Reference Librarian SEIU

NU USA Northeastern University; Michigan; On-site; USD 70,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University, F. W. Olin Library on the Oakland campus, seeks a Reference Librarian to join the reference and instruction team. You will staff the Reference Desk, teach information literacy sessions, and liaise with academic departments to support the curriculum and research.

The role focuses on public services, collection development, and outreach, with opportunities to contribute to campus programming, manage social media, and participate in professional activities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in librarianship from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution.
• One to two years of professional experience, preferably in an academic library.
• Effective teaching skills in both group and individual settings.
• Demonstrated experience using databases, electronic resources, online catalogs, web-based resources, and print resources.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to library public services.
• Working knowledge of hardware and software commonly used in libraries, including personal computers, Apple products, and printers.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and instructional methodologies.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to provide and follow clear instructions and communicate effectively with library users and students.
• Strong planning, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that supports customer service and teamwork.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving and supporting the student population and learning about the communities and backgrounds represented on campus.

Responsibilities

• Staff the Reference Desk and assist patrons with research questions.
• Plan and teach information literacy sessions for students and faculty.
• Act as a liaison to academic departments and student groups.
• Develop and maintain LibGuides and other instructional materials.
• Lead information literacy instruction sessions and teach research strategies.
• Develop thematic displays and recommended reading lists.
• Support library programming and staff campus events and orientations.
• Oversee auxiliary public services tasks and help resolve patron issues.
• Record and maintain library usage statistics and service data.
• Collaborate on campus committees and participate in professional development.

Education

Master’s degree in librarianship

Tools

Ex Libris Alma

Job description

About the Opportunity

About F. W. Olin Library F. W. Olin Library at the Northeastern Oakland campus seeks a public service-oriented librarian to join the reference and instruction team as a Reference Librarian.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Head of Reference and Access Services, the Reference Librarian staffs the Reference Desk, plans and teaches information literacy sessions, acts as a liaison to academic departments, and participates in library outreach initiatives.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Reference Services (40%)
  • Manage reference activities, including staffing the Reference Desk.
  • Guide students, faculty, and staff in the use of the library’s physical and electronic collections.
  • Meet with students and faculty individually or in groups for research appointments and assignment planning.
• Information Literacy (25%)
  • Create and maintain LibGuides.
  • Lead information literacy instruction sessions.
  • Demonstrate effective use of the library’s physical and electronic collections.
  • Teach research strategies and ethical research concepts based on the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Information Literacy Framework.
  • Apply critical librarianship and pedagogy principles in instructional activities.
• Collection Development (15%)
  • Select and deselect library resources within assigned subject areas to support campus curriculum and faculty research.
  • Create thematic displays.
  • Develop “Olin Recommends” booktalkers and booklists.
• Outreach (10%)
  • Support library programming.
  • Staff campus events and create handouts and mini-collections for activities such as Staff Wellness Fairs and First-Year Orientation.
  • Serve as a liaison to academic departments and student groups.
  • Administer library social media platforms and create related content.
• General Public Services (10%)
  • Oversee the Circulation Desk as needed.
  • Search for missing books.
  • Collect fines and fees.
  • Resolve patron issues.
  • Provide computer and technology support.
  • Create signage and other public service materials.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Assist with course reserves and interlibrary loan activities as needed.
  • Record and maintain library usage and service statistics, including head counts, reference transactions, information literacy sessions, and student interactions.
  • Serve on campus and professional committees and collaborate with other campus departments.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities to remain informed about emerging trends, technologies, and innovations in librarianship.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Master’s degree in librarianship from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution.
• One to two years of professional experience, preferably in an academic library.
• Effective teaching skills in both group and individual settings.
• Demonstrated experience using databases, electronic resources, online catalogs, web-based resources, and print resources.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to library public services.
• Working knowledge of hardware and software commonly used in libraries, including personal computers, Apple products, and printers.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and instructional methodologies.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to provide and follow clear instructions and communicate effectively with library users and students.
• Strong planning, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that supports customer service and teamwork.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving and supporting the student population and learning about the communities and backgrounds represented on campus.

Preferred

• Familiarity with an integrated library system (ILS); Ex Libris Alma preferred.

Physical, Mental and Environmental Demands

• Ability to work one weeknight evening per week and occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to work extensively at a computer screen.
• Ability to lift 10 pounds overhead and push up to 50 pounds on a book truck.

Required Documents

• Resume

Position Type

Library

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation.

Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Base Pay Rate: $83,299.26

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The system—which includes 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwide—serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The university’s residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.