JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Head of Teaching and Research Services, the Science and Nursing Librarian provides information literacy instruction, collection development, reference services, scholarly communication support, and outreach programming, primarily for students and faculty in the following programs in the School of Science and forthcoming nursing programs (enrolling students in 2025):

• Dual Degree Engineering
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Environmental & Earth Science
• Health Science
• Mathematics & Computer Science
• Nursing
• Physics & Astronomy
• Psychology

1. Information Literacy Instruction (25%): Teaches information literacy sessions for the School of Science and forthcoming nursing programs (and a few sections of Writing 101/201). Develops research guides and tutorials. Actively participates in the work of the Instruction Team.

2.  Collection Development (25%): Serves as subject selector for nursing and the sciences. Informed by publishing and disciplinary trends, faculty research and teaching areas, and the Library’s collection development policies and procedures, selects digital and print materials, maintaining an appropriate collection of books, journals, databases, media, and related resources. Expends ~$100,000 in annual funds allocated for new materials and continuing funds devoted to ongoing resources in these fields. Provides Library Reviews for proposed new courses and programs and periodic program reviews. Actively participates in the work of the Collection Development Team.

3. Reference (20%): Provides research advice and assistance in person and online to all SMC students, faculty, staff, and non-SMC users (5+ hours per week on the reference desk, ~2-3 hours per week answering direct queries from nursing and science students and faculty). Actively participates in the work of the Reference Team.

4. Scholarly Communication and Scientific Publishing Research (10%): Supports the library’s scholarly communication initiatives (such as open access and institutional repository). Researches and creates educational materials on scholarly communication topics related to publishing in the sciences. Actively participates in the work of the Open Access/Open Educational Resources Committee. 

5. Outreach (5%): Contributes to co-curricular library programming and collaborations. Actively participates in the work of the Communication Team.

6. Campus and Professional Contributions (10%): Serves on library and college committees as assigned. Maintains membership and involvement with appropriate subject and professional associations. Contributes service to professional and/or college endeavors.

7. Other duties (5%)

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education: REQUIRED:  MLS or equivalent from ALA accredited program.                                   PREFERRED: A degree or coursework in one or more of the subjects served by this position.

Experience:

Required:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of library services for an academic environment. 

2. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of emerging and established practices and standards in information literacy instruction and collection development and management.

Preferred: 

1. Demonstrated successful experience delivering and assessing quality instruction, collection development, and reference/research service in a student-centered environment.

2. Demonstrated successful experience producing subject-specialized learning objects, tutorials, and/or webpages.

3. Experience working as a subject librarian for science and/or nursing programs.

Skills/Abilities:  (e.g. computer skills, written & verbal skills, trades, laws, procedures, technical)

1. Knowledge of databases and other resources for research in the sciences and nursing, or willingness to engage in self-directed learning about these resources.

2. Ability to support student success by engaging students in the scientific literature, from first-year to graduate students.

3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

4. Demonstrated successful experience working both independently and in a team environment.

5. Demonstrated success working cooperatively, respectfully, and effectively with faculty and staff in a culturally diverse community.

6. Demonstrate awareness and experience understanding the needs of a diverse student population—in age, ability, cultural background, ethnicity, primary language, economic/financial background, and academic preparation—through inclusive and accessible course materials, teaching strategies, and collection development.

7. Demonstrated effective planning and organizational skills.

Other Requirements: (e.g. travel, weekend/evening work)

1. Requires capacity to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings. Some instruction occurs on evenings and weekends, and librarians share evening and weekend shifts on the Reference Desk.

Application Instructions:

1.  A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications and are prepared to support the mission of the College. 

2.  Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The first review of applications will be December 12, 2024

Virtual info session

We recently held an information session about the position on Zoom. View the recording and slides