Reference Librarian

Hofstra University; Town of Hempstead (NY); On-site; USD 82,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Hofstra University seeks a full-time Reference Librarian to join the Law Library team. The role involves providing comprehensive reference services, supporting faculty research, and enhancing scholarship through innovative programs. Candidates should have a Master’s degree in Library Science and possess strong communication and project management skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required; JD preferred.
• 0-2 years of related experience.
• Experience with teaching or instruction preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides in-person and remote reference services to the Law community.
• Leads initiatives to enhance faculty scholarship and research.
• Delivers legal research instruction through various presentations.

Skills

Superior communication

Collaboration

Project management

Service orientation

Organizational skills

Technological competency

Education

Master’s degree in Library and Information Science

JD from an accredited institution

Tools

Legal research tools

Digital information systems

Job description

About Hofstra:

Hofstra University is nationally ranked and recognized as Long Island’s largest private university located in Hempstead, N.Y. When you work at Hofstra, you join a team of talented professionals committed to preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow, in an environment that cultivates learning through the free and open exchange of ideas for the betterment of humankind. The work we do at Hofstra supports the education and well-being of our students, and the workforce of the future. While working towards this mission, employees can take advantage of many enriching experiences on campus. Whether it’s a lunchtime lecture, a Division I NCAA athletics game, a musical concert, a theatre performance, or a visit to one of our two accredited museums, there is always something exciting to do at Hofstra. Enjoy the ease of going to the fitness center, taking a swim, or grabbing a bite to eat without having to leave our beautiful campus! Hofstra University is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diverse academic community of students, faculty, staff, and administrators respectful of the contributions and dignity of each of its members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community.

Position Title:

Reference Librarian

Position Number:

897815

Position Category:

Administration

School/Division:

School of Law

Full-Time or Part-Time:

Full-Time

Description:

Reporting to the Associate Director of the Law Library, the Reference Librarian shares responsibilities with the Reference Team for in-person and remote reference services to the Hofstra Law community, including students, faculty, and members of the local legal community. Limited flexible work arrangements available upon supervisor’s approval.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Participates in faculty/librarian liaison program.
• Fulfills regular in-person reference desk shifts.
• Develops, coordinates, and leads innovative initiatives and programs designed to enhance faculty scholarship and research productivity.
• Monitors, compiles, and analyzes faculty scholarship metrics and related statistics to demonstrate scholarly impact and support strategic decision-making.
• Identifies, evaluates, and recommends innovative technologies for scholarship metrics, research productivity and outreach strategies.
• Provides legal research instruction through classroom presentations, workshops, and regularly scheduled events.
• Prepares and maintains online library guides and videos to teach research skills (including specific subjects) and orients students, faculty, and the public to the library.
• Collaborates with Law School outreach and marketing departments.
• Creates and updates library documentation on policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Identifies, evaluates, and recommends purchases of new print and digital resources.
• Actively participates in professional development at the national, regional, University, Law School, and Library levels.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or Knowledge Management from an ALA accredited school or foreign equivalent (completed by the start date) is required.
• JD from an accredited institution or the equivalent combination of education and experience (completed by the start date).
• 0 – 2 years of related experience.
• Superior communication, collaboration, and project management abilities.
• Experience with the use of legal and non-legal research tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong service orientation and organizational skills.
• High-level understanding of digital information systems and software.
• Technological competency and a willingness to learn new technology as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with faculty research services and outreach preferred.
• Familiarity with systems for managing research metrics and statistics.
• Experience with teaching or instruction.
• Knowledge of marketing and digital content creation.
• Experience providing reference service in an academic law library.

Special Instructions:

Review of applications will begin 30 days after posting date and will continue until the position is filled.

Deadline:

Open Until Filled

Date Posted:

04/14/2025

EEO Statement:

Hofstra University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering diversity in its faculty, administrative staff and student body, and encourages applications from the entire spectrum of a diverse community.

Salary/Salary Range:

$82,000 - $95,000