Reference Librarian, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH
Posted February 16, 2015
The Shapiro Library at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) seeks an engaged, service-oriented Reference Librarian who welcomes the opportunity to offer services that meet the learning needs of SNHU students, faculty, and staff. Reporting to the Head of Reference, the Librarian works as a member of a collaborative staff providing prompt and courteous reference service to all library users seeking information in person, by phone, or via electronic means such as email or chat.
The librarian will assist users with research, utilizing library tools and resources, and suggest materials for further study. Other projects as assigned can include: creating subject and course guides, video tutorials, etc.
Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
Essential duties and responsibilities of this position include the following:
- Staffs the reference desk and provides service to all SNHU community members
- Conduct thorough reference interviews to determine users’ questions and extent of information needed
- Instruct library users on use of print and electronic resources
- Assist users in developing research strategies to locate, evaluate and use resources in an effective and ethical manner
- Assist users with general information on citation styles, technology and University information
- Assist with basic troubleshooting of access issues and/or refers to appropriate person or department
- Work with scheduled individual students via phone and/or video-conference as assigned
- Refer users to make individual instruction appointments for more in depth research assistance as needed
- Refer users to other departments on campus for information as needed
- Create subject Libguides as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
The successful applicant must have:
- A Masters degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited program OR within three courses of completing active Library Science degree
- Knowledge of Internet, print, and online resources
- Strong computer-based skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office, e-mail, web searching and basic computer troubleshooting
- Experience with automated library systems, Millennium preferred
- Ability to handle complex questions
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work with students from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and academic backgrounds
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong commitment to public service
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with Springshare products such as LibAnswers, LibChat and LibGuides
- 1-2 Years experience providing reference and/or virtual reference service
- Experience working with distance education students
- High level of comfort with technology and ability to learn new technology quickly
Minimum Education:
Masters
Minimum Experience:
1+ to 2 years
Equivalent of education & experience acceptable
Work Hours:
This individual will cover selected reference shifts for a total of 20 hours a week, year round.
Monday: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Wednesday: 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Schedule will be flexible according to reference desk needs.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Optional applicant document to include a list of three references (names, addresses, and e-mail contact) if not included with the curriculum vitae.
Branding Statement:
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, regionally accredited university with over 3,000 full-time students and nearly 35,000 online students, making us one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education for over 80 years. Today, in addition to our traditional campus in Manchester, we offer over 200 undergraduate and graduate online degree programs and certificates. In 2013, we created College for America, a groundbreaking education model widely praised for its competency-based approach. Both our online programs and College for America grew from the belief that drives everything we do – that education is a basic human right and that anyone seeking a quality college education deserves access to it, along with the support they need to succeed.