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Research & Instruction Librarian

Roberts Wesleyan University, located in Rochester, NY, invites applications for a full-time, 11-month, exempt, non-tenure track Research & Instruction Librarian whose work is based in the B. Thomas Golisano Library, to begin immediately. Reporting to the Director of Library Services, the Research and Instruction Librarian for Golisano Library has overall responsibility for the library’s research support and instructional services operations, including the development, coordination, delivery, and assessment of information literacy instruction, and coordination of reference services. This position will involve ongoing outreach work and is responsible for the maintenance of the library’s research guides. The research and instruction 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.

The Research & Instruction Librarian will be part of a dedicated team of faculty, staff, and student employees committed to the delivery of excellent library services both in person and online. Opened in 2007, the B. Thomas Golisano Library features green technology (LEED Silver Certification), a café, innovative design, plentiful computer workstations, and comfortable spaces suited to collaboration and individual study. The campus community consists of a comprehensive, Christian University of the liberal arts, sciences, and professions serving over 1,700 students, including undergraduate and graduate students as well as resident, commuter, adult, non-traditional, and online learners. 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. Candidates must 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 also be able to demonstrate multicultural competence and show strong commitment to the principles of diversity & equity.

Qualifications:

Minimum: ALA-accredited master’s degree in library and information science or the equivalent; a strong commitment to the integration of Christian faith, diversity, and professional practice; a willingness to support and identify with the University’s Christian mission and identity; Previous experience working in a library setting; 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.

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; Familiarity with best practices, trends, and assessment strategies related to information literacy; Experience with SpringShare, Ex Libris, and/or OCLC products; a second graduate degree in a subject related to the curriculum of the University.

Skills and Dispositions:

Minimum: 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; Outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills including a professional, positive, and approachable demeanor; 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, and travel as needed.

Preferred: Ability to successfully ascertain and support the diverse learning and research goals of the University’s students, faculty, and staff; Ability to work toward institutional and department-specific strategic goals and to clearly communicate the library’s effort to support these goals; Demonstrated commitment to and/or clearly articulated philosophy on the role of library services in fostering student success and the impact of library services on student retention.

Essential Responsibilities:  

  • Coordinates, develops, assesses, and participates in a campus-wide information literacy program according to the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education and best practices in information literacy pedagogy.
  • Coordinates and participates in the library’s research assistance services, including scheduling, training, and evaluating librarians and/or other library team members.
  • Maintains the library's research guides (SpringShare’s LibGuides).
  • Compiles 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.
  • Provides leadership in systematically reviewing and updating policies, procedures, and collections related to areas of responsibility.
  • Participates in library strategic planning, team retreats, and compilation of the library annual report related to areas of responsibility.
  • Performs other library-related duties as assigned by the Director of Library Services.

Other Responsibilities:

  • Opens and/or closes the library as scheduled and as needed.
  • Provides circulation desk coverage as scheduled and as needed.
  • Participates in campus-wide faculty responsibilities including committee service, student recruitment, retention, mentoring, and informal interactions.
  • Attends institutional events such as chapel, baccalaureate, commencement, convocation, faculty retreat, and others as required by the Office of Academic Affairs.
  • Maintains memberships and actively engages in professional development through local, state-wide, or national organizations via publishing, presentations, and service to the librarianship profession (and/or other chosen discipline).
  • Participates in campus, community, and/or other service-oriented activities.

Physical and Environmental Factors:

This position is based in the B. Thomas Golisano Library on the campus of Roberts Wesleyan University. Contacts include students, parents, alumni, and various external and internal constituencies; Will work occasional evenings and weekends to support department and institution-wide events; Frequent use of keyboard and computer screens; Occasionally lift and move up to thirty to fifty pounds; Light work includes stooping, kneeling, reaching, and repetitive motors.

Application Process:  Review of applications will begin immediately and applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled. A completed Application for Faculty Position is required (available at www.roberts.edu/employment). Applicants should send the completed application, a letter of interest, and a resume or CV in PDF format to:

Kellie Barbato, Director of Library Services
barbato_kellie@roberts.edu
585.594.6501

Racially or ethnically minoritized candidates are especially encouraged to apply as well as persons from other historically underrepresented groups.

RWC and NES comply with all applicable non-discrimination laws and are committed to the enhancement of human dignity and workplace diversity.