Research Services Librarian
UNC-Chapel Hill
On-site
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
Position Summary
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement to include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.Reporting to the head of Special Collections Research and Instructional Services, the Research Services Librarian plans, coordinates, and supervises the provision of in-person and virtual reference and research services. They provide consultations on archival and bibliographic research methods and develop research guides, FAQs, and tutorials that help our community of users successfully navigate our Special Collections. Fostering a collaborative work environment, this position leads the Special Collections research services team in creating a welcoming and productive research experience for all in-person and remote users. This team includes the duplication reproduction technician, lobby reception and registration clerk, and student employees. The Research Services Librarian manages the research room, seeking to balance preservation and security requirements with a positive researcher experience. They conduct initial review of remote inquiries, making referrals to subject specialists, curatorial staff, and technical services staff as appropriate. This position also facilitates the circulation of special collections materials within Wilson Library and the provision of digital copies of library materials to library patrons.The Research Services Librarian will also work regular shifts at the research room service desk, including some evenings and weekends, and they will design and implement research room policies and procedures, including the training of all staff on policies and procedures. This position will also communicate these policies to researchers. The position will also:Regularly evaluate research room activities and operations on site. Arrange training for all Wilson Library staff on research room uses of library systems (such as Aeon) and other library tools.Collect, analyze, and report metrics related to circulation, registration, and research room use; provide recommendations and conclusions based on those metrics.Conduct reference and research interviews with onsite and remote patrons.Coordinates with Technical Services staff on stacks management planning, including retrieval of materials from stacks for patron use. Regularly consult with Preservation and Conservation staff to ensure safe handling and preservation of special collections materials. Work closely with colleagues across the Libraries to coordinate Special Collections materials retrieval from offsite storage.Participate in overall department planning.Oversee the security of the research room and other public services areas.Collaborate with colleagues across the Libraries on unified strategies for reference and research services and tools and services that improve the Special Collections researcher experience.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Masters degree in library science, Public History, or equivalent degree.Competence executing search strategies using print and electronic tools.Strong customer-service orientation and team building skills.Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a complex, fast-paced service-oriented environment.An understanding of reference functions in a library containing a wide range of materials including rare books, archival collections, audiovisual materials, and other formats.One year of supervisory experience
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Prior experience working in an academic research library, particularly in circulation or special collections.Specialized knowledge of library systems and procedures in library public services.High proficiency using computer-based technology and ability to adapt to new technologies.Demonstrated initiative and flexibility in adapting to change.
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement to include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.Reporting to the head of Special Collections Research and Instructional Services, the Research Services Librarian plans, coordinates, and supervises the provision of in-person and virtual reference and research services. They provide consultations on archival and bibliographic research methods and develop research guides, FAQs, and tutorials that help our community of users successfully navigate our Special Collections. Fostering a collaborative work environment, this position leads the Special Collections research services team in creating a welcoming and productive research experience for all in-person and remote users. This team includes the duplication reproduction technician, lobby reception and registration clerk, and student employees. The Research Services Librarian manages the research room, seeking to balance preservation and security requirements with a positive researcher experience. They conduct initial review of remote inquiries, making referrals to subject specialists, curatorial staff, and technical services staff as appropriate. This position also facilitates the circulation of special collections materials within Wilson Library and the provision of digital copies of library materials to library patrons.The Research Services Librarian will also work regular shifts at the research room service desk, including some evenings and weekends, and they will design and implement research room policies and procedures, including the training of all staff on policies and procedures. This position will also communicate these policies to researchers. The position will also:Regularly evaluate research room activities and operations on site. Arrange training for all Wilson Library staff on research room uses of library systems (such as Aeon) and other library tools.Collect, analyze, and report metrics related to circulation, registration, and research room use; provide recommendations and conclusions based on those metrics.Conduct reference and research interviews with onsite and remote patrons.Coordinates with Technical Services staff on stacks management planning, including retrieval of materials from stacks for patron use. Regularly consult with Preservation and Conservation staff to ensure safe handling and preservation of special collections materials. Work closely with colleagues across the Libraries to coordinate Special Collections materials retrieval from offsite storage.Participate in overall department planning.Oversee the security of the research room and other public services areas.Collaborate with colleagues across the Libraries on unified strategies for reference and research services and tools and services that improve the Special Collections researcher experience.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Masters degree in library science, Public History, or equivalent degree.Competence executing search strategies using print and electronic tools.Strong customer-service orientation and team building skills.Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a complex, fast-paced service-oriented environment.An understanding of reference functions in a library containing a wide range of materials including rare books, archival collections, audiovisual materials, and other formats.One year of supervisory experience
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Prior experience working in an academic research library, particularly in circulation or special collections.Specialized knowledge of library systems and procedures in library public services.High proficiency using computer-based technology and ability to adapt to new technologies.Demonstrated initiative and flexibility in adapting to change.