Academic Librarian

academic support faculty position

Golisano Library

Roberts Wesleyan University invites candidates to apply for a full-time, 11-month Academic Librarian academic support faculty position. The University Library is housed in the B. Thomas Golisano Library, which opened its doors in August of 2007, on our park-like campus in Rochester, New York, providing the program with the advantages of a suburban setting within a vibrant metropolitan area.

Roberts Wesleyan University is a comprehensive, Christian university of the liberal arts, sciences, and professions serving approximately 1,750 traditional and nontraditional students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The University is committed to integrating a Christian worldview with learning in order to prepare thoughtful, spiritually mature, service-oriented people who will help transform society. Roberts believes that all people are created in the image of God and therefore values and affirms human diversity and is committed to providing a supportive environment that promotes awareness of, sensitivity to, and appreciation of human diversity.

In support of the diversity of thought, Roberts offers over 60 undergraduate programs/majors, including 2 associate's programs and 5 bachelor's completion programs, alongside a portfolio of 22 master's and doctoral programs, and 26 online programs, including hybrid options; our first doctoral program launched in 2016.

The B. Thomas Golisano Library supports the mission, educational goals, and curricula of Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary by partnering with people in information exploration.

The Academic Librarian is responsible to the Director of Library Services for envisioning, designing and implementing new tools, technology services and infrastructures, coordinating the library’s research support and instructional services operations, and coordination of reference services. The Academic Librarian is responsible for fostering a positive, engaging, and user-centered approach to services in their areas of responsibility, and must be able to work collaboratively with library colleagues as well as University students, faculty, and staff. This is a full-time, exempt, 11-month academic support faculty position with benefits. The individual in this position typically works a shift that covers business hours (8am – 5pm, Monday through Friday).


Qualifications, Skills, and Dispositions

Minimum: 

  • ALA-accredited master’s degree in library and information science or the equivalent.
  • Evidence of technical training, experience and aptitude.
  • Experience or evidence of proficiency with library systems administration (Ex Libris Alma/Primo or Voyager experience a plus), library software applications, website design and development, electronic resource management, and library applications of social media required. Proficiency with office software is expected.
  • Demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding library services, including exemplary external and internal customer service.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with relevant library databases and resources.
  • Excellent research skills and familiarity with a wide range of information resources.
  • Personal characteristics, including flexibility, accountability, initiative, creative problem-solving abilities, and the ability to work collaboratively in an evolving environment.
  • Demonstrated high level of comfort and proficiency with technology.
  • Ability to work closely and collegially with all levels of University faculty and staff.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Willingness to work occasional weekends and/or evenings as needed.

Candidates must also demonstrate a strong commitment to the integration of Christian faith and professional practice and a willingness to support the University’s Christian mission and identity. A successful candidate will demonstrate cultural humility and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

Preferred: 

  • 2-5 years of previous professional-level experience in an academic library setting.
  • Previous teaching experience and/or coursework.
  • Experience providing research assistance to a diverse population of learners in varying modalities.
  • Training or other evidence of proficiency with such programming languages and coding systems as UNIX, FTP, CSS, SQL, HTML, and XML a plus.


Responsibilities:

  1. Provide technical and project leadership for development and full utilization of established library technologies and systems.
  2. Monitor, explore, and communicate with other library faculty concerning emerging technologies, digital tools and techniques, and technology-based strategies that enhance research, learning, and patron service.
  3. Oversee designing, developing and implementation of new technology, including the necessary infrastructure.
  4. Serve as principal liaison between the Library and systems, software, and electronic resource vendors.
  5. Maintain the library’s research guides (SpringShare’s LibGuides).
  6. Serve as the library’s administrator for SpringShare’s LibAnswers.
  7. Lead library faculty in working with Brand and Marketing and IT Services in maintaining and enhancing the Library’s web presence.
  8. Serve as principal library liaison with IT Services.
  9. Advise the Director of Library Services in relevant aspects of the annual budget request processes.
  10. Participate as arranged in providing instruction sessions appropriate to particular courses, academic programs, and/or library research topics. This may involve occasional evening and/or weekend sessions.
  11. Participate as arranged in Resource Desk coverage. The schedule may include evening and/or weekend hours.
  12. Participate in campus-wide faculty responsibilities including advising, serving on committees, student recruitment, retention, mentoring and informal interaction, attendance at institutional events such as chapel, baccalaureate, commencement, convocation, and retreat. Representation to the outside community, professional development and service-oriented activities are expected.
  13. Compile statistics and maintains accurate records in areas of responsibility in adherence to state, federal, and accreditation regulations, including FERPA guidelines and the ALA Library Bill of Rights.
  14. Provide leadership in systematically reviewing and updating policies, procedures, and collections related to areas of responsibility.
  15. Open and/or close the library as scheduled and as needed.
  16. Participate in library strategic planning, team retreats, and compilation of the library annual report related to areas of responsibility.
  17. Perform other library-related duties as assigned by the Director of Library Services.

While the primary focus for academic support faculty is educator responsibilities, effective performance will also include service, profession-related activity, and scholarship.

The approved salary range for this position is $55,000 - $60,000. Salary and rank are commensurate with education and experience.


Application Process:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

A completed Application for Faculty Position is required. Applicants should send the completed application, a letter of interest, and a curriculum vitae by email to:

STEPHANIE CICERO
DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY SERVICES
cicero_stephanie@roberts.edu | 585.594.6141
Roberts Wesleyan University
2301 Westside Drive
Rochester, NY 14624-1997

For further information, contact Director Stephanie Cicero. Candidates from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply, as well as persons from other historically underrepresented groups.

Roberts Wesleyan University complies with all applicable non-discrimination laws and is committed to enhancing human dignity and workplace diversity.

Download the Application