Job Info
Position Title:
Research Services Librarian
Job Type
Exempt – Full Time
Reports To
Director of Library Services
Salary
$37,000 – $47,000
North Central University Mission Statement
North Central University is a dynamic Christian learning community educating students for lives of service throughout society, the marketplace, and the church. In keeping with its Pentecostal heritage and mission, NCU models and expects excellence in both academic practice and Christian faith.
Position Purpose
The Research Services Librarian serves as the primary resource for students and faculty seeking research support, information literacy instruction, and guidance in navigating library tools. This role leads the development and delivery of library instruction for both online and residential courses, fostering confidence and independence in patrons’ research skills.
The Research Services Librarian designs and implements instructional programs that enhance student engagement with library resources. This position also oversees and expands the library’s collection of research guides, tutorials, and instructional materials to ensure broad and effective access to information.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Reference Services – 50%
- Oversee and expand chat reference services.
- Provide research assistance to students in person, over the phone, and via email.
- Build and maintain relationships with partner site coordinators.
- Assist graduate students with capstone research consultations.
- Staff the on-site reference desk during designated shifts.
- Collaborate with campus IT to address reported access issues.
- Serve as a secondary expert on all electronic library resources.
- Ensure the efficiency and functionality of library systems by managing requests, troubleshooting issues, and responding to support tickets.
- Develop and maintain tutorials and guides that assist students in reaching their academic goals
Library Instruction Services – 40%
- Develop and present customized in-class and online tutorials to support student mastery of information literacy and research methods.
- Collaborate with the library director to create web and video content tailored to online and residential patrons.
- Facilitate class visits to the library, with or without structured instruction.
- Initiate and maintain faculty partnerships to develop discipline-specific instruction sessions aligned with course topics and assignments.
- Oversee the creation, maintenance, and expansion of library research guides and tutorials.
- Train students, faculty, and staff in the effective use of the online catalog and research databases.
Archival Management – 10%
- Catalog archival materials as time and resources allow.
- Oversee and coordinate occasional archival projects.
- Assist the Director of Library Services in developing and refining archival policies.
Job Qualifications
Minimum Education and experience
- Enrollment in a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program is required, with a strong preference for candidates committed to completing their degree
- Experience working in an academic library setting
Prefered Qualifications
Experience with the following products:
- OCLC cataloging utilities, OCLC WorldShare, WorldCat Discovery
- Content management systems such as LibGuides
- Discovery tools such as EBSCO products, etc.
- CMS platforms such as Moodle or Canvas
- Springshare products
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Experience with preparing and delivering library instruction in a classroom setting, acknowledging current standards of instruction (such as the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education) and utilizing current technology and presentation techniques and applications
- Experience using various library-based information technology services
- Experience working with online and graduate students
- Understanding of information-seeking behaviors and search strategies used with standard library databases and e-resources
- Knowledge of, and ability to use, a wide variety of computer programs and applications such as Microsoft Windows (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) OCLC modules, reference databases and other online tools and resources
- Knowledge of and ability to use and instruct others in the use of technological resources including photocopiers, and audio/visual equipment, e.g. LCD projectors
- Ability to communicate and follow-up verbally and in writing to ensure shared understanding of information
- Ability to cope with multiple interruptions
- Ability to follow through on a project from inception to completion
- Ability to maneuver narrow spaces between shelves and steps leading into the building and offices
- Ability to move up to 50 pounds and to push/pull book carts
- Must be able to handle multiple projects at the same time
Working conditions and frequency
Environmental Conditions
- Position involves use of multiple technologies approximately 95% of the workday
Equipment and Tools
- Exposure to repetitive motion of the fingers, hands and wrists on a daily basis
- Work is performed in a Christ-centered urban environment
North Central University employs qualified individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, familial status, and status with regard to public assistance. Individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
The aforementioned statements are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of the position; rather, they are intended to provide a general framework of the requirements of the position. Job incumbents may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed in this job description.