The Instruction Librarian designs and delivers an innovative instruction program to best serve a diverse student population, oversees and promotes the Library’s vast digital holdings, and serves as the primary teacher of library skills. The Instruction Librarian works closely with the Research and Instruction Librarian. Together, these two staff members support faculty, student, and staff engagement with Ohrstrom Library’s diverse and in-depth digital and print collections; lead the Library staff in providing innovative and user-centered reference services; and develop strategies to introduce community members to Library services. This position requires some evening shifts; typically, the library is open until 9:30 pm. The Instruction Librarian also serves the St. Paul’s Advanced Studies Program in the summer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Designing and assessing the library’s instructional program
• Teaching group library instruction classes on research strategies, source evaluation, academic integrity, citation, and other information literacy topics
• Selecting, managing and maintaining the library’s digital collections, keeping current knowledge of digital collection trends and offerings, and working closely with faculty for digital collection development
• Setting up database trials and collecting and analyzing usage to support purchase, renewal, and cancellation decisions
• Publicizing, teaching and incorporating new digital collections into the curriculum
• Troubleshooting patron connection problems with resources
• Establishing collaborative and supportive partnerships with faculty in order to ensure that library services and instruction are relevant to curricular needs
• Creating research guides, instruction resources, digital materials, videos/tutorials, etc. and making those resources accessible to students, faculty, and staff
• Providing research help to all library users seeking information in person or remotely, using print and digital collections
• Developing strategies to introduce library reference services to all students, particularly new students
• Participating in Library, institutional, and outside professional committees, conferences and other scholarly and developmental opportunities
• Supporting outreach and engagement initiatives, participating in collection development, and supporting all-Library program initiatives

 Service Desk

The following responsibilities common to all staff are superimposed upon the work outlined in the above job description. Please note that while each Ohrstrom Library employee staffs the service desk, they are required to multi-task, e.g. attending to immediate patron and building needs while simultaneously performing a wide range of position-specific work. Service desk responsibilities include:

• Assisting directly with a wide range of circulation desk operations, including: checking materials in and out, placing holds and recalls on items in various formats; locating library materials; directing patrons.
• Employing strong customer service and communication skills, including: answering general reference questions; assisting students and faculty with navigating Ohrstrom Library’s web page; referring specialized requests to appropriate library staff as necessary.
• Responding to informational requests requiring strong familiarity with Ohrstrom Library’s and St. Paul’s School’s policies, practices, and procedures.
• Employing strong organizational and interpersonal skills and good-judgment, investing special attention to the security and well-being of students; monitoring student behavior to ensure appropriate building use and compliance with rules; facilitating study conditions during specified evening hours; remaining vigilant to visitors and their appropriate interactions with students and use of the library; proactively responding to building emergencies by preparing work order requests or contacting Facilities as necessary.
• Contributing fully on a pre-determined schedule to the detailed and critical opening and closing procedures for the library each morning and evening.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited school
• A minimum of two years’ experience in an academic or school library
• A demonstrated commitment to innovative and successful instruction and research methods. Experience with inclusive pedagogies preferred

To Apply:

St. Paul’s School encourages applications from candidates who support the School’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive living and working environment.  For consideration,  please submit a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references.  Review of Resumes will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled.

St. Paul’s School is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity.  St. Paul’s School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnic origin, disability or sexual orientation, and complies with applicable laws for the protection of civil rights. 

– Posted 10/30/21