Assistant Librarian

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas.

As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.

NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.

Reporting to the Library Director, the Assistant Librarian is part of the library management team and leads services within a designated specialization. In addition to supervising staff and managing daily operations, the role supports student and faculty success through instruction, research help, outreach, and partnerships that align library resources with college priorities. While each Assistant Librarian leads a specialization, all share core responsibilities in reference, instruction, and collection development/faculty liaison work, with most duties overlapping across positions.

Essential Duties

• Provide reference and research support through consultations, scheduled shifts, and virtual services
• Deliver information literacy instruction in face-to-face, hybrid, and online formats, integrating the ACRL Framework and evidence-based teaching practices
• Serve as faculty liaison, including collection development, curricular support, OER integration (faculty outreach, resource discovery, and instruction), and collaborative projects
• Promote student success and persistence through user-centered library services and academic support
• Supervise assigned staff and oversee daily operations within a designated specialization area
• Contribute to assessment, committees, strategic planning, and policy development as part of the library management team
• Pursue professional development and share expertise within the field of academic librarianship
  
  

Rate of Pay: $51,193 annualized *Higher compensation may be considered based on qualifications directly related to position.

Completed applications received by 02/01/2026 will be assured full consideration. Late Applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program (MLIS, MLS); candidates completing the degree prior to start date may also be considered
• At least one year of library experience, or equivalent relevant experience/education
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an academic or community college library, including instruction, research support, and user-focused services
• Experience designing and delivering information literacy instruction in multiple formats (face-to-face, hybrid, online)
• Supervisory experience ensuring high-quality service standards across locations
• Familiarity with integrated library systems, databases, and discovery tools
• Demonstrated skill in creating instructional materials (print, online tutorials, LibGuides, Niche Academy, or similar tools)
• Experience or training in one or more of the following specialization areas:
  
  

Specialization: Access Services

• Knowledge of best practices in circulation, reserves, stack maintenance, and interlibrary loan
• Experience managing an integrated library system (KOHA preferred)
• Skill in supervising frontline staff and student workers, and coordinating daily operations to ensure consistent service delivery at service points
  
  

Specialization: Strategic Initiatives

• Ability to coordinate services at a branch campus or within a distributed model
• Experience supporting assessment of library spaces, services, or user experience
• Skill in building partnerships and representing the library in campus initiatives
  
  

Specialization: Digital Services

• Experience administering and maintaining library systems, discovery tools, and authentication platforms
• Skill in providing technical support and training for staff and users
• Ability to coordinate system improvements and troubleshoot technology-related service issues, including vendor communication
  
  

Specialization: Outreach & Engagement

• Experience coordinating outreach or engagement initiatives to promote academic support services
• Skill in coordinating academic support services such as tutoring, peer mentoring, or supplemental instruction, including supervision of student workers or peer tutors
• Experience promoting services through LibGuides, Canva, social media, or similar platforms
  
  

Specialization: Reference & Instruction

• Experience collaborating with faculty to integrate library and information literacy instruction into curricula
• Knowledge of instructional design principles (ACRL Framework, evidence-based practices)
• Skill in coordinating and delivering reference services, in-person and online
  
  

Specialization: Technical Services

• Knowledge of cataloging standards (MARC 21, AACR2, RDA, LC classification)
• Experience cataloging print and electronic resources in an integrated library system
• Skill in managing bibliographic records and metadata to support discovery and access
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students in a diverse academic environment
• Service Orientation: Commitment to high-quality, user-centered service with a strong focus on student success and retention
• Library & Information Expertise: Knowledge of academic library operations, services, workflows, and current trends
• Instruction & Information Literacy: Knowledge of the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy and ability to integrate it into instruction, reference, and library services; proficiency in evaluating and recommending information resources for diverse user needs
• Technology: Skill in leveraging library technologies, databases, discovery tools, and standard office applications; ability to learn and apply new technologies with a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
• Assessment & Improvement: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to assess and improve services
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Professionalism: Ability to maintain confidentiality, sound judgment, and discretion; commitment to regular and reliable attendance
  
  

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is:

Frequently

• Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding
• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking
  
  

Constantly

• Hearing
• Repetitive motion
• Talking
  
  

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; and/or visual inspection at distances close to the eyes.

Environmental Conditions

The following work environment characteristics are representative of those encountered by employees while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

The work environment typically consists of a professional office setting with a moderate noise level, including sounds from conversations, office equipment, and occasional movement of staff. Lighting is standard for office spaces, and the temperature is controlled to remain within a comfortable range. Employees may occasionally need to visit other areas, such as storage rooms, conference spaces, or outdoor locations, where environmental conditions may vary. Infrequently, exposure to louder noise levels or physical activities, such as moving lightweight materials, might be required.

NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.