Reference Librarian, Library

Lipscomb University•Nashville, TN

50d

About The Position

This full-time faculty-status position requires 40 hours of work each week, including some evening and weekend availability. The Reference Librarian provides comprehensive reference and research assistance, information literacy instruction, collection development support, and student worker supervision to support the academic success of students and faculty. This position reports to the Senior Director of Library Services.

Requirements

MLIS or equivalent from an ALA-accredited library program
Ability to work both independently and collegially in a changing environment
Excellent organizational, technological, interpersonal, and communication skills
Ability to provide library reference services and assistance to a wide variety of faculty and students in multiple formats
Demonstrated sound judgment and emotional intelligence
Ability to work well with others, receive critical feedback, and boldly share ideas to enrich the library's initiatives
An appreciation for and active commitment to the university's Christian mission and a desire to contribute to that mission

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the scholarly publishing environment and its current trends
Experience teaching or providing library instruction in face-to-face and/or virtual settings
Background in outreach and/or programming
Prior experience overseeing student workers
Working knowledge of new and emerging technologies, including AI
Experience managing forms, emails, and administrative systems
Familiarity with serving on university committees

Responsibilities

Serve as liaison to assigned academic departments, building relationships with faculty and students
Work with teaching faculty in liaison areas to develop department- and course-specific information literacy objectives
Establish and maintain communication with assigned departments regarding library resources and services
Plan, prepare, and conduct information literacy instruction in face-to-face and virtual settings for undergraduate students, graduate students, and students pursuing university certifications for assigned liaison departments
Teach freshman orientation courses as assigned
Create, update, and maintain teaching materials for information literacy instruction at various levels
Conduct in-depth research consultations for assigned liaison departments, both by appointment and walk-in
Advise Collection Development and Systems librarians on acquisitions and collection development decisions based on liaison knowledge
Serve as primary contact for the reference email and manage delegating teaching requests submitted via reference form.
Answer ready reference questions (directional, basic information requests, book availability, etc.) and identify research questions requiring referrals
Assist patrons in locating and accessing information, both digitally and physically
Assist patrons in using library services (printers, databases, etc.)
Conduct research consultations both by appointment and walk-ins for students and faculty
Serve as backup for interlibrary loan email and system
Provide vision for the maintenance of the reference collection and storage
Participate in weeding projects as needed
Work closely with Circulation Department to provide vision and leadership for the student worker program including:
Manage job posting and coordinate with HR on the hiring process
Create training materials and lead group trainings, including reference desk training
Create evaluation materials and conduct student worker evaluations
Oversee student workers, including shift scheduling, communication, shift coverage, and special scheduling needs
Contribute to the development of original programming, concierge services, strategic outreach/partnerships, and assessment
Represent the library on university committees and task forces as assigned
Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuous improvement in librarianship, including active participation in professional organizations, attendance at relevant conferences and workshops, and engagement with current trends in information literacy instruction and library services
Perform additional services as requested by the Senior Director of Library Services