Research and Instruction Librarian

Williams College, London; Williamstown (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work up to 1 day/week

Job summary

Williams Libraries invites applications for a Research and Instruction Librarian to serve as the liaison for the natural sciences within the Research Services team. The role focuses on teaching information literacy, supporting research, and developing science library resources for students and faculty.

The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues, engage with a diverse student body, and contribute to innovative, user-centered library services in a small, relationship-driven academic

Qualifications

• One year of relevant experience in librarianship or school/university setting.
• Experience teaching information literacy and research tools.
• Understanding of information literacy in the sciences.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate with faculty, students, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on research methods and resources for students and faculty.
• Teach course-related instruction sessions.
• Support research and publishing activities of faculty.
• Promote discipline-specific library resources and develop collections.
• Participate in the college’s science community and library teams.

Skills

Information literacy

Teaching

Communication

Collaboration

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Masters in Library Information Science

Job description

Williams Libraries seeks a librarian to join the Research Services team as Research and Instruction Librarian liaison for the natural sciences.

The Research Services department supports the academic mission of the college by providing research assistance, teaching information literacy skills, and developing opportunities for academic engagement with students and faculty. We are dedicated to innovation, creativity, and proactive user-driven services. We believe in meeting students where they are and helping them grow and develop into empowered, information-literate citizens.

The successful candidate will:

• Share our passion for working with students and faculty and for teaching information literacy.
• Embrace our commitment to critical librarianship.
• Be excited about engaging with students who are broadly diverse.
• Value collegiality and collaboration, and thrive in a small, relationship-driven academic environment.

Responsibilities

As liaison librarian for the natural sciences:

• Support student and faculty by providing guidance on research methods and resources
• Teach course-related instruction sessions
• Support the research and publishing work of faculty
• Raise awareness of discipline-specific library resources
• Develop library collections
• Participate in the college’s science community

As a member of the Research Services department:

• Provide general reference service through the Ask A Librarian service
• Teach co-curricular workshops
• Participate in departmental outreach activities (orientations, events)
• Work on library and college teams and committees as relevant

Librarians in Research Services are expected to maintain awareness of trends, tools, and methods in the field of library instruction, information literacy, and related areas. They are also expected to engage with the profession by contributing to national, regional, and/or local associations and professional groups. Williams Libraries provides support for continuing professional development.

Requirements

This role provides a unique opportunity to engage in the intersection of librarianship and the sciences. In order to teach information literacy and support science students and faculty with their library-related research projects, one year of relevant experience is required for this role. This requirement can be fulfilled through several pathways: work as science librarian; experience as a reference/instruction librarian combined with a background in science education; a background as a scientist with instruction experience and library training, or through other similar combinations of knowledge and experience. Candidates are encouraged to share how their unique background meets this and other requirements in more detail in the cover letter that accompanies their application.

• Masters in Library Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution. Candidates with the ability to obtain this degree within 6 months from the date of hire will be considered
• At least one year of experience relevant to the role
• Experience teaching research tools and information literacy
• Understanding of information literacy in the sciences
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to solve problems and build collaborative partnerships with faculty, students and staff colleagues
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a relationship driven environment
• Commitment to information ethics/justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or higher in the sciences
• Knowledge of scholarly publishing landscape in the sciences (e.g. open science, open data, research impact, scientometrics)
• Academic library experience
• Experience using the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy
• Familiarity with the framework and methodologies of critical librarianship
• Familiarity with framework and methodologies for digital scholarship

We strongly encourage those interested in providing reference and instruction services in the sciences to apply regardless of how many of the preferred qualifications they meet. We are committed to helping our future colleagues develop skills.

Williams College is committed to building a broadly diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive. This is a full time (37.5 hours/week), year-round, benefited position that involves a significant amount of on-site presence. This position qualifies for remote work for up to 1 day per week.

Application review will begin on October 5, 2026. Pay range is from $70,000 to $80,000, commensurate with experience.

In addition to your résumé, a cover letter is required for consideration. In your cover letter, we invite you to outline your experience relevant to the sciences, share what excites you most about teaching science literacy, and how your interests and experiences align with the mission and values of the Research Services department and undergraduate librarianship.

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable. Decisions regarding appointments, promotions, and conditions of employment comply with applicable federal or state law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.