The Chicago State University Library seeks an energetic, innovative, service-oriented individual for the position of Research & Instruction Librarian, Science. This is a 12-month, tenure-track library faculty position. Library and Information Science professionals who are interested in science librarianship and working in a user-focused, collaborative environment are encouraged to apply. The Science Librarian reports to the Chair of Library and Instruction Services. The successful candidate will be responsible for building relationships with science faculty, students, and staff to support their information needs. They will serve as departmental liaison to the Department of Biological Sciences; the Department of Computing, Information and Mathematical Sciences & Technology; and the Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering Studies Department. As a subject specialist, they will also be responsible for collection development in the natural sciences. Under the leadership of the Research and Instruction Services Coordinator, the Science Librarian will also provide general and specialized reference and instruction services as part of a collaborative and dynamic team of research and instruction librarians.
Chicago State University (CSU), founded in 1867, is the oldest public university in the Chicago Metropolitan area. CSU is the only four-year U.S. Department of Education-designated Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) in the state of Illinois. The university’s four colleges are Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Health Sciences & Pharmacy, which collectively support a diverse and non-traditional student population that hails from 28 countries and 36 states. Located on the South Side of Chicago, Chicago State University is an oasis of green in the big city, and the campus is mass transit accessible, with a Metra stop on the edge of campus. The Gwendolyn Brooks Library has a collection of over 500,000 volumes, eighty percent of which are stored in an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), which has the nickname ROVER (Retrieval Online Via Electronic Robot). Electronic resources include over 40,000 eBooks, over 150 databases providing access to thousands of journal and newspaper articles, and microform and audiovisual materials. The librarians at the Gwendolyn Brooks Library actively participate in shared governance of the University and are represented by the same union as other faculty and academic support professionals.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- General and specialized research assistance, guiding library users in identifying, retrieving, and evaluating information in all formats.
- In person and virtual reference services and research consultations
- General and specialized library instruction for undergraduate and graduate classes
- Outreach and other liaison activities to support science students and faculty
- Collection development and maintenance in the natural sciences
- Other duties as assigned
The successful candidate will be an engaged member of the Library faculty who will participate in department, university, and/or professional service activities. They will also participate in research and creative activities. Some evening and occasional weekend hours may be required.
Required Education
MLS or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited institution
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Required skills and experience:
- Work experience, significant coursework, or demonstrated awareness of natural
science disciplines
- Professional experience in reference and instruction services in an academic library
- Skills and experience to participate in an active and developing library instruction program
- Proven experience with in-person and virtual reference services; proven library instruction experience
- Demonstrated familiarity with emerging trends in reference services, library instruction, information technology, online library resources, and academic librarianship
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, organizational, time management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- High degree of initiative and ability to identify and implement appropriate changes within a dynamic environment
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity and understanding of the contributions of a diverse workforce
- Strong commitment to professional development and life-long learning
- Ability to meet contractual and unit criteria for performance of primary duties, research, and service
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:
- Applicant currently holds or recently held a position in reference and instruction services
- A minimum of two years of professional experience in reference and instruction services
- Demonstrated experience with reference and instruction in natural science disciplines
- Knowledge and expertise using online resources to support scientific research
- Previous professional experience with collection development in natural science disciplines
- Previous professional experience with outreach and other liaison activities to natural science departments or programs
- Understanding of current and emerging trends in science librarianship
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in a natural science field
- Experience working with Springshare LibApps (e.g., LibGuides, LibAnswers, LibWizard, LibInsight)
- Experience with virtual or remote library instruction
- Evidence of involvement in professional organizations relevant to the position
Special Requirements
