Research and Reference Librarian I, Princeton Theological Seminary, (Princeton, NJ)

Posted August 21, 2025

Job Description

Serve as the Seminary’s Research and Reference Librarian, overseeing research instruction and
reference services. Provide both in-person and virtual reference support to the residential and online
Seminary community, as well as the broader research community. Mentor students through the
research process and engage with them to increase their information literacy. Collaborate with the
Public Services team on welcoming, assisting and serving library users. Contribute to Wright Library’s
mission of enhancing access to its collections and expertise, supporting the teaching, learning, and
research at Princeton Seminary.

This position reports to the Assistant Director for Research and Public Services.

Position Duties

Provide Research and Reference Assistance (50%)

Assist researchers by answering patron questions
Promote the use of library collections and expertise through outreach and engagement
Assist with delivering instructional and curricular support in-person and online
Stay current with emerging instructional techniques and best practices in information literacy
Oversee the print reference collection, ensuring proper organization and placement within relevant reference sections. Curate and manage the reference collection (both print and online) by making informed collection development recommendations
Stay up to date with the latest AI trends and innovations. Showcase practical applications of AI in search and discovery
Be knowledgeable about common copyright issues affecting research
Collect, analyze, and report service-related statistics and metrics
Manage interlibrary loan requests for the Seminary community
Assist with library tours

Campus Collaboration and Engagement (30%)

Collaborate with library management to recommend and implement improvements to access, research, and library policies and services, with a focus on user experience
Supervise and prioritize tasks for student workers at the Reference Desk (and Circulation Desk as needed)
Assist the Head of Circulation Services in ensuring adequate staffing at key public service points during library operating hours

Perform other duties as assigned (20%)

Perform related tasks as assigned and engage in professional development.
Contribute to committees as needed and participate in library-wide initiatives and institutional events.
This is a permanent, year-round, on-site position.

Qualifications

Advanced graduate degree in theological or related studies and/or a master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS) or its equivalent from an ALA-accredited program
Strong research skills and experience in answering reference questions
Proficiency in developing instructional resources such as research guides and tutorial videos
Understanding of information literacy principles and best practices in library instruction
Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, researchers, and students to provide research and instructional support
Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
Experience working as an effective and collaborative member of a team
Ability to provide clear guidance and follow through on library policies and research services
Experience supervising and mentoring student workers
Ability to anticipate and develop new library services aligned with educational needs
Strong planning, organization and problem-solving skills
A high level of proficiency in information and media literacy, electronic resources, library technologies, and integrated library systems
Ability to work independently, prioritize among competing projects, and sustain a high level of attention to detail
Engagement in professional development and contributions to institutional initiatives
Participation in relevant regional/national professional organizations and forums
The ability to lift 30 pounds and to push and pull book carts weighing 40 pounds, retrieve and return library materials to shelves, and shift library materials

Hours & Compensation

M-F 8:30-4:30, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed
early career level, 0-5 years of experience. Salary $60,000-$65,000.

How to Apply

To apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume/curriculum vitae (please name your documents as follows: Last Name, First Name – Document Name), and the names and contact information for three references to the Human Resources Office at Princeton Theological Seminary at [email protected].