What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research & Learning Librarian (part-time/temporary) position at UMass Lowell?
General Summary of Position:
UMass Lowell is a welcoming and diverse community, with a proven track record in providing a world-class education at an affordable price. Part of the Research & Learning Department, the Part-Time Research & Learning Librarian provides high-quality reference and instruction to the University of Massachusetts Lowell community. They report to the Director of Research & Learning and provide library services across three library locations: Lydon, O'Leary, and the Center for Lowell History. This position is primarily on campus with occasional opportunities for remote work.
Key duties may include:
- Provide high-quality reference service in person and online, via methods such as phone, chat, individual consultations, or email, in collaboration with, and support of, colleagues in the Access Services Department.
- Provide high-quality library instruction, in person and online, in collaboration with Research & Learning colleagues.
- Assist with special department projects such as development of online teaching media and modules, supporting student worker projects, revision of online research guides, outreach and communication planning and events, and collection development.
- Communicate effectively with a distributed team, often over email and Microsoft Teams, to refer and track down solutions to problems.
- Attend regular Research & Learning Department meetings (within work hours) and contribute to sharing knowledge about student, faculty, and staff needs; sharing knowledge about research questions and relevant resources; and departmental planning and goals.
- Promote the University's commitment to customer service by building effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the University and freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance when needed; ensuring optimum service to all internal and external partners in response to all requests for service and information; maintaining an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.
Minimum Qualifications (Required):
- In-progress or completed ALA Accredited Master's degree in Library Science or Library Information Science (MLS/MLIS); international equivalent is acceptable. If MLS/MLIS is in progress, applicants should have already completed a core reference services class.
- Knowledge of current library and information science principles and practices and knowledge of general resources, programs, and services available at an academic library
- Willingness and eagerness to learn new skills and resources
- Comfort assisting with common technological issues such as helping patrons locate login methods for library databases and clearly reporting access issues to the library's systems team
- Ability to project a positive public image and provide supportive service to our community with excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong customer service orientation, ideally with previous experience in a busy service environment
- Ability and commitment to upholding the University's commitment to inclusive excellence in a diverse educational community
Preferred Qualifications: (If applicable)
- Experience developing and creating effective online learning modules.
- Demonstrated experience or course work in instructional design or educational technology.
- Experience providing reference at an academic library.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applicants is received.
This is a part-time, temporary, non-unit, non-benefited position. Schedule: During the academic year, in-person hours are generally Wednesday - Friday, with some flexibility in final scheduling and remote options. Summer semester hours are more flexible in terms of days and time on campus.
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.
The University of Massachusetts President's Office welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.