Reference and Instruction Librarian

Title: Reference and Instruction Librarian

Agency: Virginia Peninsula Community College

Location: Hampton - 650

FLSA: Exempt

Hiring Range: $70,000-$87,000

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

Job Description:

Virginia Peninsula Community College is a two-year institution of higher education established as a part of a statewide system of community colleges. It primarily serves the residents of the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, and Williamsburg, and the counties of James City and York.

Reporting to the Director of Library Services, the Reference and Instruction Librarian will create an inclusive and innovative learning experience for students of all backgrounds and information literacy levels at the college. The ideal candidate will be user-focused with a commitment to student learning and comprehension. This position offers a range of library services to faculty, staff, students, and the VPCC community, including reference assistance, library instruction, basic circulation duties, collection development support, and faculty liaison responsibilities.

Duties and responsibilities

Reference

• Participate in reference assistance in person, on the phone, by email, and via chat. Provide individual and group reference consultations, both in-person and online. Guide patrons use library catalogs, databases, and other research tools, providing customer service-focused assistance. Assist in formulating effective research strategies. Contributes to the development of library programming, workshops, and instructional materials. Navigate and utilize online databases, academic journals, and other electronic sources to fulfill patrons’ requests. Address and resolve any issues or challenges patrons face in accessing information resources. Support students in dual enrollment and distance learning programs by creating and maintaining online, asynchronous resources. Contributes to the creation and maintenance of library website materials, including research guides.

Instruction

• Advertise, coordinate, and schedule in-person, online, and asynchronous information literacy instruction sessions, along with planning, delivery, evaluation, and data collection. Remain current with library instruction best practices and create an inclusive, welcoming learning environment. Assist in the development of students’ critical thinking skills, information literacy, and data skills. Conduct ongoing assessments of student learning and contribute to departmental assessment projects. Design and develop subject guides using LibGuides, library instruction tutorials, and other supplementary instruction tools.

Circulation

• All library staff must provide circulation staffing to maintain open hours in the library at both campuses. Assist in maintaining and creating print and electronic resources collections. Utilize library management system (ALMA) to assist students in checking materials in/out, maintaining student records, and making data-driven decisions. Collaborate with colleagues to develop and implement strategies to engage the community and extend library services to a broader audience. Assist with basic daily circulation duties.

Faculty liaison

• Liaison with the STEM department, attending relevant department meetings, keeping faculty aware of library services, and ensuring the library collection aligns with course outcomes. Partner with faculty and academic staff to plan and deliver course-integrated instruction in information literacy and research. Promote library services through library instruction sessions, library tours, and attendance at relevant meetings.

Collection Development

• Work collaboratively with other library staff to develop a well-rounded library collection that supports college curricula and aligns with course outcomes. Perform cataloging duties, adding books, multimedia, and equipment to the library collection. Contribute to the selection and maintenance of materials, ensuring the collection is current, relevant, and accessible. Regularly review and update materials.

• A master’s degree in library and information science (or equivalent) from an ALA accredited college or university.
• Experience in information literacy instruction or other training/teaching experience.
• Experience with library technology and library content management systems.
• Work experience with library instruction and reference/research assistance.

• Thorough knowledge of library services and understanding of current trends in librarianship and information literacy instruction, preferably in a community college setting
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and willingness to learn (and teach) new technology and update software skills regularly, including platforms such as library management software (ALMA), Springshare LibApps, CHQ Academic, Canva, Primo, and Canvas LMS.
• Familiarity with a variety of citation styles (i.e. MLA, APA, Chicago) and reference interviews in an academic library setting.

• Strong research skills to efficiently locate and retrieve information from various sources.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a people-focused approach, capable of building relationships across various constituencies
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and work with individuals at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively
• Attention to detail with a focus on thoroughness and quality.

• Ability to recommend, interpret, evaluate, and use information resources to help patrons with information needs, and find relevant and accurate sources.
• Must have the ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Ability to work with confidential patron information.
• Ability to interact patiently with patrons of various backgrounds, needs, and research skills.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service in a public service setting

• Experience working in a community college or academic setting.
• Holds certifications in library and information science, demonstrating specialized knowledge and commitment to the field.
• Knowledge of reference interview techniques and best practices