Research and Instruction Librarian

Clay Today; Williamstown, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Williams College's Williams Libraries seeks a Research and Instruction Librarian to join the Research Services team as liaison for the natural sciences. The role supports research assistance, information literacy instruction, and collaboration with students and faculty on scholarly work.

The position emphasizes teaching, outreach, and collection development, with opportunities to contribute to professional activities and a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Master's in Library Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• At least one year of experience teaching research tools and information literacy.
• Understanding of information literacy in the sciences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build collaborative partnerships.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a relationship-driven environment.
• Commitment to information ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Responsibilities

• Guide students and faculty on research methods and resources.
• Teach course-related instruction sessions.
• Support faculty research and publishing work.
• Raise awareness of discipline-specific library resources.
• Develop library collections.
• Participate in Williams College's science community.
• Provide general reference service through the Ask A Librarian service.
• Teach co-curricular workshops.
• Participate in departmental outreach activities and committees.
• Collaborate on library and college teams.

Skills

Information literacy

Teaching

Research assistance

Communication

Collaboration

Education

MLS or Master in Library Information Science (ALA-accredited)

Tools

ACRL Framework knowledge

Job description

Research and Instruction Librarian

Williamstown, MA (Main Campus)

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.

Key Attributes

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

• 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.

• 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

• Multi‑year: Masters in Library Information Science from an ALA‑accredited institution.
• Alternatively, the ability to obtain this degree within 6 months from the date of hire.
• 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.

Pay range is from $70,000 to $80,000, commensurate with experience.

Application review will begin on October 5, 2026.

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. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process