Position: Reference/Education Services Librarian
Location: Hood College, Frederick, MD

Originally posted on the Maryland Library Association listserv.

Under the general direction of the Director of the Beneficial-Hodson Library, the full-time Reference/Education Services Librarian works collaboratively with the Reference/Education Services Team and other library colleagues in providing reference services and research skills instruction for all College constituencies.  The Librarian in this position will be able to gauge the needs of a diverse student population, provide effective research assistance and instruction in a variety of modalities, and assess the library’s impact on student success; will sustain and expand partnerships across the campus community; will participate in strategic planning, collection development, and outreach activities. Some evening work is required.  Occasional weekend work may be required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Reference Services and Research Skills Instruction (50%) 

• Provides innovative, user-centered research assistance and education services to students and faculty in the library, via telephone, and online.
• Works collaboratively with faculty and the Reference/Education Services team to design and deliver engaging research and information literacy instruction, both in person and online; introduces/orients students, faculty, and staff to various library resources; works to integrate information literacy and research skills into the curriculum.
• Creates, shares, and assesses LibGuides, instruction videos, interactive research modules, and other digital learning materials to support student learning.
• In collaboration with the Reference team, develops and presents workshops, tutorials, and orientations to a variety of campus constituencies
• Represents the library as a member of the Reference team at external workshops and conferences.
• Collaborates with library staff to address organizational training and transformation related to cultural competence and diversity, equity, and inclusion objectives.
• Works with the Reference and Access Services teams to train, supervise, and assess student workers. 

Programming, Outreach, and Collection Development (30%) 

• Works with outreach team to design, market, implement, and assess inclusive, culturally sustaining educational programming and outreach initiatives that reach students, faculty, and staff.
• Communicates with library staff and disciplinary faculty to evaluate and select print and electronic resources for acquisition.
• Performs ongoing evaluation of database subscriptions and individual electronic journals to identify and implement changes in content, navigation, and access.
• Fosters effective collaborative relationships with faculty and staff to increase awareness of library resources, promote critical engagement with information, and encourage open scholarly communication.
• Participates in college and library committees.
• Contributes to the maintenance of the library website, social media, and campus newsletters. 

Planning and Policy Development (20%)

• Participates with other members of the Reference team in consensus decision-making; collaborates with the Reference team in the planning and design of library user surveys.
• Participates with other members of the Reference team to create annual goals, strategies, and assessments for the department.
• Stays up to date on emerging trends in information literacy, teaching and learning, and educational technology in order to provide creative, relevant services for our community.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Carries out supervisory responsibilities for directing student workers in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities may include assigning and directing work, appraising performance, addressing concerns and resolving problems.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with physical disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We seek a candidate who values diversity, equity and inclusion in all that they do. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and disciplines.

Education and/or Experience

Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program is required. In addition, the Librarian must have the ability to work cooperatively in a team-based environment and have familiarity with library systems. One to two years’ experience in an academic library and experience with classroom instruction and research skills instruction experience is preferred. 

Technology Skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite is required.  Experience with e-journal management, library databases, videoconference software, LibApps, and Blackboard (or another LMS) is preferred.

Language Skills

Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to create effective sessions for library research skills teaching. Ability to write reports, to develop a written argument, and to communicate effectively in writing with colleagues, faculty, and students.

Proficient in the communication of key concepts for the specific discipline in the English language and ability to assist students with English as a secondary language. Strong oral and written communication skills. 

Mathematical Skills

Ability to work with and apply mathematical concepts. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, currency conversions, and proportions to practical situations. Ability to draw conclusions from data and to make appropriate recommendations.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to hypothesize, draw, and support conclusions. Ability to work independently and as a member of a group in developing and executing project plans. Ability to work with theoretical concepts and to apply logic as appropriate.