Western Michigan University (WMU) seeks a creative and service-oriented Business Librarian to serve as a member of the reference and instruction unit. This librarian must possess the knowledge and expertise necessary to manage collections and deliver services and resources appropriate to WMU’s Carnegie classification as a “research university with high research activity.” Playing a key role in the mission of WMU, this individual must employ collaborative approaches in the development of information-literacy services and programs, and help promote a climate of scholarly research and inquiry.
With more than 4.9 million total items and nearly 2.6 million total titles, Western Michigan University Libraries is the fourth largest university library system in Michigan and among the top 100 in the country with active instructional and collection-development programs. The WMU Libraries are housed at four locations: Dwight B. Waldo Library (Main), the Lynn L. and Charles C. Zhang Legacy Collections Center, the Education Library, and the Harper C. Maybee Music and Dance Library. The Business Librarian will be a member of the Reference and Instruction unit in Waldo Library, which includes 12 faculty librarians and four staff members. As a faculty member, this individual will participate actively on committees and teams in the leadership of the Libraries and the University.
This librarian will also work closely with the faculty and students of the Haworth College of Business (HCoB), one of the largest schools of business in the United States. HCoB is the academic home to nearly 4,000 undergraduate students in 16 specialized programs, while an additional 500 graduate students study business administration (MBA) and accountancy (MSA). The college is one of fewer than five percent of business schools that are accredited at both undergraduate and graduate levels by the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business.
DUTIES. The Business Librarian serves as the primary liaison between the University Libraries and the HCoB. Provides specialized reference and research consultations in business-related fields. Designs and implements strategic and pedagogically appropriate instruction for the classroom and online. Partners with the HCoB to integrate information-literacy skills into the curriculum. Contributes to the development and management of collections that support learning and discovery in liaison departments. Engages in ongoing assessment of library resources and services to meet the changing needs of students and faculty. Demonstrates proficiency with current technologies and relevant information tools, and the ability to keep up with emerging trends. Builds and maintains strong collaborative relationships with students, faculty, and administrators in liaison departments. Fulfills general library responsibilities including face-to-face and electronic reference services, library-research instruction, and some evening and weekend hours. Equips others to assist WMU users with recurring business-related information needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS. Degree from an ALA-accredited program in library and information science. An undergraduate or advanced degree in business. Library reference experience and demonstrated proficiency with business resources. Evidence of providing user-centered library services. Ability to analyze, implement, and adapt to evolving technologies. Library instruction or other teaching experience in classrooms and/or course-management systems. Ability to work independently, creatively, and collegially with university faculty and staff. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Commitment to professional development and the ability to meet the research, teaching, service, and professional competency requirements for tenure and promotion advancement.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS. An advanced degree in business or a related discipline. Knowledge and understanding of the information needs of students and faculty in business. Knowledge of scholarly communications trends and issues in business. Interest in assisting faculty with digital scholarship projects and research. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
APPOINTMENT AND COMPENSATION. This is a full-time, 12-month, fiscal-year, tenure-track appointment with faculty rank, status, privileges, and responsibilities. Salary range $53,500-$55,500 plus generous benefits.
PROCEDURES. Cover letter, vita, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references should be sent online to: htttp://www.wmich.edu/hr/careers-at-wmu.html. Application should be received by April 25, 2014. Review will continue until the position is filled.