Online Reference & Instruction Librarian

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Bowie (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowie State University in Maryland seeks an Online Reference & Instruction Librarian to provide instruction and research assistance to both online and on-campus students. The position emphasizes supporting the university's academic excellence by creating tutorials and conducting individual research meetings. Candidates should have a master's degree in library science and a strong commitment to information literacy. The role may require evening and weekend availability.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of professional experience in an academic or research library.
• Demonstrated ability to instruct residential and online university students in the use of library resources.
• Experience preferred as an embedded librarian or instructional designer.

Responsibilities

• Provides and promotes library support services to all online students, staff, and faculty.
• Coordinates online instructional programs to ensure library services.
• Develops library online presence and instructional materials.

Skills

Information literacy

Customer service

Communication skills

Collaborative environment

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Master's degree in Library Science

Tools

Integrated Library Systems (ILS)

Online databases

Job description

Job Posting: JR100911 Online Reference & Instruction Librarian (Open)

Department: Library, JM

Position Type: Non-Regular Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Open Date:05-19-2025

Close Date:$60,000 - $65,000

The Online Reference and Instructional Librarian provides Instruction and research assistance to both online and on-campus students, faculty, and staff by creating online tutorials, self-guided library instruction modules, holding one-on-one research meetings, and purchasing materials. Works independently under the direct supervision/collaboration of the Dean of the Library. An important part of the position is supporting the mission of the University and the Library in advancing academic excellence and student success goals for the distance learning community.

Responsibilities:

Distance Services

• Provides and promotes library support services to all online students, staff, and faculty.
• Develops and maintains library online presence, online technologies, and instructional materials for online education.

Research/Instructional Services

• Assists patrons with reference questions, research sessions, and with using and accessing Library tools and information resources.
• Provides research project consultations with on-campus and online faculty and students.
• Coordinates and conducts online and face-to-face instructional programs/sessions to promote and ensure library assessment, collection development, and other library services.

Collections Management

• Oversees all aspects of Online Technical Services, including acquisitions, serials, cataloging, and collection development.
• Collaborates with faculty and staff to develop collections and resources to support on-campus and online learning programs.
• Coordinates the development of electronic resources, including electronic databases, e-journals, e-books, and emerging technologies.
• Prepares monthly summary, statistical and evaluative reports, of all activities.
• Serves as a library liaison to the online programs of the university, providing recommendations for purchases and resources.
• Participates as an active member of the Bowie State University faculty.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum three years of professional experience in an academic or research library.
• Minimum two years of experience directly assisting public, academic, or research library users.
• Demonstrated ability to instruct residential and online university students in the use of library resources, both electronic and print.
• Strong commitment to information literacy, customer service, and support of the academic and research needs of students, faculty, and staff.
• Knowledge of online databases, electronic resources, and integrated library systems (ILS) as applied to the academic library setting.
• Experience preferred as an embedded librarian, instructional designer, or help desk technician in learning management systems.
• Experience preferred in developing online tutorials.
• Proven team player in a highly collaborative environment.
• Advanced proficiency in subject classification of materials in all formats and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Meticulous attention to detail, efficiency, and thoroughness.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various academic constituencies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment.
• Proven initiative and self-direction.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be available to work evenings and weekends.

Additional Job Information:

Bowie State University shall not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status or veteran status. All policies, programs, and activities of Bowie State University are and shall be in conformity with all pertinent Federal and state laws of nondiscrimination including, but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination Act, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Federal Executive Order No. 11375, and Article 49B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. This commitment applies in all areas and embraces faculty, staff, and students. Equal opportunity of access to academic and related programs shall be extended to all persons. Bowie State University shall have as its firm objective equal opportunity in recruitment and hiring, rate of pay, all other promotions, training, retention and dismissals, for all employees and applicants for employment. The University will stress equal access for employees and applicants for employment to all programs and services provided by the University both on and off campus. The University will also provide equal opportunity and an atmosphere of nondiscrimination with respect to women and members of minority groups in all its operations. In addition, the University shall promote equal opportunity and equal treatment through a positive and continuing affirmative Action Program. The University makes, and will continue to make, reasonable accommodations to promote the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the University’s business. In addition, employees and applicants will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination because they have engaged in, or may have engaged in, activities such as filing a complaint, assisting or participating in an investigation, compliance review or hearing, or opposing any act or practice made unlawful, or exercising any other right protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended or the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended.