Instructional Services Reference Library

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Library Services, the Instructional Services Reference Librarian will lead

the department by initiating, promoting, and providing a full range of responsive, high-quality reference

services to individuals and groups. Maintains a library environment that is conducive to productive

student learning. Teaches classes and provides workshops in library use and research techniques.

Collaborates with others and works individually to produce a variety of informational and instructional

materials to assist library users in successfully using library resources.

Essential Job Functions:

50% of Work Task and Duties

• Plans, implements, markets, and evaluates the library's instructional program. Coordinates and

schedules all library instruction activities and responds to all general inquiries for library

instruction. Teaches classes and provides workshops in library use and research techniques.

Collaborates with others and works individually to produce a variety of informational and

instructional materials to assist library users in successfully using library resources. In

collaboration with administration and colleagues will develop, implement, advocate, promote,

document, integrate and assess information literacy initiatives. Works collegially with instructors

to create course assignments that relate to library resources and information literacy goals.

Develops and manages a comprehensive bibliographic instruction program for the college

composition classes. Creates successful liaisons and outreach relationships by providing

professional development workshops for faculty using the library's services and resources.

Remains current with changing information-delivery systems and recommends the

implementation of new technologies to enhance library instruction. Maintains statistics on library

instruction and creates reports as needed.

30% of Work Task and Duties

• Manages the Reference Department and the library's research computers. Leads the department

by initiating, promoting, and providing a full range of responsive, high-quality reference service

to individuals and groups. Maintains a library environment that is conducive to productive

student learning. Directs students to specific informational sources and assists students and other

patrons in the use of the Internet, the online services, the catalog and the collection. Discusses

informational needs with students, helps them define research topics, and guides them on matters

such as research strategy and bibliographic format. Answers telephone and e-mail reference

queries. Assists students and faculty/staff with questions and problems regarding access to online

services from home. Trains and supervises reference employees; determines work schedules,

assigns work to employees, and manages day-to-day supervisory tasks. Coordinates reference

desk and library instruction schedules, ensuring excellent communication among library staff

concerning the delivery of these services. Assesses services and procedures for revision as

needed and recommends the implementation of new technologies to enhance reference services.

Serves as a liaison to specific Schools of the college. Maintains library-use statistics in reference

and circulation and creates usage reports as needed.

10% of Work Task and Duties

• Assists with the collection development process which includes recommending book purchases

and weeding outdated resources.

• Maintains an awareness of current library issues and trends affecting all library departments by

reading professional literature and participating in professional development activities.

10% of Work Task and Duties

• Serves as the leader in creating and administering an annual or bi-annual library survey for

students and faculty to assess performance. Works collaboratively with Institutional

Advancement Office for all surveys. Works collaboratively with library staff and with Dean of

Academic Student Support to prepare, submit, and evaluate the library's annual report.

• Participates in college committees and special projects. Upholds the policies of the college and

collaborate effectively with the academic schools, with Student Services, and other nonacademic departments. Supports agency and departmental strategic objectives

• Performing daily library tasks; opening and closing the library.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assists work-study
• Interns specific to Reference and Library Instruction department

Minimum Job Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• Required: graduate degree in Library and Information Science; two years related work

experience and/or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

• Willingness to participate in initiatives to innovate library services and resource access.
• Preferred: Instructional experience

Certificates, Licenses or Registrations

None

Other Competencies (skills, abilities, behavior)

Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the Shaw

University. Vision, commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical.

Strong oral and written presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a

team. Excellence in organization, decision-making, problem-solving and creating a collaborative

environment. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be able to read, write and speak

fluently in English.

Physical Demands

Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours/day and climb stairs as required. Some lifting (up to 25 pounds

occasionally), bending, and carrying. Specific vision abilities include the ability to use close vision,

using computers for long periods of time. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and to

use hands and fingers to handle or feel.