Information Services Specialist, Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA
Posted March 3, 2017
In alignment with Berklee’s Vision & Strategy 2025, the Berklee Library’s mission is to support our students in achieving their artistic potential and equip them with the information and digital literacy skills needed to forge successful careers in today’s knowledge-driven, global society. As we move forward with this mission, the Library has embarked on a broad-reaching program to re-assess and re-redesign our public-facing services and programs. To help implement this renewal, we are seeking an innovative, engaged, service-oriented individual to join our dynamic, multi-disciplinary team.
In addition to library resources and services, the Learning Resources team in which this position resides also provides music technology facilities and training, oversees a robust events program and includes the Berklee archives. This Instructional Informationist position offers an early career professional the opportunity to play a key role in building a truly innovative suite of information and digital literacy services in support of Berklee’s unique curriculum and community. In addition to being a gifted teacher and communicator, the successful candidate will display an ability to forge strong relationships and thrive in a highly diverse, international community. Since the Library is implementing a broad program of change, flexibility and a high comfort level with “working in the gray zone” will be critical to success. Risk-taking and experimental approaches will be rewarded. Along with a willingness to exploit emerging trends within the library profession, the person in this position will also look to best practices in customer outreach and program development in other fields and sectors for inspiration.
Essential Functions/Primary Duties And Responsibilities:
- Provides a broad range of research and reference services in a variety of settings including at the Library’s main service desk, through online channels and through individual appointments with students, faculty and staff.
- Creates and implements innovative information products, tools and services to provide high quality, user-focused learning experiences that support information literacy and improve student learning outcomes.
- Teaches face-to-face library instruction through, course-integrated sessions, research appointments, and workshops.
- Embraces and promotes an environment of continual improvement and learning.
- Maintains a strong working knowledge of current and emerging trends and best practices in academic library outreach, instructional technology, instruction, information literacy, library outreach and information access.
- Working closely with other team members, identifies and recommends relevant initiatives for local implementatio
- Assists with publicity and promotion of reference, research, and learning support services.
- Contributes to programming activities within the Stan Getz Library.
- Collaborates with other groups on campus to provide appropriate library support for co-curricular programs and activities.
- While there is some flexibility with regard to schedule, evening hours will be required.
- May supervise student employees
- Perform other patron-facing duties as required.
- Strong customer service bias and commitment to identifying and meeting user needs.
- High comfort level working with technologically sophisticated tools and services related to research, content delivery and online instruction.
- Strong instructional and presentation skills.
- Solid understanding of the technologies and systems commonly deployed by libraries and publishers to provide access to purchased, licensed and locally-curated content.
- Familiarity with and interest in the research life-cycle and research workflows.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and thrive in a fast-paced, changing, collaborative environment. Able to produce timely, high quality results under pressure.
- Proven ability to embrace experimentation and innovation. Willingness to take risks and pioneer new approaches.
- Able to work effectively and collegially with a diverse population of faculty, students and staff.
Preferred Qualifications
- MLS from an ALA accredited program strongly preferred. Master’s degree in a relevant subject area (e.g. Music Business, Music Therapy, Music Education, MFA/MM) also strongly preferred. Candidates with a highly relevant combination of education and work experience who lack a Master’s degree will also be considered.
- Professional work experience in the music industry, music related professions and/or the performing arts strongly preferred.
- Solid understanding of and strong interest in the primary factors influencing and disrupting today’s music industry.
- Experience with media creation and management. Strong digital photography/videography skills would be a plus.
- Familiarity with primary social media platforms.
- Familiarity with key issues and solutions in scholarly communication.
- Working familiarity with the ACRL Information Literacy Framework.
- Undergraduate degree in music and/or the performing arts.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. Strong communication and negotiation skills.
DISCLAIMER:
The above information on this position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by individuals within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.
External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.
*** Application Instructions Specific to this Position ***
Currently enrolled Berklee students may not apply for staff or faculty positions.
Applicants who are both interested and qualified should submit the following materials:
- Cover letter that addresses the applicant’s capabilities and experiences.
- A resume or CV.
- You are encouraged to submit, in addition to a resume and cover letter, materials such as videos, recordings, writings that further illustrate your applicable skills and experience for the position.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. The position will remain open for applications until filled.
Berklee College of Music is committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.
Additional perks:
- Berklee provides a diverse and inclusive work environment
- We all share a universal love for listening to, and creating music
- We work on Macs
- Great benefits