Business Reference and Instruction Librarian

LOCATION:

Foster Business Library

NOTICE OF VACANCY:

April 23, 2008

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, June 30, 2008.

THE LIBRARIES:

Among the largest academic research libraries in North America, the University of Washington Libraries has a collection of more than seven million cataloged volumes, an equal number in microform format, more than 50,000 serial titles, and several million items in other formats. Students and faculty recognize the value provided by the Libraries and rank the Libraries as the most important source of information for their work. The Libraries also receives the highest satisfaction rating of any academic service on the surveys of graduating seniors conducted by the Office of Educational Assessment.

THE FOSTER BUSINESS LIBRARY:

The Foster Business Library is one of the 15 branches of the University of Washington Libraries. The library offers users a beautiful facility, a wide range of electronic resources, wireless connectivity and power at all seats, comfortable group and individual seating, and a forward-looking and service-oriented staff. The library is currently planning significant renovations in connection with a new School of Business construction project, scheduled to begin fall 2008.

THE POSITION:

The University of Washington Libraries seeks a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative Business Reference and Instruction Librarian. The successful candidate will help achieve the Libraries' vision to advance discovery and encourage the growth of knowledge, anticipate and meets the information needs of UW's diverse community - at any time and in any place - and prepare students for success in life as information smart global citizens.

Under the general direction of the Head, Foster Business Library, the Business Reference and Instruction Librarian provides reference service, research consultation, and works closely with library staff, teaching faculty, and other University staff to take the lead in shaping, planning, and assessing a robust, creative, and effective library instruction program for Business education. The position also plays a key role in developing and maintaining the library's extensive collection of Research Guides and participates in collection development activities.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Provides business reference and consultation services, using a broad range of digital and print resources.

Participates in Libraries-wide chat reference service.

Works collaboratively with librarians and teaching faculty to lead and coordinate Foster Business Library instruction programs and activities. Assists and instructs users in a wide array of digital and print resources. Delivers and assesses user education services including teaching classes, conducting research consultation sessions, preparing course-specific web pages, and providing tours and orientations.

Collaborates with co-located Business Writing Center staff to offer innovative and integrated instruction to business school classes.

Develops user-oriented online pathfinders and other discovery tools for the broad area of business study and shares responsibility for maintaining Foster Business Library web pages.

Responsible for collection development in assigned areas.

Contributes to strategic direction and initiatives of Foster Business Library and University Libraries.

Participates in Libraries committees and meetings.

Works evenings and weekends as needed.

Assumes other responsibilities as assigned; performs other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information studies degree.

Demonstrated commitment to diversity and understanding of the contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace.

Enthusiasm for business librarianship and familiarity with business information resources and user needs.

Strong commitment to information literacy and successful experience or training in library user education and/or instructional technology. Understanding of key issues and trends in the design and delivery of library instruction in support of the academic mission of the university.

Excellent written and oral communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.

Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and work both independently and collaboratively in a demanding and rapidly changing environment.

Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging instructional technologies to meet changing user needs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Professional experience providing business reference and instructional services in an academic library environment.

Demonstrated ability and experience with business or business-related information, bibliographic, and numeric resources.

Experience in collection development, especially in a business or business-related area.

Degree or academic background in business or business-related area.

SALARY:

$41,000 minimum. Starting salary commensurate with qualifications and background. Salary increase scheduled for September 1, 2008.

BENEFITS:

Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the University of Washington Retirement Plan (TIAA-CREF, The Vanguard Group, and/or Fidelity Investments) on a matching basis. Vacation is accrued at the rate of 24 working days per year; sick leave at the rate of 12 working days per year. No state or local income tax.

APPLY TO:

Charles E. Chamberlin
Senior Associate Dean
University of Washington Libraries
482 Allen Library
Box 352900
Seattle, Washington 98195-2900

Applicants should submit a letter of application, a full resume, including a work telephone number and e-mail address, salary requirements, and the names, mailing addresses and telephone numbers of at least three references who are knowledgeable of the applicant's qualifications for this position.

University of Washington Libraries Home Page address is:

http://www.lib.washington.edu

The University of Washington, an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, is building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from female and minority candidates.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the University is required to verify and document the citizenship or employment authorization of each new employee.

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