Reference Librarian

HU101 The Howard University; United States; On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness benefits

Paid time off (PTO)

Flexible work arrangements

Tuition reimbursement

Career development paths

Wellness programs

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Howard University’s Talent Acquisition team seeks a qualified Librarian to support students, faculty, and staff with information retrieval and research assistance. The role includes instruction, reference services, and collection development support.

You will help manage library resources, contribute to teaching sessions, and collaborate with senior librarians on projects and initiatives. MLS/MLIS required with strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library science (MLS/MLIS) from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge of library services and management.
• Experience with library instruction and information literacy is favorable.

Responsibilities

• Assist students, faculty, and staff with information retrieval using print and electronic resources.
• Provide reference assistance and escalate complex inquiries to senior librarians.
• Develop faculty research support skills and instructional materials.
• Deliver instructional sessions and orientations on library resources and research tools.
• Provide one-on-one research assistance during scheduled hours or by appointment.
• Evaluate materials for collection development and analyze usage data to inform selections.
• Assist with managing LibGuides, Canvas LMS, and the library’s online presence.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Customer service

Education

MLS/MLIS

Tools

LibGuides

Canvas LMS

Library catalogs

Databases

Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

What we offer

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

Responsible for orienting and training student assistants and reviewing their work.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include students, staff, faculty, and administrators. External contacts include vendors, local firms, agencies and external libraries, consortium students, visiting scholars, and the public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Research Assistance
  • Assist students, faculty, and staff with finding information, utilizing print and electronic resources, and conducting research.
  • Provide help with searching library catalogs, academic databases, and other online resources.
  • Answer basic reference questions and elevate more complex inquiries to senior librarians as needed.
  • Develop faculty research support skills.
• Library Instruction and Information Literacy
  • Help prepare and deliver instructional sessions, workshops, and orientations on how to use library resources and research tools.
  • Assist with developing and updating instructional materials and guides for students and faculty.
  • Provide one-on-one research assistance during scheduled hours or by appointment.
• Collection Development Support
  • Assist in evaluating, selecting, and maintaining library materials for specific subject areas or collections.
  • Analyze usage statistics to make data-informed decisions.
  • Participate in weeding outdated or unused materials and recommending new acquisitions based on user needs and academic requirements.
• Technology Support and Professional Development
  • Assist users with accessing electronic resources, including e-books, databases, and journals.
  • Support the library’s online presence by helping manage the library’s website, social media, or digital collections.
  • Familiarity with library management systems and cataloging software.
  • Develop proficiency in creating and teaching with LibGuides
  • Develop proficiency in Canvas (the campus learning management system (LMS)
  • Complete a certification in usability testing, Creative Commons, and/or Tableau
  • Complete the Google Certified Educator Level 2
• Professional Development
  • Participate in workshops, seminars, and professional development opportunities to improve knowledge and skills in academic librarianship.
  • Participate in a Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC) Committee
  • Develop a subject expertise area.
  • Collaborate with senior librarian staff on library projects and initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• A customer service-oriented approach with the ability to interact professionally with a diverse range of library users.
• Basic knowledge of library catalogs, databases, and digital tools.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Flexibility and eagerness to learn and grow in the library profession.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in library science (MLS), Library and Information Science (MLIS), or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge of library services and management.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

$48,000-$58,000

Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world.

Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280.

This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.