Science Librarian

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu .

Libraries Job Description

Job Summary

The Science Librarian ensures that faculty, students and staff in the sciences and engineering have access to a suite of robust, effective and innovative library services and collections that serve their scholarship, teaching & learning needs. Evaluates current services, following pertinent national academic trends in library services for the sciences and engineering, identifying new services for implementation and improvements as necessary.

Within Learning, Research and Technology (LRT), a blended department of librarians, academic technologists, and spatial analysis specialists shared between the Libraries and ITS, the Science Librarian will work collaboratively as part of the Teaching, Learning and Research (TLR) unit in the Libraries. All members of TLR participate in the Libraries’ full range of in-person and virtual reference and research services. Additionally, they engage in developing services and learning spaces for the Libraries. TLR team members work collaboratively with LRT, Libraries and ITS colleagues and are involved fully in the activities of the Libraries.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Liaison to the Sciences

• Provides expert guidance to faculty and students in undergraduate sciences and engineering academic departments on research methods and resources across multiple interfaces of licensed databases and relevant internet resources.
  
  
• Leads course-based library instruction for assigned departments and partners with faculty to integrate information literacy into the curriculum.
  
  
• Develops online learning content for the Libraries’ website, including digital learning objects, subject and course resource pages and other web-based tools and digital information services for assigned liaison departments and as part of a team of teaching librarians.
  
  
• Participates in the Libraries’ general reference service and contributes to Zotero citation management software support including individual assistance and group instruction.
  
  

Collection Development

• Collaborates with faculty in the sciences and engineering to select and evaluate materials in a variety of formats that reflect current and developing curricular and research needs.
  
  
• Develops and maintains knowledge of existing and developing modes of scholarly communication and responds to the changing information needs of students and faculty.
  
  
• Partners with TLR and the Head of Collection Development to conduct collection analysis and collections use studies.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Engages in continuous professional self-development and keeps current with emerging library, educational technology, and digital scholarship practices, methodologies, and technologies.
  
  
• Participates in the work of the Libraries through service on library-wide and Five College committees.
  
  
• Participates in library wide teams, committees and working groups and professional activities.
  
  
• Represents Smith College Libraries at conferences and collaborates with national organizations in pedagogy, librarianship, and emerging library practices.
  
  

Other Functions

• Will include occasional nights and weekends.
  
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Master’s in Library Science, Information Studies, Education or equivalent degree. Knowledge of current issues and trends in pedagogy on the undergraduate and graduate level.

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong academic background in and/or knowledge of the sciences and / or engineering.
  
  
• At least 3-5 years teaching experience in a library setting.
  
  

Skills

• Experience in program development, assessment and piloting new service models in libraries.
  
  
• A strong commitment to public service.
  
  
• Knowledge of current issues and methods of teaching research literacy.
  
  
• Experience with providing library reference and research assistance to users.
  
  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and demonstrated ability to work flexibly, independently and collaboratively with colleagues and library users in a rapidly changing service-oriented environment.
  
  
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills including customer service orientation with ability to interact with diverse constituencies.
  
  

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

May 9, 2022

Compensation Grade:

Grade H

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu .

Diversity and a culture of inclusion among students, staff, faculty, and administration are crucial to the mission and values of Smith College. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religions, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.