Research Service Librarian for STEM

Position Objective

Librarians work in service-driven teams that support the university research, instruction, and library collections services. Librarian positions require expertise in library services to nurture library partnerships with teaching and research faculty, students, staff, other libraries, publishers, and other stakeholders. Librarians may be assigned to perform work related to one or more of the following: collection management, research assistance, information literacy instruction, and faculty and departmental liaisonship. To effectively accomplish the objectives of the Research Services Team, the librarian must keep abreast of new models of librarianship and develop formal and informal methods of engagement that highlight the library’s role in furthering faculty and student scholarly endeavors.  The librarian will provide demonstrations of emerging scholarly resources and technologies to interested faculty, students, staff, librarians, the research community, and library supporters. All librarians work closely together and in cooperation with librarians from other CWRU libraries to meet faculty and student needs, and to foster collaborative initiatives.

Collection management; coordinating and developing strategies for the effective and efficient evaluation, selection, and de-selection of information resources to meet the needs of the Case Western Reserve University academic community in assigned subject areas, and effectively informing faculty about new resources as they become available

Research assistance; providing individual research support to students and faculty, including responsibility for user experience, service evaluation, and reporting in assigned disciplines for the Kelvin Smith Library

Information literacy instruction; partnering with faculty to provide a high-quality instructional experience for undergraduate and graduate students

Faculty and departmental liaison; participation in marketing and communications, outreach activities, the planning and maintenance of web-based presences, and the development of strategies, resources, and materials to promote the academic and co-curricular contributions of Kelvin Smith Library

Essential Functions

1. Develop partnerships with faculty, students, and other campus stakeholders to identify and assess their research needs, and position the library as a bridge between people in order to facilitate scholarship and engagement (18%)

2. Acquire new materials in all formats consistent with the library’s strategic goals, the collection management policy, and annual budget allocations, as well as review existing collections for curricular and scholarly applications (18%)

3. Provide course-integrated instruction and extra-curricular workshops for CWRU faculty, students, and staff and partner institutions (18%)

4. Provide reference and research consultation in person, by email and chat (13%)

5. Prepare online instructional materials and guides by subject and in support of courses and co-curricular programs (8%)

6. Compile and maintain statistics, and collect and analyze data to assess user community satisfaction and recommend actions (6%)

7. Participate in the planning and management of system wide initiatives through task forces, team and committee structures as appropriate (6%)

8. Meet or exceed all expectations as outlined in the Librarian Broadband Policy (6%)

9. Participate on library, consortial and University committees, teams, and task forces and serve on special projects as needed (6%)

Nonessential Functions

1. Perform other duties as assigned or required. (1%)

Contacts

Department: Collaborates with staff on all levels of the organization to support the provision of library services. Works with managers and staff of other units in the library as required by projects.

University: Consults with faculty, including assigned liaison faculty, faculty committees and other department administrators to determine teaching and research informational requirements to make appropriate information management decisions. Works with faculty to develop, review, and improve information management policies and procedures. Consults with other campus librarians to coordinate information management decisions for the provision of library services.

External: Participates in local, regional and national organizations to maintain a network of information professionals which enhances our services and to stay abreast of trends and changes in the profession. Collaborates with colleagues in OhioLINK and other academic libraries.

Students: Daily communication with students to provide assistance and information resources to support their education and research needs.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may supervise non-exempt staff, student employees, and temporary full or part-time workers.

Qualifications

Experience: The initial rank of the Research Services Librarian, will be based upon the qualifications of the individual with regard to that person’s professional knowledge, abilities and skills; contributions to the profession through service and scholarly endeavors; and, professional qualities consistent with university and library values. Preferred experience in information literacy instruction, assessment, active learning, and other skills.

Education/Licensing: Master’s degree in Library Science or advanced degree in a science discipline required. Some subject knowledge in a STEM discipline is required.

Required Skills

Job Performance.   Able to make decisions on a strategic basis.  Can partner effectively with organizational executive management and give enterprise direction to library program staff and customers.  An expert in a specific domain and is knowledgeable of (and able to implement in his/her work) best practices.  Uses advanced techniques and technology to innovate.  A demonstrable record of accomplishments for advancing library goals, the University, and the profession.  Able to perform or administer highly complex or specialized duties. Able to write and explain library policies, and regularly employ general management theories and practices.

Professional Knowledge, Abilities and Skills. Possess extensive knowledge, skills and abilities within one’s domains of knowledge.  Accomplishments are recognized at the University and in the field.  Knowledgeable about emerging issues and trends relating to the future direction of the library.  Able to articulate effectively the place, role and application of trends on the library. Understand and focus on organizational positioning, strategic alignment, leading teams and staff, change management, and professional leadership. Possess a high level of expertise in research or other professional endeavors within his/her specific area of work.

Professional Contributions. Demonstrate evidence of substantial and sustained professional contributions to the library and to the institution through professional service (e.g., officer or chair of professional organizations or scholarly contribution (e.g., professional publications and presentations) at the state, regional, national or international level).

Professional Qualities.  Able to, and willingly offers, to effectively mentor other library staff. Ability to meet consistent attendance. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

Working conditions

General office environment. Some evening and weekend work required.