Position Summary
The Academic Services Librarian is a collaborative, student-centered professional who supports teaching, learning, and research across the University. Working within a team-based, generalist service model, this role provides research support, skill development, access to resources, and engagement services for a diverse community of on-campus, online, and hybrid learners.
Academic Services Librarians share responsibility for core library functions while contributing areas of focused expertise as assigned. Responsibilities and priorities are dynamic and responsive to institutional needs under the direction of the Manager of Library Academic Services.
Essential Responsibilities
Research Support and Student Success
- Provide research assistance to students, faculty, and staff across in-person, virtual, and asynchronous modalities, including support for undergraduate, graduate, and online learners.
- Deliver one-on-one and small group support sessions within the library to develop student skills in information literacy, digital literacy, and AI literacy.
- Teach students to locate, evaluate, and ethically use information from a variety of sources, including AI-generated and algorithm-driven content, while promoting critical thinking about authority, bias, credibility, and emerging technologies.
- Develop and maintain learning objects, tutorials, research guides, and self-directed instructional materials.
- Provide individualized and group consultations for undergraduate, graduate, and online learners.
- Collaborate with faculty to support student research and skill development through library-based services and resources.
Collections, Access, and Resource Management
- Collaborate on collection development, assessment, and stewardship across print, digital, and open access resources.
- Support management and discoverability of electronic and physical resources, including troubleshooting access issues and improving user experience.
- Provide original and copy cataloging services and maintain metadata to support effective resource and discovery access.
- Assist with course reserves and integration of library resources into learning management systems.
- Participate in resource sharing services, including interlibrary loan, distance lending and document delivery.
Outreach, Engagement and User Services and Engagement
- Provide circulation and frontline service support as part of a shared service model.
- Develop and promote library services, collections, resources, and programming through outreach, displays, and communication efforts.
- Build and sustain relationships with academic departments, programs, and student groups.
- Plan and deliver workshops, events, and group sessions within the library that promote student engagement and academic success.
Digital Environment and Emerging Practices
- Support and maintain library systems and tools, including discovery platforms, research, course and topic guides, and authentication systems.
- Stay current with trends in academic librarianship, including open educational resources, scholarly communication, and AI in education.
- Contribute to improving user experience across library services and technologies.
Assessment, Operations, and Collaboration
- Collect, analyze, and report data to assess services, support decision making, and contribute to accreditation efforts.
- Participate in team-based planning, assessment, and continuous improvement activities.
- Serve in shared operational roles, including scheduling coverage, evenings and weekends, and facility oversight.
- Contribute to special projects, strategic initiatives, and institutional priorities.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Keiss Library and Learning Commons and Academic Affairs.
Areas of Focus
While all librarians function as generalists, individuals may be assigned areas of emphasis such as instruction support, electronic resources, collections, online student support, or outreach. Assignments are flexible and may change based on institutional needs.
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in library and information science from an ALA accredited program.
- Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and accountability, including consistent attendance and punctuality.
- Demonstrated commitment to student success and inclusive service.
- Strong teaching, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based, cross-functional environment and adapt to changing priorities.
- Ability to provide services across multiple modalities, including evenings or weekends as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in an academic or higher education library.
- Familiarity with library systems and tools such as integrated library systems, OCLC, discovery services, and authentication systems.
- Experience supporting student learning through consultations, workshops, or informal instruction.
- Familiarity with AI tools and their implications for teaching, learning, and research.
- Experience with outreach, programming, or marketing initiatives.
- Knowledge of metadata, cataloging practices, or electronic resource management.
- Basic familiarity with web technologies.
Core Competencies
- Student-centered and inclusive service orientation
- Instructional effectiveness in one on one and small group settings
- Adaptability and collaboration
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Technological proficiency and digital fluency
- Commitment to professional growth, including information literacy and AI literacy
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
- Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and in writing.
- Ability to move throughout the library, including standing, walking, and sitting.
- Ability to handle materials, operate equipment, and perform routine library tasks.
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without assistance.
Reporting Structure
Reports to the Manager of Library Academic Services who coordinates service delivery, assigns responsibilities, and aligns librarian work with institutional and Academic Affairs priorities.
EOE Statement: Gwynedd Mercy University is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working, and living environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Gwynedd Mercy University does not discriminate against any applicant for admission to or employment at the University because of race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, color, marital status, veteran status, genetic characteristics, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (‘Protected Classes’). This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, financial aid, educational services, and student programs and activities, as well as to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, hiring, placement, transfer, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, and termination. The University will not tolerate unlawful acts of discrimination or harassment based upon Protected Classes, or related retaliation against or by any employee or student.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program
- Professionalism, reliability, accountability, consistent attendance, and punctuality
- Commitment to student success and inclusive service
- Strong teaching, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based, cross-functional environment
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities
- Ability to provide services across multiple modalities, including evenings or weekends as needed
- Experience in an academic or higher education library
- Familiarity with integrated library systems, OCLC, discovery services, and authentication systems
- Experience supporting student learning through consultations, workshops, or informal instruction
- Familiarity with AI tools and their implications for teaching, learning, and research
- Experience with outreach, programming, or marketing initiatives
- Knowledge of metadata, cataloging practices, or electronic resource management
- Basic familiarity with web technologies
What We Do
Gwynedd Mercy University is a Catholic, Mercy-rooted higher education institution in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy of Merion, it offers academic programs that prepare students for productive careers and meaningful lives. Its learning community emphasizes liberal arts, academic excellence, critical thinking, ethical and spiritual growth, inclusion, and service, reflecting a commitment to educating the whole person and supporting students’ intellectual, moral, and spiritual development.
