Reference/Instruction Librarian

Posted by Sally Mason on

Position Title: Reference/Instruction Librarian

Brief Description: Mississippi College is seeking an energetic librarian to be part of a team providing instructional and reference services to the university community.  The university is embarking on an exciting initiative to integrate information literacy throughout the undergraduate curriculum.  This position calls for extensive collaboration with other faculty and university colleagues in the design, delivery, and assessment of our information literacy program.  The teaching of information literacy competencies is a major component of this job. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to help shape and influence the information literacy program.

The Reference Librarian is a member of the Reference Services team responsible for providing the Library’s instructional and reference functions. This librarian also serves as the liaison to one or more academic departments, providing outreach and collection development for those departments. This position is a full-time twelve month faculty position without tenure.  The salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Minimum Education Required: MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited program.

Experience: Preferred – One year post-MLS professional academic reference and instructional experience.

Reports to:  Library Director

Knowledge and Skills Needed: 

  • Ability to develop and provide effective information literacy instruction in a variety of settings to a diverse population.
  • Knowledge of reference and research skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; interpersonal skills consistent with a commitment to user-center library services, including flexibility, enthusiasm, and approachability
  • Ability to manage change and work in a team environment.  Willingness to collaborate and communicate with team members and maintain effective working relationships with the public and university colleagues
  • Knowledge of library theory and practices as well as current techniques and trends in librarianship
  • Ability and desire to learn and implement appropriate technologies

Responsibilities:

  • Participates in collaborative efforts with other librarians and university faculty to develop, deliver, and assess information literacy instruction. Prepares online and print research guides to augment instruction and to assist faculty and student researchers.
  • Provides reference and research assistance to on-site and distant students and members of the university community.  Some evening and weekend rotation is required.
  • Serves as liaison to one or more academic departments, providing collection development assistance and outreach to these departments.
  • In conjunction with the Library Director, establishes mutually agreeable goals toward improving library systems and services, with periodic evaluation of progress.
  • Serves on appropriate university committees.
  • Participates in the completion of other library projects as assigned by the Library Director, depending on additional expertise, interests and the needs of the library.

Context: Mississippi College, affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention, is a nationally recognized comprehensive liberal arts university. Leland Speed Library is viewed as a vital part of the academic program of the university.  The library has a faculty of eight professional librarians and nine (FTE) support staff.

To apply for this position return a cover letter, a completed Mississippi College Faculty Application, and a curriculum vitae to Kathleen Hutchison, Library Director, Mississippi College, 200 South Capitol Street, Jackson, MS  39058 or email to khutchis@mc.edu.  A Mississippi College Faculty application can be found at http://www.mc.edu/offices/human-resources/how-to-apply/.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled with preference given applications received by March 15, 2013.  Applicants may be asked for professional references and further information after initial reviews.  Employment is contingent upon successful background verification.  The successful candidate will be expected to begin work June 1, 2013.