Research Librarian, Schlesinger Library/Radcliffe Institute, Cambridge, MA
Posted February 3, 2017
Summary:
The Schlesinger Library documents the lives of women of the past and present for the future and furthers the Radcliffe Institute’s commitment to the study of women, gender, sexuality, and society. We seek a dynamic and team-orientated Research Librarian to play a vital role in support of the Library’s research, teaching, and learning initiatives.
At the Schlesinger Library, one of The Harvard Library special collections, our work is enriched by a diverse campus community. Our unique and wide-ranging abilities, experiences, and perspectives are integral to achieving Harvard University’s mission of excellence in research, teaching, and learning for our patrons, our collections, and our workplace. We believe that an inclusive environment that cultivates and promotes understanding, respect, and collaboration across our diverse workforce enables our success.
We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and abilities to apply to be a part of our community. Our work with faculty, students and researchers to explore answers to intellectual questions, enduring and new, and to seek solutions to the world’s most consequential problems, requires that we not only reflect, but also champion our diverse society.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Head of Research Services and in close collaboration with Research Services team members, the Research Librarian:
- Develops and conducts library instruction sessions, workshops, and other presentations.
- Oversees the Library’s teaching and instruction program by taking a lead role in supporting and promoting the use of the Schlesinger’s collections in University-wide teaching and learning initiatives.
- Manages the team’s teaching calendar and the Library’s classroom space.
- Takes part in all library outreach efforts, including tours and presentations, exhibits, social media initiatives, as well as other public programming, classes, and events.
- Participates in the full-range of direct and virtual reference services including regular reference desk shifts (including occasional Saturday hours).
- Provides in-depth research consultations and interprets and resolves complex reference questions.
- Contributes to the development of e-learning tools and creates instructional content for a variety of contexts, including LibGuides, the library’s web page and social media platforms.
Basic Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited graduate program or equivalent education and experience.
- Three or more years of professional reference or research services experience in a special collections or archives with significant responsibilities for instruction and education.
- Knowledge of best practices and current methods in special collections pedagogy and reference services.
- Capacity to thrive as a highly collaborative team member in a future-focused environment.
- Strong public service orientation.
- Experience in the effective use of research tools (scholarly resources, citation management tools, etc.).
Additional Qualifications
- Subject expertise in Women’s History, Gender Studies, or American History/Studies desirable.
- Ability to communicate well with faculty, staff and users at all levels and from diverse backgrounds.
- Evidence of creativity, and imaginative approaches to work.
- Adaptability and flexibility to succeed in an environment of constant change.
- Excellent critical thinking, interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
- Knowledge of current research practices and experience in the effective applications of technology in research and education.
- Work requires daily use of computer keyboard, mouse and monitor.
- Work requires the ability to lift 40 pounds.
Additional Information Please combine your cover letter and resume into a single document that is uploaded where you are instructed by ASPIRE, Harvard’s online application program, to “Upload my resume/CV from my computer.” Please note that cover letters are required for every position at the Radcliffe Institute.
About the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study
The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University is dedicated to creating and sharing transformative ideas across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The commitment to excellence and inquiry that characterized Radcliffe College is maintained in the innovative and wide-ranging work at the Radcliffe Institute, where advanced study is furthered through the Fellowship Program, Academic Ventures, and the Schlesinger Library.
We are proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to achieving our goals through the efforts of a highly skilled, diverse workforce. With outstanding benefits, competitive pay, extensive learning opportunities, and a stimulating and attractive work environment, the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University may be exactly the employer you’ve been looking for.
Please visit our website to learn more about us. www.radcliffe.harvard.edu