Instruction and Outreach Librarian

SUMMARY: Reporting to the Director of Reader Services, the Instruction and Outreach Librarian schedules and manages instructional activities for Collections and Library Services, Public Engagement, and Research and Education staff, including coordination of presentations of library materials; leads presentations, orientations, and tours; develops and implements outreach activities to promote Newberry collections to a variety of potential user groups, in collaboration with reference librarians, curators, and Research and Education staff; and provides reference assistance to library patrons in person, on the phone, and via email.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages and leads instructional activities for Collections and Library Services and Research and Education staff.
  • Receives internal and external collection presentation requests;
  • Manage complex requests for class visits, including scheduling;
  • Maintains the collection presentations log and shares a weekly class visits list.
• Leads hands-on and virtual collection presentations with Newberry collection items. 
  • Leads orientations and tours for visiting groups, in collaboration with other Reader Services staff;
  • Collaborates, coordinates, and partners with other library departments and staff on pedagogical uses of the Newberry’s collections;
  • Co-convenes the Newberry’s interest group for instruction, and participates in planning and implementing professional development activities for teaching at the Newberry;
  • Develops instructional activities, guides, and other resources for Newberry staff and external instruction leaders;
  • Ensures that instructional opportunities and procedures are well represented on the library’s website, and;
  • Participates in efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices related to instructional activities.
• Coordinates presentations of library materials and other library instruction activities.
  • Responds to group visit requests, in collaboration with appropriate curators and reference librarians;
  • Coordinates retrieval of library materials for instructional activities with Reader Services staff;
  • Encourages use of materials previously not highlighted in collection presentations to avoid repeated use of the same items and to foster new perspectives;
  • Collaborates with reference librarians and curators within Collections and Library Services, other library departments and staff, and visiting instructors, to ensure safe and successful hands-on instructional activities involving rare books, manuscripts, and other materials;
  • Trains new library staff on proper handling of library materials in instructional activities;
  • Reviews, implements, and oversees enforcement of library policies and guidelines related to instructional activities;
  • Advises on appropriate technology for virtual or “hybrid” instructional activities, and liaises with Information Technology department as needed to achieve activity goals, and;
  • Maintains and reports statistics related to instructional activities.
• Identifies and reaches out to potential classes and other groups, and develops outreach activities encouraging interpretation and use of the Newberry’s collections and staff expertise, in collaboration with reference librarians, curators, and Research and Education staff.
• Provides effective reference assistance to library patrons in person, on the phone, and via email.
  • Responds to reference and genealogy correspondence;
  • Serves at the library’s reference desk, registers patrons in the Welcome Center, and responds to questions at other service points as needed, and;
• Develops reference guides and other tools for topics related to Newberry collections.
• May staff the circulation desks or assist with reading room circulation as needed.
• Participate in library committees and special projects.
• Keeps abreast of current developments in librarianship, pedagogy with primary sources, and instructional technologies.
• Participates in other tasks or activities needed for the achievement of departmental goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MLS from ALA-accredited institution.
• Knowledge of best practices and experience teaching with rare books, manuscripts, and other primary source library materials.
• Minimum of one year of successful instruction experience.
• Ability to engage students in active learning and critical thinking.
• Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of print and electronic reference sources.
• Knowledge of genealogical resources and practice preferred.
• Strong background in history and humanities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse library users and staff.
• Strong public service orientation requiring tact, patience, and flexibility.
• Ability to work independently and collegially.
• Ability to proactively solve problems independently and in teams.
• Strong leadership, project management, communication, and organizational skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical strength, mobility, and endurance required to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.