Circulation Services Group

Updated: September 2023

About the group

The Circulation Services Group is a forum for designated library staff who handle circulation services, access services, and issues related to managing physical collections.

Charge

The Circulation Services Group enables the Library to provide excellent user experiences through the development and implementation of coherent circulation-related policies, practices, and procedures. To support this goal, the Circulation Services Group:

  • Serves as a forum for discussion of circulation-related practices and policies. 
  • Provides a community of practice to support local unit efforts across the library system.
  • Discusses day-to-day operations such as service desk practices, billing, stacks management, user amenities, facilities concerns, safety and security, and supervision of student employees; when appropriate, recommends Library-wide changes for consideration by the Access Services Advisory Group and Public Services Council.
  • Facilitates communication and problem-solving among all library staff with circulation responsibilities.
  • Organizes and provides training on circulation-related procedures and functions with the general goal of discussing current practices and moving toward standardized procedures when feasible.
  • Reviews, edits, and provides feedback about Alma-related and circulation-related documents.
  • Recommends changes to library policies and the integrated library system for consideration by the Access Services Advisory Group and Public Services Council.
  • Provides a frontline perspective of the impact and feasibility of new policies and services.

Library committees, task forces, and special projects seeking participation from a staff member with expertise in circulation/access issues are asked to direct their request through the Head of Access Services Division.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion statement

The UC Berkeley Library stands firmly in opposition to discrimination and systemic oppression. Social justice, equal rights, and equal treatment for all are bedrock principles for the Library, as we fulfill our public mission. These principles and the Library's values will guide the Circulation Services Group as they undertake their charge.

Membership and leadership

Members include key circulation staff from all Library units and all libraries using the current integrated library system; each unit will send at least one representative to each meeting. Some members will have liaison assignments to groups such as the Public Services Council. All members have equal participation rights. Circulation Services Group is led by two co-chairs serving staggered two-year terms from July to the following June. Each June a new co-chair will be named by the AUL for User Services, with recommendations from the membership and support from the appointee’s supervisor. The co-chairs organize the agendas and manage the work of the group in person and through online communication channels. The incumbent co-chair mentors the new co-chair on the duties and responsibilities of that role. The Head of the Access Services Division attends and participates in all meetings and serves as counsel to the group, advising on policies and recommending avenues for submitting suggestions and identifying problems needing resolution by the Library.

Co-chairs

Albert F Chung, C.V. Starr East Asian Library, 2023-2025
Sheehan Grant, Arts & Humanities Division, 2023-2024

Meeting schedule

First Tuesdays of October, December, February, and April; 2-3:30 p.m.; in 303 Doe Library (locations may vary)

Email list

For staff use only: circstaff@lists.berkeley.edu