Reference Librarian

Dallas International University; Dallas, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Responsibilities include reference consultations, information literacy instruction, database troubleshooting, and supporting library operations, acquisitions, and student worker supervision. MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited program is required; on-site work only.

Qualifications

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited program.
• Experience providing reference services in academic or research libraries.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Knowledge of library databases, digital resources, research methods.
• Proficiency with SpringShare LibGuides and Follett catalog preferred.
• Experience with citation styles and academic writing standards preferred.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Supervisory or training experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Respond to second and third tier reference questions in person, by phone, or video via the library help desk system.
• Provide one-on-one reference consultations and information literacy instruction.
• Assist with scheduling, testing, and implementation of database platform updates.
• Troubleshoot access issues related to databases and digital resources.
• Track and analyze annual usage statistics and conduct needs assessments.
• Correspond with library vendors to maintain access and relationships.
• Supervise and train student workers.
• Review and provide citation feedback for theses/dissertations.
• Assist with acquisitions of donated books and accounts payable tasks.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Instructional skills

Team collaboration

Independence

Supervisory experience

Education

MLS or MLIS (ALA-accredited)

Tools

SpringShare LibGuides

Follett catalog

Job description

Part Time, 20 hours per week, Seconded i or Volunteer

Reports to

Director of Library Services

Location

On Campus (not eligible for remote work)

About Dallas International University

Dallas International University is a faith-based institution of higher learning committed to equipping individuals with the academic and spiritual formation to meet the needs of a diverse and interconnected world. As a premier institution for language and culture studies, our purpose is to empower students to engage in effective communication and service across cultures.

Job Overview

The Reference Librarian position provides high-level research support and information services to library patrons, addressing complex reference inquiries and ensuring effective access to library resources. This role supports the academic mission of the university by offering personalized research consultations, troubleshooting digital resource issues, and contributing to the maintenance and improvement of library systems and services.

Key Responsibilities ii

• Respond to second and third tier reference questions, delivering in-depth research assistance to library patrons across a variety of subjects, in person, via phone, and through video technology using the library’s help desk ticket system.
• Provide one-on-one reference consultations to students, faculty, and staff. This may include classroom presentations on information literacy and library resources, and specific instruction on how to use library databases and digital resources.
• Collaborate with the Director of Library Services on the scheduling, testing, and implementation of database platform updates.
• Troubleshoot and resolve access issues related to databases and digital resources.
• Track, analyze, and report on annual usage statistics; analyze statistical data for usage trends; conduct needs assessments based on qualitative and quantitative data for database and digital resource usage.
• Correspond with various library vendors as requested to ensure relationships and resource access is maintained.
• Supervise and train student workers as requested, ensuring quality service and adherence to library policies.
• Review and provide citation feedback for university-submitted theses and dissertations.
• Manage the acquisition and processing of donated books.
• Assist with bill payment and accounts payable for library transactions under the direction of the Director of Library Services.
• Respect patron privacy and maintain confidentiality of all patrons.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• MLS or MLIS from an ALA-accredited school.
• Professional experience providing reference services in an academic or research library setting.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and instructional skills.
• Knowledge of current technologies used in academic library services, including the usage of library databases, digital resources, research methodologies, and computer related programs.
• Proficiency using the SpringShare LibGuides platform and Follett library catalog preferred.
• Experience with citation styles and academic writing standards preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a service-oriented environment.
• Supervisory or training experience is a plus.

Hours

• Part-time, 20 hours per week. Must be available to work all hours onsite at the Dallas International University campus.
• Occasional after hours in emergency situations or matters that arise.

Physical Requirements

Requires moderate physical effort and the ability to comfortably lift up to 15 pounds. Must be available to work onsite in Dallas, Texas.

i A seconded member is a paid employee from another institution who is loaned to DIU through a partnership agreement.

ii The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Staff members may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.