Reference Librarian (PT) (N00028)

Mercy University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

Mercy University Libraries is seeking a part-time reference librarian to educate patrons on library and web services and to develop student research skills for academic success and lifelong learning. The role reports to the Head Librarian with availability on nights and weekends if needed.

The candidate will hold a Master’s degree in information and/or library science from an ALA-accredited school, demonstrate information literacy, and teach using online and print resources in reference desk and

Qualifications

• Master's degree from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent.
• Experience teaching information literacy to diverse student populations.
• Ability to assist patrons at reference desk and in classrooms.

Responsibilities

• Search reference materials and online sources to answer patrons' questions.
• Analyze requests to determine needed information and locate it.
• Teach patrons to search databases and information literacy concepts.
• Assist at circulation desk and with AV equipment as needed.
• Troubleshoot library tech and assist with devices and software.
• Explain library facilities, policies, and services to patrons.
• Review materials to aid selection and ordering of resources.
• Organize collections for convenient access and preservation.
• Develop libguides and online tutorials; deliver client-centered programs.
• Arrange displays and open/close the library as scheduled.

Skills

Flexible schedule

Detail-oriented

Customer service

Oral and written communication

Instructional technology

Bilingual a plus

Education

Master's degree in information and/or library science

Job description

Mercy University Libraries is seeking a part-time reference librarian. Reporting to the Head Librarian, the position plays a key role in educating our patrons on the use of all library and web services and in developing student research skills for academic success and life-long learning. Prime candidates will be passionate about information literacy and have the desire and demonstrated ability to work with and teach a diverse student population on how to utilize online and print resources for educational purposes in both reference desk and classroom settings. A collaborative, entrepreneurial mindset, team orientation, and flexible schedule are essential, with availability on nights and weekends, if needed. Master’s degree in information and/or library science from an ALA-accredited school or an ALA- approved equivalent.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities

• Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions
• Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in locating that information.
• Teach library patrons to search for information using databases
• As needed, assistance at the circulation desk, including checking in and out of library materials, and assistance with AV equipment circulation and maintenance
• Assist patrons with operational technology issues in the library, including using computers, printers, laptops, software, and other devices
• Explain how to use library facilities, resources, equipment, and services and provide information about library policies
• Review and evaluate resource material, such as book reviews and catalogs, to assist the Head librarian in selecting and ordering print, audiovisual, and electronic resources
• Organize collections of books, publications, documents, and other reference materials for convenient access
• Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded
• Develop information access aids such as libguides and online tutorials
• Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services
• Assemble and arrange display materials
• Opens or closes the library if scheduled
• Perform other duties/projects as assigned

Required Skills & Experience

• Must have a flexible schedule to accommodate staffing needs including evenings and weekends
• Demonstrated evidence of detail-orientation, customer service orientation, ability to work independently.
• Must be comfortable with basic instructional technology and software
• Must have strong oral/written communication skills
• Must have strong customer service orientation
• Bilingual a plus

Education Requirements

• Master's degree in information and/or library science from an ALA-accredited school or an ALA- approved equivalent

Physical/Other Requirements

• Must be able to travel to and work at other campus libraries as needed
• Must be able to push, pull, move or lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to meet all general health requirements for the position as per college policies