What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instruction & Reference Librarian position at Gwynedd Mercy University?
Description/Job Summary
The Instruction & Reference Librarian supports student success by designing and delivering library instruction and providing high-quality reference services. This position is responsible for overseeing circulation, collection development, and guiding the use of library resources and services. This position also serves as the primary contact for in-person students and as the backup to the Electronic Resources & Research Librarian.
Responsibilities/Duties
Instruction & Outreach
- Develops, schedules, and delivers library instruction and orientation sessions, handouts, and instruction resources (tutorials, pathfinders, Canvas, etc.).
- Manages LibGuides and formulates standards for course and topical guides.
- Compiles resources and creates guides, library displays, and publicity materials to promote library resources and services, including for heritage and awareness events.
- Maintains library’s social media presence, including the Facebook and Instagram pages.
- Collaborates with campus departments and student organizations to plan and promote events, workshops, and initiatives, fostering a sense of community and library engagement.
- Develops and executes marketing strategies to promote library services, resources, and events to students, faculty, and the broader campus community.
Reference & Circulation
- Provides reference assistance to students, faculty, staff, and other users of the University library in person, online, and via email and telephone.
- Collaborates with the library team and University community to acquire diverse resources in various formats and to evaluate relevance of materials in existing collections.
- Discovers, maintains, and promotes Open Access and Open Educational Resources for easy discovery. Collaborates with academic departments to integrate OA and OER resources into curriculum.
- Tracks circulation, including analyzing collection data to make informed decisions on collection development, including the purchasing and deaccessioning of materials.
- Oversees the cataloging process, ensuring adherence to established protocols, procedures, and standards, including authority control.
- Catalogs Gwynedd Mercy University dissertations and theses and all other materials requiring original cataloging either on OCLC or in the library’s automated system as appropriate.
- Updates and otherwise maintains holdings information in the OCLC union list of serials.
- Maintains and updates the cataloging procedures manual to maintain consistency in classification, special local subject headings, and Cutter creation.
- Processes electronic and physical materials for course reserves and makes them discoverable in course and library management systems.
- Provides circulation services to library users.
General
- Generates, maintains, and reports statistics, including for program accreditation reports.
- Leads and/or assists with special projects, including an annual author event and outreach initiatives.
- Actively participates in academic activities of the University and relevant library organizations.
- Serves as librarian in charge of the facility and performs opening and closing duties as needed.
- May perform and/or supervise University archival work as needed.
- Acts as the backup for the Electronic Resources & Reference Librarian position.
- Performs other related duties as needed or assigned.
Qualifications
- MLS from an ALA accredited program required.
- Interpersonal skills and student-focused approach required.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a collegial, team-based environment required.
- Availability to work evening and weekend hours required.
- Proficiency in using OCLC and performing original and copy cataloging preferred.
- Experience with SirsiDynix and Springshare preferred.
- Familiarity with different authentication methods preferred.
- Familiarity with HTML and CSS preferred.
