REFERENCE & INSTRUCTION LIBRARIAN
The Oberlin College Library seeks an innovative, service-oriented librarian to join its Main Library Reference & Instruction Department. This is a full-time, one-year, non-continuing Administrative & Professional Staff position, reporting to the Interim Director of Libraries. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2015.
The Reference & Instruction Department, which consists of four librarians and one paraprofessional assistant, is a self-directed team of committed professionals with shared responsibility for delivering dynamic, user-oriented services. This is an ideal opportunity for a forward-thinking librarian to join a team in which members work collaboratively to plan, implement, and evaluate services. The team works closely to provide leadership and direction for all aspects of the department’s services, programs, and operations in the areas of reference and research assistance, instruction and information literacy, outreach and promotion, and print and electronic resource selection and use.
Current departmental priorities include the launch of a personal librarian program, expanding outreach to first-year students, designing an improved consultation space for the popular research appointment service, broadening the role of our student reference assistants, and fostering partnerships with faculty to further integrate information literacy education into the disciplines. The department is a primary player in the Academic Commons, which is designed to provide coordinated information, research, technology, writing, and other learning support for Oberlin students and to facilitate academic community on campus.
Responsibilities: Provide a full range of reference, research support, instruction, user education, outreach, and collection development services, including:
Participate in overall management of the department, including goal setting, planning, and policy making.
Provide reference and research assistance, including some evening/weekend hours.
Participate in library instruction activities such as new student orientation, course-integrated instruction, research appointments, and workshops.
Participate in development and maintenance of web-based guides and resources.
Assist with publicity and promotion of reference, research, and learning support services.
Participate in reference collection development and management.
Participate in library committees and work groups.
Contribute to programming and other activities in the Academic Commons.
Perform other duties as required.
Requirements: ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent; experience providing reference services; knowledge of humanities and social sciences reference sources; demonstrated commitment to user-centered services; understanding of information literacy pedagogy; ability to work both independently and with others in a team environment; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; evidence of initiative, creativity, and leadership in past activities.
Desired Qualifications: One year of professional experience in an academic or research library; liberal arts education; undergraduate degree in a humanities or social sciences discipline; successful teaching experience; experience creating or delivering web-based library services; experience with instructional design and technology; familiarity with assessment methods; experience in an information or learning commons setting.
Compensation: Within the range established for this position, salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes an excellent benefits package.
About the Library: The Oberlin College Library is one of the nation’s largest and most complex college library systems. Its 1.5 million cataloged volumes are located in the main library, three branches (art, music, and science), and on-site storage facility. The Library is a member of OhioLINK and has been a federal depository since 1858. The Academic Commons in the main library integrates learning support services from across campus. It features collaborative study spaces, combined circulation/reserve desk, research help desk, technology support office, computer classroom, multimedia lab, writing center, current reading area, and café. The Library is committed to diversity and inclusion, advocacy for open access and scholarly communication initiatives, enhanced information access through technology and digitization projects, educating and empowering users, and creating welcoming spaces that foster academic community.
About Oberlin: Oberlin College, an independent coeducational institution with 2,800 undergraduates, is one of America’s most distinguished liberal arts colleges, deeply committed to academic and artistic excellence, social justice, and service learning. Founded in 1833, its heritage is one of respect for the individual and active engagement with the larger society. It was the first coeducational institution to grant bachelor’s degrees to women and the first to adopt a policy of admitting students of color; the College was also among the first to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. Oberlin has been the source of more Ph.D.s than any other liberal arts college. Its Conservatory of Music is internationally renowned for preparing students for careers as professional musicians and music educators. The College’s size, residential character, diversity, and selectivity create an atmosphere enhancing intellectual and personal growth. More information about Oberlin College can be found at http://www.oberlin.edu. Oberlin, Ohio (pop. 8,200), is a diverse community with a vibrant cultural life located 35 miles from Cleveland.
To Apply: Please provide letter of interest, résumé, and names of three references (including address, email, and phone number). Applicants are encouraged to email documentation to library.job@oberlin.edu (PDF preferred). Applications may also be mailed to: Reference and Instruction Search Committee, Oberlin College Library, 148 W. College St., Oberlin, OH 44074-1545. Review of applications will begin on March 30, 2015 and will continue until the position is filled.
Oberlin College is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an institutional environment free from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, marital status, religion, creed, national origin, disability, age, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, family relationship to an employee of Oberlin College, and gender identity and expression.
The post Reference & Instruction Librarian – Oberlin College Library – Oberlin, OH appeared first on iSchool MLS.