Job Description:
GENERAL POSITION INFORMATION
Position Name: Information Services Librarian
Classification: Exempt
FTE 1.0
Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm (with occasional evening or weekend instructional sessions)
Department/Division: Academic Commons
Supervisor: Director, Academic Commons
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including employer sponsored health, dental and vision insurance plan options. 403(b) retirement plan with up to 10% match after one year of employment. Tuition waiver eligibility after one year of employment. Free and reduced cost care in the campus health center for employees and their immediate family members. Paid vacation, sick, wellness time and holidays.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Information Services Librarian supports the learning, clinical, and research needs of the University of Western States community by providing reference expertise, information literacy instruction, collection development, digital resource support, and student‑focused outreach. This role emphasizes direct patron engagement, research assistance, and programming, helping users locate, evaluate, and ethically use information in all formats. The role supports patrons whose scholarly work focuses on integrative healthcare sciences.
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
# of employees this position supervises: 3
Job titles of employees supervised: Access Services Coordinator, Part-time Access Services Associate, Part-time Library Information & Instruction Specialist
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Reference, Research & User Support (30%)
- Provide in‑depth, high‑quality reference and research assistance to students, faculty, clinicians, and staff, in person and online.
- Guide users in identifying, accessing, and evaluating scholarly and clinical information resources.
- Offer support for literature searches, evidence‑informed practice, and research methodologies.
Collection Development & Reader’s Advisory (15%)
- Select and recommend materials in assigned subject areas, ensuring collections remain current, diverse, and aligned with curricular and clinical needs.
- Assist with weeding projects to maintain a relevant, high‑quality collection.
- Provide faculty and student advisory services, recommending databases, books, media, and digital resources based on user needs.
Digital Services & Resource Access (15%)
- Support the maintenance and usability of library digital platforms, including databases, research guides, institutional repositories, and the library website (content‑side support, not systems administration).
- Troubleshoot user access issues to e‑resources, escalating to appropriate staff or system personnel when needed.
- Stay current with emerging instructional technologies and digital research tools.
Programming, Outreach & Campus Partnerships (10%)
- Develop and deliver outreach programs, workshops, and engagement activities that promote library resources and services.
- Build relationships with faculty, student groups, and academic programs to understand and support evolving information needs.
- Represent the library at campus events, orientations, and community‑building initiatives.
Operations & Service Desk Support (10%)
- In coordination with the ASC, manage library supplies inventory and purchasing.
- Provide service desk coverage as part of the library services team.
- Manage cataloging processes, in collaboration with our system library team and campus library staff
- Assist in maintaining catalog accuracy through basic data updates Support a welcoming, inclusive environment for all library visitors.
Administration & Supervision (10%)
- Works in collaboration with the director to develop and maintain university library policies.
- Works in collaboration with the director to manage the AC-Library unit budget.
- Provide supportive supervision of library staff and student workers to advance their professional skills and performance.
- In coordination with the director, establish yearly goals and performance indicators for the unit and staff.
- Complete year-end performance reviews.
Copyright Services (5%)
- Serves as the university’s designated copyright officer, providing leadership and oversight for campus-wide copyright compliance and education.
- Advises faculty, staff, and students on the responsible use of copyrighted materials, including fair use, permissions, licensing, and the management and dissemination of scholarly works.
- Collaborates with university legal counsel to interpret copyright law, assess institutional risk, and ensure compliance with federal regulations and university policies.
Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
UWS CORE VALUES AND ASSOCIATED COMPETENCIES
The following Core Values are integral to working at UWS. All employees, regardless of their position within the university, are expected uphold the Core Values and demonstrate associated competencies.
Best Practices
We maintain high standards by using and integrating evidence across multiple disciplines. To accomplish this, We:
- Seek out and use relevant data to inform our decision-making.
- Incorporate peer-reviewed research and professional experiences into academic discourse and patient care.
- Promote student learning through excellence in instruction and assessment.
Curiosity
We are innovative, open minded, and forward thinking. To accomplish this, We:
- Approach our work with curiosity, inquisitiveness and willingness to think outside the box.
- Value and consider new ideas and ask, “What if...?”
- Remain open to change in order to advance and improve.
Inclusiveness
We are respectful, mindful, and welcoming of different ways of being, thinking, and doing. To accomplish this, We:
- Actively listen to diverse perspectives and value different viewpoints and experiences.
- Promote the equity of ideas, resources, power, and identity for all.
- Gather information and input from diverse groups to develop a common vision, improve policies and practices, and advance institutional goals.
Professionalism
We are responsible, respectful, and accountable. To accomplish this, We:
- Demonstrate civility in all our interactions, especially when there are disagreements or differing opinions.
- Take ownership of our speech, conduct, demeanor, and deliverables.
- Adhere to established policies, procedures, agreements, and deadlines.
- Act as thoughtful stewards of the university and its resources.
Student-Focus
We work for the common good of students’ academic and professional success. To accomplish this, We:
- Incorporate student feedback to improve academics and university services.
- When making university decisions, we ask: What effect will that have on students?
- Seek to understand the students’ experience through their eyes.
Whole-Person Health
We promote physical, mental and emotional wellness in all facets of the UWS experience. To accomplish this, We:
- Intentionally cultivate environments that support work-life balance.
- Consider personal and community wellness in decision-making.
- Maintain rigorous academic standards while supporting the health and well-being of our students.
- Include a range of health modalities in the classroom and clinic.
EXPECTED COMPETENCIES FOR SUPERVISORS
Developing & Retaining Talent
Ability to recruit, retain, and develop high performing individuals aligned with UWS’ core values and institutional goals. Completes performance reviews and development plans for all direct reports on time. Ability to provide constructive feedback and coaching to direct reports, including individuals who are underperforming.
Managing & Stewarding Resources
Prepares budget(s) to appropriately support department/division functions and goals. Meets or exceeds performance goals and budget targets. Effectively manages departmental resources and processes and seeks opportunities to create efficiencies. Demonstrates the financial acumen for managing budgets aggressively. Effectively manages relationships with vendors and/or contractors.
Leading & Managing Change
Promotes a culture of continuous improvement within department/division with a focus on effective and efficient processes and procedures. An openness to change and the ability provide leadership and clear communication to stakeholders throughout the change process. Engages employees in the change process and develops commitment for sustaining change.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Education & Training
- Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited school
Experience
- Experience providing reference services and information literacy instruction (academic or clinical setting preferred).
- Experience in library management and employee supervision.
- Strong proficiency with research databases and search tools (e.g., PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO).
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer‑service skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff.
- Demonstrated problem‑solving skills and ability to adapt to changing user needs.
Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Knowledge of library cataloging standards.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Strong commitment to responsive and innovative service, and a desire to master new technologies.
- Ability to perform duties with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent analytical skills and the ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
- Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
- Ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
- Ability to effectively deal with patron issues and conflict situations.
- Able to work independently and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
Other Qualifications
Ability to perform routine library duties, including occasional lifting up to 25 lbs., standing, and computer work, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred
Experience
- Experience supporting health sciences, chiropractic, integrative medicine, or wellness programs.
- Familiarity with learning management systems and instructional design tools (Canvas, Panopto, LibGuides, etc.).
- Experience creating digital instructional materials or designing user‑focused online content.
- Evidence of outreach, programming, or community engagement work.
Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Working knowledge of current standards and protocols used in library cataloguing and records systems.
- Advanced knowledge of computer databases, networking software, and integrated library systems (ExLibris, Bibliotheca, OpenAthens)
University of Western States offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.
https://www.uws.edu/about/employment/
University of Western States is an Equal Opportunity Employer.