Reference and Instruction Librarian

Job Description Summary

Under the general supervision of the University Librarian, this tenure-track faculty librarian will work in a collaborative environment to actively engage with undergraduate and graduate student populations. As a student-focused collaborative, organized, engaged, strong written and verbal communicator and self-starter who adapts well to change, the Reference and Instruction Librarian is an essential team member. This faculty librarian is expected to have sufficient experience to liaise with the Colleges and work with other faculty librarians to connect with faculty to understand and effectively respond to their needs, fostering and encouraging a culture of learning and use of library resources, collections, and research services. This is a 12-month, tenure track faculty appointment. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong service orientation coupled with an enthusiasm for well thought out creative approaches to teaching in person and as an embedded librarian to promote critical thinking and information literacy.
Tenure-track Reference and Instruction Librarian will contribute their individual skills and experience to support the Library’s mission, by providing outstanding, creative support for students’ research and writing assignments as needed, using library resources and services, common citation styles such as APA and MLA, and reference/research skills. The Reference and Instruction Librarian will strive to support the library’s mission, values, and objectives, relying on teamwork and judgment in establishing priorities among changing and competing demands, while also supporting some of the University’s specific initiatives and projects. Understanding and contributing to the library’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and other strategic initiatives of the library and the University will be expected. This faculty position is expected to actively seek out opportunities to engage with students online and in person and create opportunities to work collaboratively with teaching faculty to develop subject-specific learning objects, information research guides and information literacy instruction tailored to the content and assignments of specific courses by crafting learning objectives aligned with course research goals, and incorporating active learning strategies throughout instruction sessions. As part of the library’s mission to foster and enhance critical thinking and creativity, the library faculty member will also work collaboratively with other librarians to provide patrons with a variety of workshops on topics such as using AI for studying and critical thinking, avoiding plagiarism, understanding D2L navigation, etc. as well as sessions geared towards teaching specific research and writing tools such as NoteBookLM, Research Rabbit, DraftCoach, and more.

Job Description

Duties and Tasks:

• Working with other faculty librarians and teaching faculty to provide outstanding library instruction and information literacy in a manner that supports accreditation standards in person and via the Internet or other technologies, including Zoom, and courses with Key Assignments linked to the University’s QEP.
• Providing general reference/research support in person and online, primarily in the evenings and one weekend day (Saturday or Sunday), making individual appointments in person and online to support students and faculty.
• Supporting the smooth operation of library events and the facility one weekend period (Saturday or Sunday) and 3-4 evenings per week, supervising FWS employees’ work output and performance, and reporting concerns to the University Librarian.
• Documenting support services, outreach efforts and appointments, reporting statistics each month to the University Librarian and the library’s instruction and assessment coordinator.
• Collecting, sharing, and maintaining documentation and statistical information on instruction using approved Library Instruction forms.
• Working collaboratively with the other librarians to create and share teaching materials, videos, ephemera, etc. focused on the current curriculum, along with the University’s QEP such as online tutorials, and online research guides.
• Assisting with library outreach programs to better engage faculty members in the use and application of information resources and services.
• Develop relationships with students and faculty that respond to trends in teaching and learning.
• Participates in the library’s marketing and communication efforts in collaboration with the identified stakeholders and other library employees.
• Collaborates with library and campus partners to improve students’ library experiences and service.
• Creates and implements an annual professional development plan.
• Seeks out opportunities to publish, and present original scholarship, research, and scholarly projects related to the library area of responsibility, one of the criteria for possible tenure.
• Actively serve on appropriate library, University, regional, state or national committees
• Contributing information via web-based videos, blogs (including LionsShare), social media, etc. to promote awareness of library services, resources and tools.
• Participating in the conceptualization and implementation of the library’s KPIs and strategic plan to align with overall University goals, and individual professional development plan.
• Accepting and implementing other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

            Knowledge:

• Master's Degree from an American Library Association accredited program in Library and Information Studies, with at least two years teaching experience at the post-secondary level.
• Understanding of instruction, library services and embedded librarianship in an academic library environment.
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends in research and instructional services, IL instruction using traditional and non-traditional teaching techniques to foster stronger critical thinking, information literacy, library research, and understanding the connection of the library to academic success for students.
• Knowledge of current trends in instruction, outreach and library support in an academic library, including AI.

Skills:

• Experience creating research guides, providing instruction, presentations, and consultations
• Effective and engaging instruction and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to present and publish at state and national levels
• Experience collaborating with other faculty and other campus stakeholders.
• Effective one-on-one research and writing support skills to increase a sense of belonging and decrease research anxiety.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; strong analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong team player
• Intellectual curiosity
• Awareness of AI and libraries, information literacy trends related to AI
• In-person and virtual instruction and research services for students and faculty
• Demonstrates commitment to actively participating in library engagement activities
• Computer applications skills related to academic libraries.
• Computer application skills using Microsoft Office, LibAnswers, and other library-related software

Abilities:

• Ability to work in a team environment where consultation, flexibility, creativity, collaboration, and cooperation are essential. Must be service-oriented, energetic, collegial, and self-motivated
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects independently while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work flexibly, creatively, and collaboratively with others in a changing, lean, and fast-paced environment with a diverse population.
• Ability to be proactive and interested in outreach efforts for information literacy and integrating IL into the curriculum.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and oversight to FWS student employees
•  Ability to work nights and weekends.

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• A second Master’s Degree in a STEM field.
• A record of publications in the professional literature
• A record of presentations at local and state professional conferences

Why Work at Saint Leo?

What it’s Like to Work Here: Ask our employees and the one word they’d use to describe working at Saint Leo University is “Community.” Our team members all share the Saint Leo core values, positive attitudes, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to provide excellent student centered service. Our mission is educating and preparing students for life and leadership in a challenging world.  Thank you for your interest in joining the Saint Leo PRIDE!

We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At Saint Leo, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs. Available benefits based on employment status (Full Time vs Part Time).

• FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents*
• Tuition Exchange Opportunity - Dependent of Employees*
• Generous Paid Leave - Sick, Vacation, and Holidays
• Comprehensive Group Health Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Group Medical Plan includes Teledoc, Surgery Plus, Wellness Incentive Program and more!
• 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account
• 100% Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program (healthcare and dependent options)
• Employer-provided life insurance
• Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
• Nationwide Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Wellness Center

*Eligibility based on meeting required service period

2025 ICUBA Benefits Guide_St Leo