Job Title: Reference and Instruction Librarian/Associate Director
Department: Library
Reports To: Director of the Library
Position Grade: Faculty: Rank and wage level based on education and experience.
FLSA Status: Exempt
OVERVIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY
Washington Adventist University (WAU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher education that supports a culture of excellence where all feel valued. Nestled in a desirable residential community in Takoma Park, Maryland, WAU offers its faculty and staff an environment where professional expertise is valued and lasting connections between co-workers are formed as we work together to ensure the success of our students. Regardless of title, every employee supports WAU’s vision of producing graduates who bring moral leadership and competence to their communities.
SUMMARY
The Reference and Instruction Librarian develops, manages, and provides reference and instruction services for Weis Library. This position also serves as the Associate Director of the Library.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
▪ Develop, manage, and coordinate reference services, including traditional in-person and remote digital services.
▪ Provide reference assistance and research consultations for students, faculty, staff, and visitors of the library.
▪ Develop, manage, and coordinate information literacy programs and services, including library orientations and bibliographic instruction.
▪ Provide bibliographic instruction sessions for students, faculty, and classes within the library and through teleconferencing.
▪ Collect, maintain, and report statistics on reference and instruction services for library, university, professional, and government reports and surveys.
▪ Assess reference and instruction services to determine and enhance the effectiveness of information literacy initiatives on student learning.
▪ Evaluate and recommend information resources and technology that enhance the effectiveness of reference and instruction services.
▪ Assist with collection development efforts, including identifying, evaluating, and recommending, information resources for acquisition or de-acquisition.
▪ Maintain online research tools and create research aides that facilitate library usage, including the discovery service and research guides.
▪ Promote usage of the library by engaging academic departments, marketing library services, and developing outreach programs.
▪ Serve as Associate Director of the Library and work collaboratively with the Director of the Library with various leadership and administrative responsibilities as assigned.
▪ Represent the library and faculty on university shared governance committees and participate in campus programs and events, as appropriate.
▪ Participate in professional groups and events and contribute to the advancement of the field of librarianship.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
▪ None.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
• Master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or its foreign equivalent.
• At least 1-3 years of library work experience providing reference and/or instruction services.
• A strong public service and customer service orientation.
• Ability to collaborate with others and work as a part of a team.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, especially presentation skills.
• Good information literacy and information technology skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Preferred
• Experience working in an academic library.
• Experience using OCLC WorldShare Management Services and WorldCat Discovery.
• Experience working with archives and/or special collections.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the Reference and Instruction Librarian in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to see, talk, and hear; to use hands to handle books and other objects; and to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must regularly use stairs.
• The employee must regularly lift books and occasionally lift boxes of books and other heavy objects.
Title VII Exception Notice:
Washington Adventist University is committed to equal employment opportunities, and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, disability, age, race, color, or national origin. The University reserves constitutional and statutory rights as a religious institution and employer to give preference in employment to members of the Seventh-day Adventist church, and claims specific exemption from Title IX provisions as set forth in 34 CRF (and subsections), insofar as they conflict with the Seventh-day Adventist teaching and practices.