Reference Librarian

Position Information

Job Description

Position Title Reference Librarian Job Description

The Missouri Western State University Library has a position open for a Reference Librarian. The Reference Librarian performs reference and research duties to assist library patrons, educates patrons on how to find and evaluate the information they seek. The Librarian also creates and manages library resource catalog records for accurate display in the local public catalog.

Essential Duties

• Provide reference and research assistance to faculty, students, and staff, helping them to locate and evaluate information.
• Prepare and present library instruction/information literacy sessions to classes, groups; one-on-one instruction as required.
• Conduct research and prepare instructional aids for faculty and patrons, including, but not limited to, bibliographies, instruction videos, handouts, Libguides, and Web pages.
• Develop guides and online resources to supplement classroom instruction or to be used by patrons for self-guided instruction.
• Seek out existing and create new library resource catalog records, importing them into the local library system and managing the records for accurate display on the local public catalog
• Maintain library resource records for accurate display on the MOBIUS/shared public catalog, coordinating with cataloging staff from other MOBIUS member libraries when appropriate
• Maintain library resource records for accurate display in OCLC’s public catalog
• Maintain authority records and standard subject headings within the local library system according to accepted library standards and practices
• Create original catalog record for graduate theses and other MWSU-specific works
• Provide physical processing of new book and media acquisitions
• Provide electronic access to new electronic resources (ebooks, ejournals, and databases) via the catalog records
• Provide guidance and training to other staff members as required.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of Library of Congress Classification System
• Knowledge of the MARC record standard
• Knowledge of Resource Description and Access (RDA) cataloging standard
• Experience in the FOLIO integrated library system, or an equivalent system
• Broad knowledge base across a variety of subjects
• Ability to formulate Boolean searches and navigate the university’s cataloging modules and library webpages and databases
• Ability to understand, respect, and use the catalog’s Bulk Edit function
• Organized thinker with exceptional attention to detail
• Strong customer service skills
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office programs and general office equipment
• The ability to detect errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to be flexible as workloads and priorities change
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• This position requires an ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Service
• Must have knowledge of library resources and services
• Must have at least one year of experience in library cataloging, including experience in original cataloging
  
  

Preferred Qualifications Physical Demands

• Sedentary work
• Required to use close vision and be able to focus
• Regularly required to talk and hear; frequently required to sit, stand, and bend at the knee and waist, and walk
• Must be able to have repetitive wrist, hand and/or finger movement to type and work on computer
• Must have finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination to work on computer, telephone, and related office equipment
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function
• Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently to move objects and loaded book carts.
  
  

FLSA Exempt Additional Demands

During the academic year one evening a week and some weekends are required.

Hours of Work

37.5 hours per week

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number S819P Open Date 03/02/2026 Priority Deadline 04/13/2026 Open Until Filled Yes