Reference and Instruction Librarian

Position Summary

The Reference and Instruction Librarian provides expert research assistance and participates in the Library’s information literacy instruction program as part of a team of reference and instruction librarians. This position works with colleagues to support students, faculty, and staff seeking research assistance, delivers library instruction across a range of formats and modalities, and develops collaborative relationships with academic departments to integrate library resources and services into the curriculum. The position reports directly to the Library Director.

Reference Services

• Provides professional research assistance to students, faculty, staff, and other Library users at the reference desk, by email, and through scheduled video or Zoom consultations.
• Conducts in-depth individual research consultations with students and faculty by appointment, providing guidance tailored to specific research needs and disciplinary contexts.
• Maintains current awareness of reference tools, databases, and emerging information resources relevant to the Library’s user community.

Information Literacy Instruction

• Participates in developing, delivering, and assessing the Library’s information literacy instruction program, including course-integrated instruction sessions, orientations, and other instructional activities.
• Designs and teaches library instruction sessions aligned with the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, adapted to the needs of specific courses, disciplines, and student populations.
• Affirms student learning outcomes from instruction sessions and uses assessment data to inform and improve instructional design and delivery.
• Stays current with trends and best practices in information literacy instruction, instructional design, and active learning pedagogy.

Liaison and Outreach

• Serves as library liaison to assigned academic departments, building collaborative relationships with faculty to support research, teaching, and learning.
• Works with faculty in liaison departments to integrate library resources and instruction into courses and research activities.
• Affords assistance to liaison departments with identifying and recommending resources for collection development, including databases, reference works, and other materials appropriate to disciplinary needs.
• Represents the Library at relevant campus events, department meetings, and other venues as appropriate and assigned.

Collection Development

• Affords assistance in identifying and recommending new books, databases, and other resources for the Library’s collections, with particular attention to reference resources and the needs of liaison departments.
• Evaluates existing reference and subject resources for continued relevance and currency; recommends withdrawals or replacements as appropriate.

Professional Development and Service

• Maintains current knowledge of trends, developments, and professional literature in library reference services, information literacy instruction, and higher education.
• Participates in relevant professional organizations and engages with the broader library profession through conferences, publications, or other activities as opportunities arise.
• Participates in Library planning, committee work, and other service activities as assigned by the Library Director.