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Reference & Access Services Librarian

St. John's University
Full-time
On-site
New York City, New York, United States

St. John’s, established in 1870, has three New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship, and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations. 

 

A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission.  As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community.  We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values needed for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.  

 

Department: School of Law 

Specific Job Title: Reference & Access Services Librarian 

Reports to: Christopher Anderson, Deputy Director for Library Services 

Campus: Queens 

 

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Deputy Director for Library Services, The Reference & Access Services Librarian will join a service-centered team that is an integral part of the life of a strong, inclusive, and vibrant law school community. The Librarian is responsible for providing comprehensive access services for the space and resources of the Library and is a part of the Reference team, whose members collaborate to provide reference services and legal research instruction. 

 

Essential Functions: 

  • Supervise and coordinate training for the Library's Access & Collection Services staff and student employees to provide comprehensive access and collection services to the entire law school community. 

  • Oversee resource sharing and document delivery services. 

  • Supervise circulation services, physical collection maintenance, and course reserves. 

  • Coordinate student services, outreach, and initiatives. 

  • Identify and manage departmental projects to enhance access to and use of the physical collection. 

  • Provide extensive reference and research services to law faculty and students.  

  • Participate in the preparation and delivery of research workshops and curate subject-specific research guides. 

  • Participate as a team member in initiatives led by other Librarians and the Associate Dean for Library Services. 

  • Foster strong working relationships with colleagues both at St. John's and in other libraries. 

  • Work together with all Library team members in carrying out the long-term and short-term goals and objectives of the Library and the Law School. 

Please note that if the successful candidate has a J.D., then they will also participate in the preparation and delivery of credit-bearing research instruction, including the required research course in the second-year curriculum. 

 

Competencies: 

  • Knowledge of legal materials and current research methods, along with strong analytical skills. 

  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills. 

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively, within a collegial environment.  

  • Effective leadership skills. 

  • Commitment to engaging in professional development. 

  • A strong work ethic and commitment to excellent service. 

  • Adept in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite and other standard business and academic applications. 

  • Ability to combine the pursuit of excellence with a spirit of kindness and collaboration.  

  • A commitment to being part of an inclusive and anti-racist law school. 

 

Supervisory Responsibility: 

This position supervises two full-time Access & Collection Services Specialists. 

 

Work Environment: 

This position operates in a professional office environment, specifically in the Law Library. This position requires the use of standard office equipment such as personal computers, printers, etc., but also requires the use of specialized hardware and software unique to the provision of library services. 

 

Physical Demands: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, move about, sit, carry work, reach with hands and arms, push rolling carts filled with print material, and communicate with other employees and library users. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 20 lbs. 

 

Environmental Conditions: 

Employees may encounter dust and/or book mold while working in the Law Library. The book mold has been evaluated by the University's Department of Environmental Health & Safety, and air quality testing has been completed with satisfactory results. Regular mold remediation work takes place throughout the year. 

 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: 

The position is full-time, Monday-Thursday, 8 hours per day with flexible start times; Friday, 6 hours per day with flexible start times; 1 remote day per week, subject to business needs. Occasional evening or weekend work may be to provide research instruction or coverage for Library access and circulation services. 

 

Travel: 

Though travel is not required for the position, travel for professional development and networking is supported as appropriate, based on the departmental budget. 

 

Required Education and Experience: 

  • Either a J.D. from an ABA-approved law school or an M.L.S. from an ALA-accredited library school. 

  • A minimum of 2 years of experience working in a law library setting. 

  • Instructional experience, including informal or formal instruction. 

 

Preferred Education and Experience: 

  • Both a J.D. from an ABA-approved law school and an M.L.S. from an ALA-accredited library school.  

  • Three or more years of experience in an academic law library, including legal research, reference, and/or access services. 

  • Experience coordinating and managing interlibrary loan and document delivery services, including familiarity with interlibrary loan software. 

  • Experience using Innovative Interfaces products, including Sierra. 

  • Experience working with new and emerging technologies in libraries. 

 

Other Duties: 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. 

 

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual salary range for this position is $72,700 - $85,000. St. John’s University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.   

 

St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events 

 

Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education. 

 

St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.