Science Reference/Instruction Librarian

The University of Georgia Libraries seeks an entry-level Science Reference/Instruction Librarian who will be responsible to the Head of the Reference Department for assisting students, faculty, and staff in making effective use of library and other internet resources, and citation management programs including EndNote.  To achieve this goal, the Science Reference/Instruction Librarian provides in-person and virtual reference assistance, library instruction sessions, departmental office hours, and one-on-one in-depth consultations in all areas of the sciences with a special focus on assigned liaison departments. The Science Reference/Instruction Librarian develops web pages and other guides for faculty who wish to incorporate research resources into their curriculum. This position also provides remote assistance through phone, e-mail, and chat reference. Night and weekend work is required.

The Reference Department currently covers three in-person service points: the Science Library, the Main Library, and the Zell B. Miller Learning Center. This position is based in the Science Library, which features a combined public service desk for reference and circulation. The Science Library holds a broad range of materials in agriculture, biological and life sciences, human and veterinary medicine, mathematics, computer science, physical sciences, engineering, and technology. The collection presently has over 750,000 volumes and over 3,000 print journal titles with access to 19,000 full-text electronic journals on all subjects.  The UGA Libraries participate in Georgia’s statewide GALILEO system. The Science Library’s Reference Department is comprised of 4 librarians, 1 staff member, and 5 student assistants.

The UGA Libraries is located on the university's main campus in Athens, Georgia, and its facilities include the Main Library, Science Library, Zell B. Miller Learning Center, Richard B. Russell Special Collections Libraries, and Repository. Perennially rated as one of the nation's top college towns, Athens offers a vibrant place to work and live. With Atlanta 70 miles to the west, Athens offers good proximity to the city while maintaining a small-town culture and feel. The favorable climate supports an eco-friendly campus, and UGA is currently undergoing a major multi-step plan to convert much of the campus into pedestrian friendly green space. Information about Athens: http://www.libs.uga.edu/athens/. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promotes use of digital and print resources by providing a variety of reference and instructional services to the university community and the general public, including both general and in-depth reference assistance and EndNote training.
• Builds strong client-centered relationships by actively cultivating and promoting interactions with faculty and students in liaison departments which may include Agricultural and Environmental Sciences to keep them informed of library resources and services and better understand their research and curricular needs.
• Teaches course-specific and other types of instruction sessions and developing point-of-need and course-integrated research guides and tutorials.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of reference sources by selecting reference titles for purchase, reviewing digital and print resources, monitoring new acquisitions, and reading relevant professional literature.
• Uses social media, online tutorials, and other technologies to promote and deliver instruction and research services online.
• Contributes to the mission of the Reference Department, and the Libraries as a whole, by actively participating in the development and evaluation of departmental policies and services and serving on appropriate departmental and Libraries’ committees.
• Participates in library-wide communication by reading, responding to, and initiating information transmitted via the Libraries’ listserv and appropriate library-wide or departmental meetings and asking questions, seeking clarification, or initiating discussion on library issues.
• Develops and maintains professional skills by participating in continuing education and professional development activities such as conferences, workshops, and committee work; by conducting research or writing for publication; or by engaging in other creative and learning activities.
• Maintains flexibility and awareness of changes and needs in the organization by assuming similar duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

ALA-accredited MLS; Bachelor’s degree in the sciences or demonstrated interest in library research in the sciences; Ability to develop instruction sessions and to instruct users effectively both individually and in the classroom setting; Commitment to student and faculty research and teaching in the sciences; Knowledge of virtual reference services; Knowledge of web design and instructional technologies; Demonstrated ability to efficiently manage multiple projects and priorities;  Effective verbal and written communication skills; Ability to create and maintain productive, long-term, effective working relationships; Demonstrated ability to work with diverse students, faculty, and colleagues. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS:  Minimum entry-level annual salary is $38,000.  UGA librarians are non-tenured faculty members.  UGA offers an attractive benefits program including a choice of health and retirement plans, dental plan, tuition remission and a relocation allowance; 21 days annual leave, 12 paid holidays.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  Qualified applicants who wish to be considered for this position should send as three separate pdf documents their letters of application, complete resumes, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of three references by December 14, 2012 to: Jan D. Hudson, Human Resources Coordinator, University of Georgia Libraries, at libjobs@uga.edu.

The University of Georgia and the UGA Libraries have a strong commitment to achieving diversity among its faculty and staff. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from members of underrepresented groups and strongly encourage persons of color to apply for these positions.  The University of Georgia is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.