Reference and Instruction Librarian (Onsite, full-time)

Wilson College invites applications for the position of Reference and Instruction Librarian, a key role in supporting student success and fostering a culture of information literacy. The librarian will play a pivotal part in guiding students' research skills through dynamic teaching, personalized research consultations, and innovative outreach initiatives.

The Reference and Instruction Librarian will collaborate closely with faculty and library colleagues to enhance student learning, manage and grow the Personal Librarian program, and evaluate the impact of instructional and outreach efforts. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a student-focused academic environment while advancing the library’s mission of empowering learners with essential research and critical thinking skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Instructional Support and Information Literacy

• Classroom Instruction: Teaches individual and group information literacy sessions to students, both in-person and online.
• Resource Development: Creates instructional materials, including web pages, research guides, and video tutorials, to support student learning.
• Collaborative Instruction: Works with faculty and library colleagues to provide synchronous and asynchronous information literacy instruction, focusing on first-year and transfer students.
• Personal Librarian Program: Expands the Personal Librarian program to increase engagement with both on-campus and online learners.
• Curriculum Integration: Collaborates with faculty to integrate information literacy instruction into course curricula and promote awareness of library resources.
• Program Evaluation: Assesses the effectiveness of information literacy instruction to ensure alignment with the college’s current and future academic needs.

Reference and Research Services

• Research Support: Provide in-person and virtual reference assistance to students, faculty, and staff, guiding users in effectively locating, evaluating, and using information resources.
• Outreach: Promotes library resources and services through student-centered activities, such as student clubs, campus events, and collaborations with student services.

Outreach and Engagement

• Program Development: Designs and implements outreach programs, such as open houses and orientation events, to introduce students to the library’s resources and services.
• Event Coordination: Collaborates with library staff to develop orientation programs and other student engagement activities.
• Marketing and Promotion: Actively markets information literacy instruction, library services, and resources to both students and faculty.
• Success Evaluation: Evaluates the impact and success of outreach and instruction initiatives, recommending improvements as needed.

Collection Development and Cataloging

• Cataloging: Performs original and copy cataloging, record editing, and authority validation for physical books and media.
• Resource Evaluation: Assesses and promotes Open Educational Resources (OER) and other affordable learning initiatives to faculty and students.

Campus and Professional Engagement

• Committee Service: Serves on campus committees as requested, contributing to the library’s role in college-wide initiatives.
• Professional Development: Reviews trends in information literacy and academic librarianship and technology, bringing forward new ideas and practices to support student learning and faculty engagement.

Performs other duties as Assigned

COMPETENCY:

• Proven experience providing reference and research support in an academic library environment.
• Expertise in teaching or facilitating workshops, particularly in information literacy and related subjects.
• Strong background in instructional or curriculum design, with knowledge of best practices for student-centered learning.
• In-depth understanding of information literacy standards, research methodologies, academic integrity principles, and APA citation formatting.
• Proficiency with library databases, cataloging systems, and instructional technologies, including learning management systems and educational tools (e.g., LibGuides, citation management software, Canva).
• A strong commitment to exceptional patron service and the ability to foster collaborative relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and support diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, coupled with a customer-focused approach to service.
• Ability to communicate effectively and constructively, adapting to various audiences and situations.
• A demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with trends in academic librarianship and information literacy.
• Knowledge and understanding of the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, with the ability to teach library instruction sessions that align with these standards.
• Experience in developing digital resources, such as online tutorials, research guides, and other instructional materials.
• Flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing organizational needs and technological advancements.
• Familiarity with Open Educational Resources (OER) and their application in enhancing academic curricula.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

• Full-time, year-round, 12-month position with typical work hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Flexible in-person and remote work depending on library needs
• Hours may be required for evening or weekend support
• Schedule may vary during holidays, summer, and between semesters
• Hybrid work arrangements available during college breaks and summer months, in accordance with HR policies

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLS/MLIS) or equivalent from an ALA-accredited institution is required.
• Proven experience providing reference and research support in an academic or professional setting.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Windows and the Office suite, as well as familiarity with library-specific software and tools.

Working at Wilson: Wilson College provides all eligible, full-time employees with a wide range of benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage; college-paid basic life and long-term disability insurance; and employee-funded Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for health and dependent care. Also available to eligible employees is a Defined Contribution Retirement plan with TIAA. Educational benefits for employees and their families include undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Tuition Exchange scholarship opportunities are also available across a vast consortium of colleges.

Wilson College offers a flexible, supportive culture that believes in work-life balance, with flexible work options available, and generous paid leave policies including paid parental leave, paid vacation, sick, personal leave, 13 paid holidays, paid jury duty, and paid bereavement leave including miscarriage and stillbirth.

Wilson College offers free on-campus fitness center membership, flexible and affordable dining hall meal plans, health and wellness services, and an employee assistance program.

Wilson College is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit qualifying employer, employees of the College may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.