Temporary Faculty Reference Librarian

Nestled in the scenic foothills of western Pennsylvania, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) offers more than a place to work—it offers a vibrant campus community where innovation, collaboration, and natural beauty come together. Our picturesque campus features tree-lined walkways, historic architecture, and welcoming green spaces that create an inspiring environment for learning, working, and connecting.

At IUP, employees are part of a supportive and engaged community dedicated to student success, academic excellence, and meaningful impact. Located in the charming college town of Indiana, Pennsylvania—just over an hour from Pittsburgh—our campus combines small-town warmth with access to the cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities of a major metropolitan area.

Whether enjoying a walk across the Oak Grove, collaborating with colleagues in dynamic academic spaces, or engaging in the many cultural and community events hosted throughout the year, IUP offers an exceptional place to build a career and make a difference.

Position Summary & Description

The University Libraries at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) invites applicants for an anticipated part-time, temporary faculty position as a Temporary Reference Librarian for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The department seeks candidates whose teaching, research, and/or service have prepared them to serve all IUP students.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary librarian for on-demand reference services providing high-quality reference support for IUP students, faculty, staff, and the larger community. Responsible for creating and maintaining asynchronous reference and instructional materials that provide information when on-demand services are not available.

• Provide on-demand reference services to patrons delivered primarily via chat, email, and in-person at the Information Desk.
• Develop and maintain asynchronous instructional materials including research guides, FAQs, videos, and tutorials.
• Provide service to IUP Libraries and the university and maintain professional currency and scholarly growth commensurate with the work schedule.

Work Schedule:

This is a three-quarter time (26.25 hours/week), temporary, 9-month faculty appointment for the 2026–2027 academic year. Regular work hours will be Monday through Thursday, covering all reference desk hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (24 hours per week). The remaining 2.25 hours per week will be scheduled flexibly to support departmental needs, projects, or other assigned responsibilities.

Position Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program.

Essential Functions

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Library faculty members are expected to:

• Present course content effectively using instructional methods appropriate to the discipline and learning objectives.
• Demonstrate competency in both in-person and online reference work, preferably in an academic library, including knowledge of the principles and practices of the research interview.
• Maintain familiarity with online teaching and reference tools, especially the Springshare suite of products.
• Maintain expertise in the discipline through ongoing scholarly, research, creative, and/or professional activities.
• Engage in service activities that support the department, college, university, profession, and community, as appropriate.
• Communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and external stakeholders in both written and oral formats.
• Demonstrate commitment to student learning and academic support.
• Adhere to university policies, academic standards, and professional expectations.

IUP is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants and employees with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process or to perform the essential functions of a position.

Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, consistent with the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to contact human-resources@iup.edu.

All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of earned degrees through the receipt of official transcripts, confirmation of work eligibility, and satisfactory completion of background checks.