Los Angeles - Loyola Marymount University - Reference and Instruction Librarian, Theology

https://jobs.lmu.edu/postings/19243

Title:      Reference and Instruction Librarian for Theology

Salary:   Not specified 

Posting Date      11/24/2014

Summary of Essential Job Duties:            

The Reference and Instruction Librarian for Theology provides high-quality reference, instruction, collection development, and outreach services to the LMU community, with a particular emphasis on LMU’s Theological Studies and related programs. This position reports to the Head of Reference & Instructional Services.

Serves as lead provider of library instruction to graduate and undergraduate students in Theological Studies and related programs. Consults with faculty to plan instruction sessions, which may include evening classes. Participates in library instruction sessions for other academic departments.

Provides reference and technological support in-person and via chat, phone, and virtual reference, including some evening and weekend hours. Provides individual and small-group research consultations, both in-person and online. Responds to e-mail and telephone requests from students and faculty.

Works with the Head of Collection Development to evaluate collections and make purchase decisions for books, journals, and electronic resources in Theological Studies, and other subject areas as assigned.

Serves as library liaison to the department of Theological Studies. Other possible departments might include Yoga Studies, Catholic Studies, Philosophy, and/or the Bioethics Institute and the Huffington Ecumenical Institute.

Creates Web-based materials in support of library instruction and reference such as tutorials and subject specific research guides in the areas of theology and religion.

Helps the Library explore and assess emerging technologies critical to the delivery of high quality reference and informational services.

Actively participates in departmental and library decision making and the realization of the departmental and library goals and objectives. Internal and external committee membership, serving as intern site coordinators for interns, and supervising student assistants are examples of participation.

Engage in service to the library, campus, and the library profession through committee work, grant writing, formal presentations, and publications. Represent LMU within the library community.

Serves as the Library’s representative to the Southern California Theological Library Association (SCATLA), and liaison to the American Theological Library Association (ATLA), the Catholic Library Association, and the Catholic Research Resources Alliance (CRRA).

Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Experience:       

Exemplary communication skills (both written and oral). Good attentive listening skills are essential as well as a strong user-service orientation.

Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of basic reference sources and reference practices.

Demonstrated knowledge in the area of library instruction and information literacy.

Proficient in Mac and Windows operating systems and commonly used productivity software such as Microsoft Office and Adobe products.

Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.

Ability to work patiently, cooperatively and harmoniously with faculty and students very diverse in religious and cultural belief systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

Two years of experience providing theology- or religion-related reference and instruction services in an academic library setting.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience with theology information resources, including tools such as the ATLA Religion Index, ATLA Catholic Periodical & Literature Index, Old Testament Abstracts, the Vatican Web site, and Arts & Humanities Citation Index.

At least a passing knowledge of one or more of the languages associated with theological studies in our ecumenical setting (Latin, Greek, Spanish, French, German or Italian)

Knowledge in the area of building, managing, and assessing collections in an ecumenical range of theological and religious studies areas.

Knowledge of emerging technologies critical to the design and delivery of reference and information services.

Required Education:      

A Master’s Degree in Library/Information Sciences from an ALA-accredited program. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of changes related to theological librarianship.

Undergraduate and/or graduate degree, certificate, or demonstrated background and interest in Theology or a related field.

Required Documents:

Cover Letter

Resume/CV

Salary History

List of References