Reference Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Report to Dean of Library Services

Department Library Services

FLSA Status Salary Non-Exempt

JOB PURPOSE

To serve the patrons of the Mark T. Coppenger Library through duties related to library instruction and reference, library programming, and outreach.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reference

• Post a consistent schedule of reference hours (including occasional evenings) to meet with students one-on-one in a library conference room to conduct reference and research services.
• Assist patrons in the use of the library's resources. Assist learners to assess their information needs, differentiate among sources of information, and develop skills to effectively identify, locate, and evaluate sources.
• Assist in revising library policy regarding the use of library reference resources and services.
• Maintain the reference collection, including selection and deselection of resources according to curriculum needs.
• Assist in analyzing the circulating library collection and suggest selection/deselection of books and resources.
• Maintain reference statistics for library reports.

Instruction & Information Literacy

• Develop resources (both video-based and text) for the online library instructional course using Canvas LMS.
• Design, schedule, and facilitate in-class library instruction sessions as requested by instructors and/or Dean of Library Services.
• Serve as liaison to faculty to assist with library instruction and research needs and seek potential partners to create new instruction opportunities.
• Write and revise course guides for the library website in coordination with the seminary curriculum.
• Review course syllabi and recommend books and resources to strengthen the library’s impact on learning and research outcomes.
• Maintain course statistics for library reports.

Programming & Outreach

• Develop relationships with students and faculty in an effort to broaden awareness of the library for on-campus and online learning communities.
• Plan and coordinate existing library programs and research new programming opportunities.
• Plan and promote monthly thematic book displays, and curate featured reading booklists.
• Promote library resources through bookmarks/“swag.”
• Assist with library social media outreach.
• Maintain programming and outreach statistics for library reports.

Additional Responsibilities

• Send correspondence to other campus personnel as needed.
• Cooperate as a team member with the library staff in performing any duty essential to the achievement of efficient library operations, such as communication, troubleshooting, and decision making.
• Assist at the circulation desk as needed.
• Take part in staff meetings as arranged by Dean of Library Services.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

Include, but not limited to:

• Christian with high integrity, actively pursuing a relationship with God
• ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library/Information Science or equivalent preferred
• If candidate does not hold said degree, candidate must agree to begin an ALA-accredited program for said degree within one year of starting the position
• Master’s-level or above theological degree preferred
• Previous library experience preferred
• Knowledge of the methods, policies, and procedures of the library as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Instruction & Reference Librarian and library services
• Able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.
• Able to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Including knowledge of proper English usage, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
• Must be able to effectively speak to large groups of students.
• Able to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear, and effective manner.
• Must be able to compose business correspondence
• Able to show courtesy and wisdom in dealing with sensitive issues and in contacts with all library patrons (students, staff, faculty, trustees, and campus visitors).
• Able to teach effective use of the library to both groups and individuals (bibliographic instruction).
• Able to conduct an effective reference interview.
• Experienced in the use of common office equipment and software, including Canvas LMS, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access, as well as library software necessary for online catalog searches, interlibrary loans, and circulation.
• Able to use databases necessary for reference, such as ATLA, OCLC FirstSearch, SBPI, etc. or to search effectively for information on the Internet.
• Positive attitude with a desire and willingness to learn
• Able to multi-task, analyze workload, and prioritize as necessary for the benefit of the department
• Strong attention to detail
• Must be able to pass background screening, including driving record
• Eligible to work in the United States

BENEFIT PACKAGE

Full-Time employees are offered a comprehensive benefit package including:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Telehealth
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical and Dependent Care
• Employer Paid Life & AD/D for the employee as well as dependents
• Voluntary Life & AD/D
• Employer Paid Long Term Disability
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Supplemental Benefits from AFLAC
• 403(b) Retirement
• Paid Sick Leave and PTO
• MBTS / Spurgeon College Tuition Reimbursement for employee and dependents
• Access to on campus cafeteria and coffee shop
• Access to on campus gymnasium, exercise facilities, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm
• Occasionally required to work evening hours to accommodate student schedules

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequently required to sit or stand for periods of time at desk or computer station
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Able lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the position.

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability so they may perform the essential functions of a job unless doing so causes a direct threat to these individuals or others in the workplace and the threat cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation or if the accommodation creates an undue hardship to the institution. Contact human resources (HR) with any questions or requests for accommodation.

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