Instruction & Research Services Librarian
Furman University seeks an Instruction and Research Services Librarian. The person in this position will support and collaborate with university faculty and library colleagues to provide innovative library instruction and learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom. They will build relationships with students, faculty and staff colleagues, helping to create a welcoming environment where every member of the Furman community can connect, discover, and learn. The successful candidate will teach information literacy to students in our First Year Writing program and upper-level courses, will provide research consultations, research/reference desk coverage, and will participate in the library's collection development decision-making including the evaluation and selection of disciplinary resources in relevant subject areas. As a member of the library faculty, this individual will also participate in general library and faculty activities, service, and governance.
Responsibilities include:
- Promotes and conducts course-integrated library instruction sessions and develops assignments for First Year Writing classes and upper-level courses in assigned liaison areas in collaboration with instructors.
- Provides research assistance to students, faculty, staff, and community members; this may include weekend or evening hours during mid-terms and finals.
- Helps in training library student assistants for service at the research assistance desk
- Contributes to Libraries' virtual presence through resource and course guide development as well as online research assistance
- Develops the collection in conjunction with faculty
- Collaborates with Resource Management to evaluate resources, collections, and services by compiling statistics, conducting use studies, and generating reports
- Serves as library liaison to academic departments; may serve as a library liaison to student groups, campus constituencies, and/or community groups
- Promotes collections and services; keeps faculty informed of Library activities and policies
- Assists patrons in using technology
- Communicates with the Associate Director of Instruction and Research Services regularly to report activities and outcomes
- As a member of Instruction and Research Services, attends Division meetings and participates in creative planning, participation, and assessment of activities, instruction, and programs
- As a member of the library faculty, attends faculty, staff, and special meetings
- As a member of the University faculty, attends faculty meetings and serves on University committees; may serve as an academic advisor; may propose and teach courses such as May Experience (MayX)
- Actively pursues professional development through service on Library and University-wide committees, participation in professional organizations, and review of professional literature
- As a member of the university faculty, plans and participates in special library and university events such as homecoming and Cultural Life Program (CLP) events
- Performs other duties as assigned
Minimum qualifications:
- ALA-accredited MLS degree or equivalent degree
- Library experience, including research assistance and library instruction
- Knowledge of research resources and emerging technologies
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Demonstrated ability to foster positive working relationships
Preferred qualifications:
- Academic library experience
- Experience with, or knowledge of, one or more of the following subject areas: Psychology, Sociology, Advocacy and Social Policy, Journalism, Poverty Studies, Religion, or Interdisciplinary studies; please note that liaison responsibilities may evolve based on the experience and expertise of the successful candidate
- Experience with, or knowledge of First Year Writing Instruction
- Familiarity with accessibility best practices
- Experience with SpringShare products
Salary and benefits: The minimum salary for this position is $59,750 annually. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life plans, and a retirement plan (TIAA). Conference and professional development support is a part of this position.
Application procedure:
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following documents as a single PDF in the order listed:
1. A letter of interest
2. A curriculum vitae or resumé
3. A statement of professional philosophy that should describe your inclusive librarianship efforts, broadly conceived, and how your librarianship may contribute to a liberal arts and sciences community that aims, among other things, to "honor inquiry, promote diversity, and strive for equity"
4. Complete contact information for three references
Candidates must complete an application through Furman's employment site.