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Online Reference Services Coordinator and Information Science Librarian, University of Washington Libraries

Posted September 8, 2014

LOCATION:  Reference and Research Services Division

THE LIBRARIES: 

Serving three campuses, the University of Washington Libraries is one of the largest and most innovative libraries in North America with collections exceeding 8 million volumes, over 500,000 electronic books, more than 120,000 currently received journal titles, as well as millions of scholarly resources in other formats.  Beyond the strength of local collections and digital resources, the Libraries is recognized for its excellent service, innovative learning and research spaces, faculty partnerships, global reach, extensive assessment efforts and  diverse award-winning staff.  The Libraries plays a significant leadership role regionally as a member in the groundbreaking Orbis Cascade Alliance and throughout the profession as evidenced by the number of its staff selected for competitive leadership programs and honored by professional association lifetime achievement awards.

Reference and Research Services Division

The Online Reference Services Coordinator and Information Science Librarian reports to the Head of the Reference and Research Services Division. The Division provides virtual and on-site information and reference services in the humanities, social sciences, sciences, and international studies. The Division includes Information Services, Suzzallo Reference, Government Publications, Maps, Media Center, Microforms and Newspapers, Data Services, the Research Commons, and Educational Outreach Services.  Librarians provide consultations, reference, instruction services, and collection development for their academic departments.

THE POSITION

The University of Washington Libraries seeks an enthusiastic librarian committed to supporting user needs through a robust virtual reference and information service.  The Libraries utilizes OCLC’s QuestionPoint to manage inquiries submitted via email, 24/7 chat, and text messaging through a single portal. In addition to participation in QuestionPoint’s 24/7 chat cooperative, the Libraries is a member of AskWA, Washington State’s cooperative reference service. The Online Reference Services Coordinator is responsible for the daily oversight of the Libraries’ centralized AskUs virtual service point, and serves as the Libraries liaison to OCLC QuestionPoint and AskWA.  The Coordinator works with a small team sharing responsibility for answering and referring questions. The librarian will serve as the Information Science librarian, providing reference services, research consultations, outreach, instruction services, and collection development for programs in the Information School.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

  • Provides leadership for the Libraries AskUs virtual, centralized service point. Monitors, responds to, and refers requests. Develops and provides training on QuestionPoint features and best practices. Serves as the Libraries’ expert on QuestionPoint. Understands the technical features of the system and works with Libraries Information Technology Services (ITS) to implement enhancements.
  • Serves as the Libraries primary liaison to OCLC QuestionPoint and to AskWA. Duties may include membership on the OCLC QuestionPoint 24/7 Advisory Board and the AskWA Steering Committee.
  • Monitors and analyzes service usage and provides reports. Recommends new service approaches based on data. Reviews transcripts to ensure quality and communicates regularly with staff on best practices, software changes, and 24/7 chat policies.
  • Seeks venues to expand the service to users, collaborating with partners in the Libraries and on campus to integrate online reference and information services.
  • Serves as the Libraries’ liaison to the Information School, selecting materials to support research and instruction, and providing instructional and research consultation services to faculty and students. Responsible for maintaining research guides for disciplines offered in the Information School. Provides other services and support described in the UW Libraries’ Subject Librarian Position Description Framework.
  • Participates in general and specialized reference services in the Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences through consultations, chat and email, and some desk hours. 
  • Manages state, gift, and grant funds for information science library acquisitions. May recommend materials from the collections for digitization and participate in regional and national cooperative collection development programs. Participates in meetings of the Social Sciences Fund Group and the Social Sciences Teaching Community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

  • Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information studies degree.
  • Minimum of two years of post-MLS experience in public services in an academic library.
  • Minimum of one year post MLS recent, regular experience providing chat reference.
  • Evidence of ability to work independently and with others in a demanding and rapidly changing environment where consultation, collaboration, and cooperation are essential.
  • Demonstrated commitment to and accomplishment in the provision of virtual reference and information services
  • Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills evidenced by the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, faculty, staff, and students; evidence of strong written and oral communication skills
  • Experience in using online tools and technologies.
  • Evidence of initiative and resourcefulness in past professional or academic activities.
  • Evidence of a strong customer service focus and a passion for providing excellent reference and information services to users
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity and understanding of the contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace.

Preferred:

  • Evidence of engagement with current and emerging educational technology trends
  • Collection development and management experience in an academic library
  • Experience in providing information literacy instruction

SALARY: $48,000 minimum. Starting salary commensurate with qualifications and background.

RANK:  Position will be at rank of Assistant Librarian, Sr. Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian, depending on qualifications and background.

BENEFITS:    Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the University of Washington Retirement Plan on a matching basis. Vacation is accrued at the rate of 24 working days per year; sick leave at the rate of 12 working days per year. No state or local income tax.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply for this position, please submit the following information to [email protected]:

  • Cover letter (addressed to Laura Lillard, Assistant Director, Libraries Academic Human Resources
  • Curriculum vitae or resume (include a telephone number, mailing address, email address and salary requirements)
  • List of three references who are knowledgeable of your qualifications for this position (include telephone numbers, mailing addresses, and email addresses)
  • Please use “Librarian Application” in the subject heading.
  • Please submit all three components in a single, multi-page PDF document. All submissions will be maintained in a secure, password protected online file space until interviews are conducted. Then, some application materials will be circulated.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than 5:00 pm, October 10, 2014.

University of Washington Libraries Home Page is http://www.lib.washington.edu.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as protected veterans, or status as qualified individuals with disabilities.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the University is required to verify and document the citizenship or employment authorization of each new employee.

For questions about this position, or questions regarding potential disability accommodations, please contact Laura Lillard at [email protected].​
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