Librarian II (Research & Instruction Librarian)

Job Description

The A&M System strives to maintain a competitive, high-quality benefit package to support the health and wellness needs of our workforce. This includes comprehensive health and welfare insurance plans, additional health and lifestyle programs, and optional retirement savings opportunities. Eligible employees will have access to paid leave programs in addition to 13-15 paid holidays each year. For more information regarding the benefit package go to: West Texas A&M University: Human Resources Benefits

NOTICE - All posted positions are subject to budget approval.

General Summary:

The Research and Instruction Librarian, as a team member and under intermittent supervision, provides reference and instruction services both in-person (service desk) and/or virtually (chat, phone, and/or email) at point of need or by appointment to West Texas A&M University students, faculty, staff, and community members. Delivers virtual and in-person library instruction when needed for daytime, evening, and weekend classes. Develops and delivers library workshops and develops instructional materials to enhance information literacy skills among students. Creates and maintains library guides, FAQs, videos, and other resources/services. Assists with development and delivery of library programming and marketing campaigns. Serves as a liaison to one or more academic departments. Responsible for weeding and collection development of library collection in academic liaison area(s). May work nights and weekends as needed. Reports to the Senior Research and Instruction Librarian.

Responsibilities:

Reference Services:

• Assists library patrons (WTAMU students, faculty, and staff and community members) with their information and research needs both in-person and virtually, using chat, phone, and email at the time of need and/or through appointment (service priority is given to WTAMU students, faculty, and staff).
• Offers assistance in navigating complex information landscapes across a wide range of electronic and print resources by formulating effective search strategies and helping to find relevant and accurate information.
• Works scheduled hours at the library’s 1st floor Research Desk delivering reference services, both during scheduled shifts and as needed.
• Knowledgeable about various subject areas, expertise extends to evaluating information sources for their reliability and relevance.
• Refers patrons to other internal and external colleagues and services, when necessary, e.g. Interlibrary Loan.
• May work nights or weekends when needed.

Library Instruction/Outreach:

• Delivers virtual and in-person library instruction.
• May be occasionally required to travel to the Amarillo Center and other regional libraries and schools.
• Develops and delivers library workshops and develops instructional materials to enhance information literacy skills among students.
• Creates and maintains library guides, FAQs, videos, and other resources/services.
• Assists with the creation and delivery of library marketing.
• As part of the library research, outreach and instruction team, assists with the development and delivery of faculty development workshops as needed.
• As part of the library research, outreach and instruction team, assists with development and implementation of student or community outreach activities and events as needed.
• May involve working nights and weekends for evening and weekend classes and library events.
• Duties may include moving furniture or equipment for library events.

Professional Development:

• Maintains currency with developments in library service and pedagogical theory and practice.
• Commits to learning and self-improvement, adding value to Cornette Library and West Texas A&M University through attendance at Cornette Library’s Professional Learning Community (PLC) and through other professional avenues such as membership in professional organizations, conferences, webinars, podcasts, professional literature, presentations and/or publishing.
• May involve nights or weekends.

Professional Service:

• Serves as liaison to one or more academic departments.
• Participates in maintenance of library collections in liaison area(s) through evaluation, weeding, and selection of resources in consultation with faculty and library Collection Development Committee.
• Serves on Cornette Library committees.
• May also participate in university committees and/or regional, State, and national library or library related professional committees.
• Demonstrates contributions to the profession through such things as membership in library or library related professional organizations, scholarly publication and/or presentations.
• May involve nights or weekends.
• Maintains % compliance with timely completion of required System, University and job- specific online training courses.
• This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties as assigned.

Necessary Qualifications:

• MLS, MSLS, MLIS from an ALA-accredited program. Or, within 6 months of graduation with a Master’s degree.
• One year of experience or coursework providing reference in a library.
• Experience providing instruction in a classroom setting.
• Knowledge in the use of academic library resources, including reference tools and the processes of research and information retrieval.
• Adaptable/flexible with the ability to analyze, organize, multi-task and prioritize work in a fast paced environment, while meeting deadlines.
• Strong customer service ethic.
• Experience using a wide variety of platforms, hardware, and software, including but not limited to: office productivity software (e.g. Microsoft Word and Excel), Microsoft Windows, Integrated Library Systems (ILS) and discovery services.
• Knowledgeable about various subject areas; expertise extends to evaluating information sources for their reliability and relevance.
• Strong soft skills: teamwork and collaboration, professionalism or work ethic, oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with campus community, and critical thinking or problem-solving skills.
• Ability to move medium weight boxes, books, heavy book truck or similar items*.
• Ability to handle materials containing dust or microscopic mode spores.*
• *The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations

Preferred Qualifications:

• One year of experience providing reference in an academic library.
• One year of experience or coursework in instruction for online, blended, and/or traditional classes and utilizing learning methodologies and theories.
• Experience using Primo.
• Experience with the Springshare Suite of tools.
• Teaching certificate
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends in academic librarianship, scholarship, and/or technologies.
• Knowledge of teaching methodologies and learning theories.
• Knowledge of collection development principles.