Research and Instruction Librarian, Williams College, (Williamstown, MA)
Posted September 8, 2026
Job Description:
Williams Libraries is in the process of recruiting a Research and Instruction Librarian. This librarian will work as liaison to the natural sciences. We’re looking for someone with a library degree and one year of relevant experience that combines librarianship and the sciences. This requirement can be fulfilled in a variety of ways: work as science librarian; experience as a reference/instruction librarian combined with a background in science education; a background as a scientist with instruction experience and library training, or through other similar combinations of knowledge and experience.
The position will be situated in the Research Services department in a team that is dedicated to innovation, creativity, and proactive user-driven services and has a commitment to meeting students where they are and empowering them as information-literate citizens. The successful candidate will share our passion for working with students and faculty and for teaching information literacy, embrace our commitment to critical librarianship, be excited about engaging with students who are broadly diverse, value collegiality and collaboration, and thrive in a small, relationship-driven academic environment.
Position Duties:
As liaison librarian for the natural sciences:
- Support student and faculty by providing guidance on research methods and resources
- Teach course-related instruction sessions
- Support the research and publishing work of faculty
- Raise awareness of discipline-specific library resources
- Develop library collections
- Participate in the college’s science community
As a member of the Research Services department:
- Provide general reference service through the Ask A Librarian service
- Teach co-curricular workshops
- Participate in departmental outreach activities (orientations, events)
- Work on library and college teams and committees as relevant
Librarians in Research Services are expected to maintain awareness of trends, tools, and methods in the field of library instruction, information literacy, and related areas. They are also expected to engage with the profession by contributing to national, regional, and/or local associations and professional groups. Williams Libraries provides support for continuing professional development.
Qualifications:
This role provides a unique opportunity to engage in the intersection of librarianship and the sciences. In order to teach information literacy and support science students and faculty with their library-related research projects, one year of relevant experience is required for this role. This requirement can be fulfilled through several pathways: work as science librarian; experience as a reference/instruction librarian combined with a background in science education; a background as a scientist with instruction experience and library training, or through other similar combinations of knowledge and experience. Candidates are encouraged to share how their unique background meets this and other requirements in more detail in the cover letter that accompanies their application.
- Masters in Library Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution. Candidates with the ability to obtain this degree within 6 months from the date of hire will be considered
- At least one year of experience relevant to the role
- Experience teaching research tools and information literacy
- Understanding of information literacy in the sciences
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to solve problems and build collaborative partnerships with faculty, students and staff colleagues
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a relationship driven environment
- Commitment to information ethics/justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor degree or higher in the sciences
- Knowledge of scholarly publishing landscape in the sciences (e.g. open science, open data, research impact, scientometrics)
- Academic library experience
- Experience using the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy
- Familiarity with the framework and methodologies of critical librarianship
- Familiarity with framework and methodologies for digital scholarship
We strongly encourage those interested in providing reference and instruction services in the sciences to apply regardless of how many of the preferred qualifications they meet. We are committed to helping our future colleagues develop skills.
Hours & Compensation:
Pay range is from $70,000 to $80,000, commensurate with experience.
This is a full time (37.5 hours/week), year-round, benefited position that involves a significant amount of on-site presence. It qualifies for remote work for up to 1 day per week.
How To Apply:
To learn more about this position and to apply, please visit the official job posting, linked here.
In addition to your résumé, a cover letter is required for consideration. In your cover letter, we invite you to outline your experience relevant to the sciences, share what excites you most about teaching science literacy, and how your interests and experiences align with the mission and values of the Research Services department and undergraduate librarianship.
Application review will begin on October 5, 2026.