Assistant/Associate Professor, Reference and Instruction Librarian at Mercy University

METRO | 599; Village of Dobbs Ferry (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An academic institution seeks a full-time Reference & Instruction Librarian (Assistant/Associate Professor) to enhance information literacy amongst new students. This role includes teaching diverse student populations, developing library programs, and collaborating on academic initiatives. Candidates should have a Master's in library science and experience in academic settings. Located in Dobbs Ferry, candidates must be able to travel to other campuses as required.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of reference and instruction experience in a library setting.
• Evidence of potential for, or a developing record of, publishing in scholarly publications.
• Ability to travel to other Mercy campuses.

Responsibilities

• Provide information literacy instruction for various courses.
• Develop information and research aids like libguides and online tutorials.
• Collaborate with offices across campus to integrate library support.

Skills

Reference and instruction experience

Effective time and project management

Excellent communication skills

Experience with library systems

Education

Master’s degree in library science or MLS equivalent

Tools

Library databases

Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor, Reference and Instruction Librarian

Mercy University Libraries seeks to hire a multi‑year contract, full‑time Reference & Instruction Librarian (Assistant/Associate Professor, 12‑month appointment) to help lead the development, implementation, and assessment of the libraries’ information literacy curriculum. Reporting to the Dean of Libraries, this librarian will specialize in helping new students (freshman and transfer students) transition to college by developing their information literacy skills and connecting them to library services and resources. This position will also lead the libraries’ student mentorship program and other work‑based experience initiatives.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about information literacy and have an interest in publishing in academic publications. The candidate will also be able to demonstrate the ability to work with and teach a diverse student population, both online and onsite. The position is based primarily at the Westchester campus library located at 555 Broadway in Dobbs, Ferry. The candidate must be able to travel between campuses and be willing to work at least one day per week at either the Bronx or Manhattan campus.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities

• Provide information literacy instruction for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral‑level courses in a variety of modalities (Online, hybrid, in‑person)
• Provide research and information services, including in‑person and virtual one‑on‑one research consultations, desk support, and online chat
• Develop information and research aids such as libguides, webpages, prerecorded videos, and online tutorials
• Develop library programs, services, and communications that foster student engagement and academic success
• Collaborate with offices across campus to integrate library support into student success initiatives
• Assist in exploring technology in innovative ways to teach AI literacy and information literacy skills
• Engage in activities required for tenured and tenure‑track faculty which include publishing in scholarly journals, presenting at academic venues, actively participating in professional organizations, etc.
• Collaborate with academic and non‑academic units as needed, such as Student Affairs and the Center for Teaching and Learning
• Actively participate in designated faculty senate and university‑wide committees
• Assist with organizing library programming and student events
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills & Experience

• 1‑2 years of reference and instruction experience in a library setting
• Evidence of potential for, or a developing record of, publishing in scholarly publications
• Effective time and project management skills with the ability to work independently and as a member of a collaborative team
• Experience with software, tools, systems, and resources used in academic libraries
• Ability to travel to other Mercy campuses
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Some evening and weekend availability

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Proficient in searching Science and Health Science related library databases
• Experience providing information literacy instruction to classes in the science and health professions discipline
• Experience teaching and serving a diverse student population
• Knowledge of current and emerging instructional technologies
• A second Master’s Degree or Ph.D. or Doctoral degree at the time of appointment preferred

Education Requirements

• A Master’s degree in library science or MLS equivalent from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program is required