Librarian - Reference and Instruction

Librarian - Reference and Instruction

Location: Utica, NY
Job Type: Full-Time, 12-Month

Mohawk Valley Community College provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to meet the diverse needs of our students. We are the community’s college, committed to student success through partnerships, transfer and career pathways, and personal enrichment.

The College is looking for exceptional colleagues to join the MVCC community. We are currently seeking a Reference and Instruction Librarian in our College Libraries department. The Reference and Instruction Librarian advances the mission of the college by delivering inclusive, student-centered library and information services. This role is instrumental in promoting student success and lifelong learning through effective information literacy instruction, responsive reference services, and equitable access to library resources. The Reference and Instruction Librarian provides friendly, proactive, and professional guidance to students across multiple formats and platforms.

Working in close collaboration with faculty, the Reference and Instruction Librarian supports teaching and learning by serving as a liaison to academic departments and contributing to the development, management, and evaluation of library collections and services. A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—and to serving a diverse and dynamic student population—is essential. 

The Reference and Instruction Librarian plays an active role in the campus community by participating in college events, committees, and collaborative initiatives. Ongoing professional development is expected to ensure continued growth and to stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in librarianship.

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Designs and delivers information literacy instruction in collaboration with faculty, ensuring alignment with course learning outcomes and responsiveness to student learning needs;
• Serves as a primary point of contact with external vendors for instruction-related platforms supporting reference and instruction services;
• Plans, coordinates, and evaluates reference and research support services for students, faculty, and staff, delivered both in-person and online;
• Maintains and administers key instructional technology platforms, including Springshare tools such as LibGuides and LibAnswers; oversees the creation and maintenance of research guides and FAQs;
• Analyzes usage data and assessment results to inform improvements to instructional and reference services;
• Stays current with emerging trends in instructional design, library services, and educational technologies;
• Participates in ongoing assessment, planning, and professional development activities to support the library’s strategic goals;
• Performs other duties related to this job description and as assigned by the Director of College Libraries.

Work schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm (generally)

Hours per week: 35 

This is a 12-month position as a faculty librarian with academic rank.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• An American Librarian Association (ALA)-accredited master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLS/MLIS/MSIS)
• Experience teaching in both group and one-on-one settings, preferably in an academic environment
• Experience with emerging technologies in library instruction and service delivery
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues both in the library and across the college
• Demonstrated effectiveness working with diverse populations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous professional experience in a community college or higher education library environment
• Demonstrated collaboration with faculty on instructional or research initiatives
• Experience with Alma Primo VE, Springshare products like LibGuides and LibAnswers, common library database vendors such as EBSCO or Gale, and other online research tools
• Experience with assessment and using data to inform and improve library services
• Experience with web design and/or professional social media

Additional Information:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
  

We encourage applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and have transferable skills to apply. If you have related experience that may not align perfectly with the job description, we’d still like to hear from you.

To learn more about MVCC, our culture, and employee benefits, please visit: https://www.mvcc.edu/about/discover

Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants will be required to provide a 500-word philosophy statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Official academic transcripts required upon hire.

Salary: 54,816

For full consideration, apply by: 8/18/2025