Research and Instruction Librarian

Posting Details

Position Information

Title Research and Instruction Librarian Department Library Division Libraries Employment Type Full-Time Critical Review Track (similar to tenure track) Yes Position Description

Fleet Library at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), invites applications for a full-time professional librarian appointment at the rank of Librarian II, to commence in spring/summer 2027.

RISD recognizes principles of social equity, inclusion, and diversity as fundamental to its mission as an art and design school. These principles require sustained attention to a multiplicity of differences and call for an expansion of the forms of knowledge that shape our curricula, pedagogy, and research practices. RISD is committed to the collective work of institutional transformation and values applicants whose library instruction and professional experiences have prepared them to foster and sustain equitable learning environments. We especially welcome librarians whose practices engage diverse perspectives, expand forms of knowledge, and help foster a culture of belonging where all students, staff, and faculty can thrive.

As a member of a dynamic library team, the Research and Instruction Librarian contributes to Fleet Library's information literacy instruction and research services, leading campus engagement related to both areas. They collaborate with library colleagues, faculty, students, and other on- and off-campus constituents to raise awareness of library resources and make them accessible through innovative instruction and research services. They contribute to the development of Fleet Library's circulating collection and online resources through the creation of learning tools and related programming. By sharing their knowledge, expertise and curiosity, they support a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for a creative and diverse campus population of undergraduates, graduates, continuing education and pre-college students, staff, faculty, and visitors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

Instruction. The Research and Instruction Librarian teaches information literacy and research methods and promotes the curricular integration of Fleet Library's resources. Specifically, they:

• Design and deliver information literacy and research instruction that responds to the needs of diverse stakeholders and curricula.
• Contribute to strategic efforts to embed a comprehensive library instruction program across the curriculum.
• Continuously assess the efficacy of information literacy instruction and student learning.
• Coordinate with other instruction librarians in developing pedagogical goals, strategies and priorities.
• Leverage campus resources related to pedagogy, instructional design, and emerging technologies related to teaching.

Research. The Research and Instruction Librarian is a primary contact for RISD community members and other Fleet Library patrons seeking research support and skills development. Specifically, they:

• Provide appointments and drop-in assistance to researchers of all experience levels.
• Develop materials for research skills development and reference, such as LibGuides, Canvas modules, handouts, etc.
• Explore and recommend established and emerging tools and practices for scholarly and creative research.
• Participate in library projects related to resource discoverability and information-seeking behavior, such as updates to search platforms, cataloging practices, and the library website.
• Connect researchers to resources beyond RISD via reciprocating libraries, ILL, etc.

Engagement. The Research and Instruction Librarian is responsible for championing the library across campus and making its resources better known and more accessible and discoverable. Specifically, they:

• Contribute to efforts to promote library collections and services through the library's web ecosystem, social media, faculty meetings, and campus-wide communications platforms and events.
• Develop strong working relationships with faculty, students, and staff to maintain awareness of curricular and other priorities on campus.
• Seek out opportunities to engage with student cohorts such as international and first generation college (FGC) students.
• Provide general library introductions or overviews to groups and individuals as needed.

Collection Development. The Research and Instruction Librarian contributes to the development and management of Fleet Library's collections. Specifically, they:

• Make recommendations for acquisitions of circulating and reference materials informed by research questions and instruction requests.
• Propose new areas of growth in consultation with library colleagues and faculty.
• Contribute to selecting, managing, and assessing research databases and other subscription resources.
• Support assessment of gift offers and recommend responses.
• Recommend and review candidates for deaccessioning from the circulating and reference collections.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in supervision and training of student employees in support of the tasks described above.
• Review and update policies and procedures in consultation with colleagues, especially as they pertain to shared spaces and responsibilities.
• Contribute to and ensure that statistics in this area of library operations are maintained and reported accurately.
• Participate in professional and institutional activities; pursue continuing education as appropriate. Serve on cross-operational library working groups and college committees.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• An ALA-accredited MLIS degree or equivalent achieved through experience and related training.
• Minimum three years of recent instruction work in libraries or related environments.
• Experience supporting researchers across a variety of levels and learning styles.
• Strong interest in visual literacy and research pedagogies that support art and design practices and creative production generally.
• Familiarity with research practices of artists, designers, and related creative fields.
• Experience promoting library resources and services through a variety of outlets.
• Experience navigating library discovery tools and systems (FOLIO, EDS, AEON, and ArchivesSpace preferred).
• Strong analytical skills, creative and innovative problem-solving.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills for in-person and virtual settings.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collegially and independently.
• Proficiency with commonly used productivity software (e.g., Google Workspace) and ability to learn new technologies with ease.
• Ability to set priorities, exercise flexibility, effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines and adjust as circumstances change.
• Commitment to supporting an inclusive work environment and the ability to work respectfully and effectively across differences in background, role, and perspective.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional degree in a relevant field such as art or design history, fine arts, design, etc.
• Formal coursework or training in active learning and/or inclusive teaching techniques.
• Fluency with commonly used design software and media editing software (e.g., Adobe Suite, Canva).
• Knowledge and understanding of key issues and trends in the art and design school sector and an understanding of the impact of digital technologies in libraries and higher education.
• Participation in relevant professional associations.

RISD/ Department Description

RISD is a nonprofit college and museum of art and design founded in 1877 in the city of Providence, RI. Today 2,606 students from 62 countries engage in more than 40 full-time bachelor's and master's degree programs, supported by a committed faculty and worldwide network of more than 33,000 alumni.

By cultivating expansive and elastic thinking, RISD equips artists, designers and scholars to generate and challenge the ideas that shape our world.

RISD has a critical review process for librarians, which is very similar to a tenure process at other institutions. RISD supports librarian professional practice with sabbaticals, conference funds, PTO for professional activities, and professional development grants. For more information about RISD, please visitwww.risd.edu.

Fleet Library's collections include more than 155,000 volumes and 320 periodical subscriptions (print) and offer unusual depth and richness in the areas of architecture, art, design and photography. The library is noted for its artist's book collection, rare books, and visual and material resource collections. For more information about Fleet Library visit library.risd.edu.

Faculty Responsibilities Union Yes Salary Information

For information about base pay for this position, please refer to Article XII "Salaries" (p. 19-22) in the Faculty Association Collective Bargaining Contract 2025-2028. . The contract indicates the minimum base salary for each rank.

Pre-employment Requirement

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

Special Instructions to Applicants

RISD Librarian Search Committees comprise colleagues from within and outside of the library.

Please attach the following to the appropriate links in the section labeled "Documents Needed to Apply":

1.) Letter of intent that addresses the qualifications and responsibilities listed above (2 pages maximum)

2.) Curriculum vitae

3.) An instruction or teaching philosophy that articulates your approach to inclusive pedagogy (2 pages maximum)

Applications may not be edited once they are certified and submitted.

File size is limited to 10 MB per file.

Only materials that have been requested will be considered.

Names and contact information for three references are requested as part of the application process at the finalist stage.

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Candidates who submit their materials by January 15, 2027 are assured full consideration.

EEO Statement

RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number F00139P Open Date Close Date Open Until Filled Yes

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Philosophy

Optional Documents