Reference Librarian, Springfield College, Springfield, MA

Posted November 17, 2022

Description:

Under direction of the Assistant Director for Research & Access, Springfield College Reference Librarians provide research assistance, information literacy instruction, and act as liaisons to academic departments and programs. In both independent and collaborative/team settings, reference librarians are also engaged in ongoing collection development (print and online) and collection management processes. Reference Librarians work closely with faculty to design and evolve information and research services inways that meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students, support the curriculum, and assist faculty research.

This position requires a 35-hour work week from Monday-Friday with occasional work in the evening/weekend to teach classes in departmental liaison area or to attend a liaison department event. Occasionally covers a weekend when a weekend staff member is unavailable or has a heavy class load. Share holiday coverage with other departmental staff members.

This position has been designed as forward facing and as such, the incumbent will be required to be immunized against COVID-19 on or before their first day of employment. Proof of vaccination status, or an attestation to the same effect, will be required. Individuals may seek ADA accommodations or a religious exemption, upon request with HR, but must do so prior to their arrival. Springfield College is committed to enhancing diversity and equity in education and employment. To that end, the College welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and lived experiences, who will contribute to a culture of inclusion and respect. For more information about Springfield College’s position on diversity and inclusion, please visit our Office of Inclusion and Community Engagement. To apply visit https://springfield.edu/human-resources

Responsibilities:

Departmental Liaison: Communicates with faculty and students in assigned academic departments. Creates and promotes an active working relationship between library services and academic departments and programs. Understands and keeps abreast of curricular needs and research interests in the department. Serve as expert reference librarian to students, faculty and staff in the department. Advocates to Library administration for the information and research services needed by the department. Represents the library with departmental liaison-related issues and/or college-wide issues.

Information Literacy Instruction: Teaches a wide variety of information literacy concepts and assists in the development of critical thinking skills. Trains students and faculty in the use of myriad information resources, including the library’s discovery system, online databases and journals, print materials, and other research tools. Accountable for lesson planning, collaborating with faculty, and establishing a critical learning environment in classroom settings. Stays abreast of curriculum changes and maintains knowledge of new instructional technologies and best practices. Fosters faculty development in all area related to information literacy.

Information & Research Services: Conducts research consultations in person, via phone, and by diverse user-defined technological means to determine patron information needs and provide guidance and instruction. Assists all Springfield College library patrons, regardless of location, in navigating a continuously evolving – and ever more complex – suite of resources. Creates and maintains a suite of tools designed to empower patrons to find, evaluate and ethically use information.

Collection Development & Management: Coordinates collection development with assigned academic departments and helps to maintain current and relevant resources for a well-balanced collection. Independently selects books, videos, and other materials, and works as part of a team to evaluate subscription-based resources (ex: databases, journals) for purchase. Maintains a working knowledge of the collection and other educational resources, and identifies strengths and areas in need of development based on curricular and institutional priorities.

Professional Development: Learns to use new library resources on a continuing basis. Attends workshops and conferences, and presents or publishes in scholarly venues. Stays abreast of new scholarship within the field. Conducts and attends in-house workshops, and communicates with other professionals to share ideas and contribute to the academic conversation surrounding librarianship.

Requirements:

Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution. Previous
reference experience desirable; teaching experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills to interact with students, with
  colleagues, and with faculty members.
• Tact, compassion, clarity, concision, and a sense of humor
  are all important parts of both individual and group
  interactions, and integral to the success of classroom
  instruction.
• Knowledge of information sources, research skills, and
  instructional best practices are fundamental to modern
  librarianship in the context of higher education.
• Experience with instructional technology, learning object
  creation, and integrated library systems. Enthusiasm for
  developing new competencies as platforms and technologies
  evolve.
• An understanding of the complexity of today’s information
  landscape and how to best promote information literacy
  skills.
• Ability to work independently and proactively with colleagues and the
  general public to promote the full variety of library services.
• Ability to produce excellent work while handling multiple tasks
  simultaneously.