems such as ILLiad, ReShare, RapidILL, and OCLC Resource Sharing

• Knowledge of library circulation systems and the ability to effectively search library databases, catalogs, and online resources 

• Ability to research and resolve issues related to patron requests, citations, and resource access