Reference Librarian

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA); Aurora, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) seeks a Library Specialist to manage collection development, reference services, and instructional support as part of the IMSA IRC team. This full-time, academic-year position emphasizes equity, inclusion, and service excellence for students and staff.

The role requires an ALA-accredited Master’s in Library Science, strong communication skills, and experience with online catalogs, research instruction, and information resources.

Qualifications

• ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library Science.
• Experience in collection development, reference services, online searching, and library instruction.
• Experience in academic/school environments.
• Strong customer focus.
• Proficiency with current information technologies and computer applications.
• Knowledge of trends, standards, and practices in library services.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced setting.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Review resources to identify additions for IMSA collection.
• Maintain relationships with faculty, staff and students to stay current with curriculum and needs.
• Assess collection for balance, utility, timeliness, and format.
• Coordinate input of orders in online system.
• Promote new acquisitions to users.
• Develop research skills classes with IMSA faculty.
• Create and update online guides and web resources.
• Maintain IMSA library webpage.
• Work with IRC team to optimize operations and patron services.
• Conduct special projects in collection development and reference.
• Assist daily library operations and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Collection development

Reference services

Online searching

Research strategies

Library instruction

Customer focus

Information technologies

Interpersonal communication

Independence & teamwork

Diversity & inclusion

Education

ALA-accredited Master’s in Library Science

Job description

Overview

The selected candidate will be responsible for handling all of the electronic resources, reference, and collection development inquiries and acquisitions. This position is a full-time academic year position.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive teaching and learning environment. Through a model of Equity and Excellence, IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential and execute our mission to advance the human condition.

This Equity and Excellence Work is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.

This position will support IMSA's Equity and Excellence work by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives collaborating at IMSA to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Collection Development

• Regularly review key selection resources to identify potential additions to the collection, both print and electronic, pertinent to the IMSA curriculum, teaching and research practices, residential programs, and general reading interests.
• Develop and maintain proactive, working relationships with faculty, staff, and students to stay current with curriculum and teaching directions, subject area needs and interests.
• Systematically assess the collection for balance, utility, timeliness, and format.
• Identify and coordinate the withdrawal of outdated print and electronic titles.
• Prioritize and coordinate the input of orders in an online system.
• Promote collections and inform users of new acquisitions of potential interest to them.
• Cultivate and implement policies and procedures that reflect the IRC’s values and goals.

Reference Services

• Provide proactive, customer-oriented information, reference, and research assistance.
• Develop, design, and deliver research skills classes in partnership with faculty and the IRC Supervisor
• Create and update online research guides, research skills handouts, Web resources, and displays to leverage knowledge for the community.
• Maintain and organize the content on the library’s webpage.
• Work harmoniously with IRC team and IMSA community to maximize efficiency of operations and patron services.
• Maintain professional knowledge of current trends, developments, standards, best practices, and technologies, especially in reference and collection development.
• Conduct special projects in collection development and reference.
• Assist in daily library operations and other duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library Science
• Knowledge, experience, and proficiency in collection development, reference services, online searching, research strategies, and library instruction.
• Experience and interest in academic/school environment.
• Positive and strong customer focus.
• Significant recent experience and proficiency with current information technologies and computer applications.
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends, standards, and practices in collection development and reference.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collegially in a changing and fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals and diverse populations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 years experience in research/school library
• Experience in an academic setting

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed in office settings with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer. This role requires the following physical activities: speaking, hearing, visual acuity, and mobility within the workspace.

COMPENSATION:

This position is a full-time, exempt, 10-month, employment-at-will position. Salary regionally commensurate with training and experience in like-institutions with a range of $61,000 to 80,000. IMSA offers a comprehensive state benefits package (major medical, dental, vision, and prescription) with rates found here, a generous paid time off plan, and a retirement plan through the State University Retirement System (SURS). SURS is reciprocal with other Illinois public retirement systems such as the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois (TRS) and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, or national origin. This policy also includes the handicapped and all disabled Vietnam era veterans. IMSA utilizes only job-related criteria in making decisions concerning applicants and employees.