Instruction and Reference Librarian
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) invites applicants for the position of Instruction and Reference Librarian in the George A. Spiva Library. Candidates should be innovative professionals and provide leadership and direction for instruction and reference services; provide instruction upon request from campus faculty and staff, local schools and community organizations; ensure the smooth and consistency delivery of reference and research services, and serve as library representative on university committees. Maintains Reference Department policies and procedures, and makes recommendations for improvement. Hire, train, supervise and evaluate student employees in the Reference Department. Compiles statistical data, and works with MOBIUS personnel to comply with consortial standards.
The Instruction and Reference Librarian should exhibit strong leadership and managerial skills, the ability to collaborate and network, and the ability to execute a vision for the future of the library's instruction, information literacy, and reference initiatives that support the campus community. Candidates should have the ability to support a student-focused learning environment. The Instruction and Reference Librarian will earn the respect of library coworkers by showing dedication to the institution and commitment to serving the academic community, particularly students, and will be an effective voice on behalf of the library. Spiva Library has a dedicated and engaged staff, and several unique collections, including a Native American Resource Collection and digitized mining maps.
Located in Joplin, Missouri, MSSU is a four-year liberal arts institution serving approximately 6,000 students in more than 140 academic programs. Expanding graduate and undergraduate programs provide faculty with rich opportunities for service and scholarship. Internationally focused semesters and enriching cultural events in theater, art, music, and film create an engaging learning environment for students and citizens of the region.
An earned MLS from an ALA-accredited institution and a minimum of one-year professional library experience demonstrating a progression of responsibilities, management, and leadership abilities are required. Demonstrated customer-service orientation and strong attention to detail. Demonstrated interpersonal, written and verbal communication, and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to work with and/or knowledge of diverse populations is preferred. This is a 12-month, non-tenure-track position at the rank of Master Instructor.
Employment will require a background check. MSSU is an E-verify participating employer. EOE/AA.
8/6/19
Education, Experience, and Licenses
- High school diploma or G.E.D required.
- MLS/MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited institution.
- Experience and/or coursework in reference and research services.
- Experience and/or coursework in library instruction.
- Familiarity with concepts and goals of information literacy.
- Experience and/or coursework in webpage design.
- Knowledge of current instructional technologies and trends in electronic learning.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a diverse population of faculty, students, staff and community members.
- Demonstration of trends in enrollment, expanding support and retention of students.
- Demonstration of understanding regarding the collaboration of the Library and Student Affairs support departments.
- Demonstration of inclusiveness, open-mindedness and desire to serve.
- Demonstration of proactively and professionally interacting with colleagues, students, staff, community members and administrators.
- Demonstration of excellent customer service, oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstration of commitment to professional development.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with the operations, services, and resources of an academic library.
- Experience supervising student workers and/or professional staff.
- Two years of instruction and/or teaching experience in an academic setting.
- Experience consulting with instructors and other academic support staff related to course curricula and assignment design.
- Experience with online Learning Management Systems such as Blackboard.
- Experience with web content management systems.
- Demonstrated ability to create/edit web pages and create online learning materials (LibGuides, steaming video tutorials, surveys, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to learn new technology tools and skills, to conduct training for users and staff, and strong desire to share this knowledge with others.
- Demonstrated evidence of continuing education and professional development.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common business and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
- Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints.
- Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and by written means at a very high level.
- Ability to make ethical decisions in doing what is best for both students and the University.
- Ability to effectively present information to administrators, faculty, staff, regulators, students, public groups, and/or Board of Governors.
- Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, and percentages.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or use a computer keyboard and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.