Reference and Engagement Librarian

Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati is seeking a full-time Library Specialist to provide reference and research services, develop instructional resources, and oversee library operations. The role involves delivering instruction to students, faculty, staff, and community members, both in-person and virtually, while collaborating across departments to promote library services and collections.

The position is a full-time, two-year appointment with potential continuation based on budget and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited program.
• Two years of professional library experience, preferably in an academic/research library.
• Experience providing reference and research services.
• Experience developing instructional resources or library instruction preferred.
• Reading proficiency in Hebrew; proficiency in an additional language preferred.
• Supervisory or lead experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide reference and research assistance to students, faculty, staff, and community members in person and virtually.
• Oversee circulation desk operations and supervise desk staff.
• Develop online instructional resources and learning tools (LibGuides, videos).
• Plan and deliver library instruction in person and online.
• Collaborate with departments to promote library services and resources.
• Assess user needs and recommend enhancements to services and collections.
• Support outreach to increase awareness and use of library resources.
• Assess facility conditions affecting safety, accessibility, or preservation.
• Assist with stewardship and preservation of library resources.

Skills

Information literacy

Digital literacy

Customer service

Communication

Collaboration

Instructional delivery

Independent work

Education

MLIS / MLS

Jewish Studies background preferred

Tools

LibGuides

Instructional videos

Library catalogs

Job description

About Hebrew Union College

Founded in 1875, Hebrew Union College (HUC) is North America's leading institution of higher Jewish education and the center for professional leadership development of Reform Judaism. With campuses in Cincinnati, Jerusalem, Los Angeles, and New York, HUC educates rabbis, cantors, Jewish educators, nonprofit leaders, and scholars while advancing Jewish scholarship and learning worldwide.

Our mission is to build vibrant Progressive Judaism by educating visionary leaders, advancing Jewish scholarship, and studying Jewish life through an open, egalitarian, inclusive, and pluralistic lens.

Position Summary

This full-time position provides professional reference, research, instructional, and outreach services to students, faculty, staff, and community members, connecting users with HUC's library resources and collections. Develops instructional resources and delivers library instruction to support in-person, online, and remote learners. Oversees circulation desk operations and staff and cultivates partnerships across the College and broader community to increase awareness and use of library resources. Supports the Library Director in the responsible stewardship, operation, and preservation of the Klau Library Cincinnati and its collections.

Please note that this is a full-time, two-year appointment. Any continuation of employment beyond the initiation two-year period will be contingent upon budgetary availability and institutional needs.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide reference and research assistance to students, faculty, staff, and community members in person and through telephone, email, chat, and other virtual platforms.
• Oversee daily circulation desk operations, ensuring timely and responsive service to library users; supervise, train, schedule, and provide guidance to circulation desk staff.
• Develop and maintain online instructional and research resources, including LibGuides, instructional videos, and other learning tools tailored to specific academic subjects, courses, and user needs.
• Plan and deliver library and research instruction in person and virtually to help students develop research and resource-navigation skills.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative departments to promote library services, collections, programs, and resources and strengthen engagement with the HUC community.
• Assess user needs, service trends, and feedback to identify and recommend enhancements to library services, digital resources, and collections.
• Support outreach and engagement efforts that build relationships with students, faculty, staff, researchers, and community partners, and increase awareness and utilization of library resources.
• Regularly assess the Klau Library Cincinnati facility and report conditions that may affect the safety, security, accessibility, or preservation of employees, patrons, facilities, and collections.
• Assist the Library Director with the responsible stewardship, administration, and preservation of library resources, collections, and assets.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS), Library Science (MLS), or equivalent degree from an ALA or equally accredited institution required.
• Advanced academic preparation or a secondary degree in Jewish Studies, Judaic Studies, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of professional library experience, preferably in an academic, research, or special collections library environment.
• Experience providing reference and research services required.
• Experience providing library instruction or developing instructional resources preferred.
• Previous supervisory or lead experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong information and digital literacy skills, including the ability to effectively identify, evaluate, and navigate scholarly resources.
• Knowledge of Jewish texts, history, culture, and related research resources.
• Reading proficiency in Hebrew required; proficiency in an additional language preferred.
• Strong customer service, relationship-building, and community engagement skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, researchers, and community members.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Ability to develop and deliver engaging instruction for individuals and groups in both in-person and virtual environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across departments and locations.
• Ability to identify service needs and recommend improvements based on user feedback, emerging practices, and institutional priorities.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Work is performed in an office environment.

• Manual dexterity sufficient to handle rare, sometimes fragile, materials without causing damage.
• Ability to retrieve and distribute books, written documents, and boxes up to 25 pounds, and retrieve and replace objects from shelves of up to 8 feet high using a stepstool.
• In addition to required interaction with other staff on the local campus, all Library employees will work cooperatively with system-wide staff members on all campuses.

Why Join Hebrew Union College?

At Hebrew Union College, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of Jewish leadership by recruiting, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of rabbis and Jewish professionals. You'll join a collaborative, mission-driven community dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and strengthening Jewish life throughout North America. Hebrew Union College is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.