Assistant Professor, Reference and Instruction Librarian

Mercy University Libraries seeks to hire a full-time Reference & Instruction Librarian (Assistant Professor) to lead our libraries’ effort in collaboration, education, and advocacy for Open Educational Resources (OER) and other affordable educational materials. The ideal candidate will be passionate about information literacy, having strong reference, instruction, and technology skills. The candidate will also be able to demonstrate the ability to work with and teach a diverse student population, both online and onsite. The position is based primarily at the Bronx campus library located at 1200 Waters Place, the candidate must be able to travel between campuses (Westchester / Manhattan) as needed with one day per week at the Westchester campus library located at 555 Broadway in Dobbs, Ferry.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

• Serve as the dedicated librarian for the Catalyst program on the Bronx campus. Duties will include providing information literacy instruction and workshops, supporting program initiatives, and participating in Catalyst program-related events
• Partner with Catalyst program directors, staff, and faculty to ensure appropriate library services and resources are available to students
• Serve as the library liaison to the School of Nursing and assists with developing face-toface, blended, and online instructional sessions and modalities
• Provide library instruction for general education, undergraduate, and graduate-level courses
• Provide research and information services, including in-person and virtual one-on-one research consultations, desk support, and online chat
• Develop information and research aids such as libguides, webpages, prerecorded videos, and online tutorials
• Guide faculty in discovering, creating, disseminating, identifying, adopting, and assessing open and affordable course content
• Serve as the libraries’ primary point of contact for OER-related initiatives
• Work closely with faculty, academic departments, and instructional designers to identify funding sources for OER adoption
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and informational events to raise awareness about OER and other affordable course materials
• Assist in exploring technology in innovative ways to teach AI literacy and information literacy skills
• Participate actively in professional organizations and consortiums at the local, regional, and national levels
• Collaborate with academic and non-academic units as needed, such as Student Affairs and the Center for Teaching and Learning
• Assist with organizing library programming and student events

Required Skills & Experience: 

• 1-2 years of reference and instruction experience in an academic library setting
• Strong understanding of OER principles, copyright issues, Creative Commons licensing, and open access
• Effective time and project management skills with the ability to work independently and as a member of a collaborative team
• Experience with software, tools, systems, and resources used in academic libraries
• Ability to travel to other Mercy campuses
• Some evening and weekend availability

• Instructional background in the sciences or health professions
• Demonstrated experience with Open Educational Resources (OER)
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Knowledge of current and emerging instructional technologies

• MLS or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program is required

About Mercy 

Mercy University is a dynamic, independent, coeducational New York City area university that offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs in six schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts, Nursing, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.  

Mercy is the region's largest private, nonprofit, Minority-Serving Institution, proud to serve a student body that is highly diverse. As a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), Mercy University, has been ranked nationally among top colleges in the country for Hispanics by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and by Excelencia in Education, earning their prestigious Seal of Excelencia for intentionally serving Latino students.



Mercy University was further recognized by HACU as a national leader in awarding bachelor's degrees to Hispanics in several disciplines, including Psychology, Sociology, and Business. Westchester Magazine has also named Mercy the Best College in Westchester County in 2019, 2020, and 2022.

Mercy is committed to offering an inclusive learning environment to help a diverse student body set a course for their future. To support its student body, Mercy has been awarded a number of federal grants which enable us to better develop and deliver education to our students. 

Mercy’s student body reflects the rich diversity of the New York metropolitan area. Enrollment, including full-time and part-time undergraduates and graduates, is approximately 8,800. Mercy students learn on campuses in Dobbs Ferry, the Bronx, and Manhattan as well as online.



At Mercy University we strive to provide employees and their families with a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. We offer high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts, flexible spending, and much more. 

Our Mission: 

Mercy University is committed to providing motivated students the opportunity to transform their lives through higher education by offering liberal arts and professional programs in personalized and high-quality learning environments, thus preparing students to embark on rewarding careers, to continue learning throughout their lives and to act ethically and responsibly in a changing world.

EEO Statement 

Mercy University is an equal opportunity employer. Mercy University actively engages in recruiting a diverse workforce and student body that includes members of historically underrepresented groups and strives to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, height, weight, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

As part of this commitment, Mercy University will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact The Office of Human Resources at (914) 674-7839, Option 6 or via email at HR@mercy.edu.



The posted salary range for this position is based on several legitimate, non-discriminatory factors set by the organization. Mercy is committed to ensuring equal pay opportunities for equal work regardless of gender, race, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local pay equity laws.

Campus Safety

Mercy University is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. Information regarding campus safety can be found here.