"Reference & Engagement Librarian"

Job Details

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

The part-time Reference & Engagement Librarian is responsible for library instruction in afternoon & evening courses (one-shots) and other departments/fields as appropriate. This position includes one or more hours of availability per evening at the Reference Desk, specifically to be available for live and online Drop-In Reference and Research support. This librarian would also participate (as part of the Instruction and Reference Team) in updating and publishing relevant Subject Guides in the library’s LibGuides. The fourth pillar of this position is Reference Consultation by appointment.

The Reference & Engagement Librarian supports the teaching, learning, and research missions of the University by providing high-quality reference services, information literacy instruction, and outreach initiatives that foster engagement with library resources and services. Serving as a primary point of contact for students and faculty, this role combines traditional research support with innovative outreach strategies to enhance student success, faculty collaboration, and campus-wide engagement with the library. This is a 12-month part-time evening position located on the Bridgeport campus.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Provide reference and research consultations in-person, via chat and video conference for students, employees and the public, leveraging a comprehensive knowledge of COD Library collections and resources.
• Teach information literacy and facilitate library orientations for a broad range of general education, career and technical, as well as student development classes.
• Partner with liaison librarians on outreach and engagement to discipline faculty, collection development, creating and maintaining research guides, and developing instructional resources.
• Contribute to the COD institutional repository by creating metadata for digital assets, as needed.
• May include supporting outreach and engagement by developing promotional displays, participating in event planning, representing the Library at university activities, and contributing to social media marketing.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.
• Knowledge of instructional methods, strategies, and pedagogy to support a diverse student and community population.
• Demonstrated skill in teaching or instructional design, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to excellent public service.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, faculty, and students in a diverse and inclusive environment.
• Familiarity with electronic resources, databases, and research tools relevant to higher education

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:

• Master of Library and Information Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program required.
• 1+ years of experience providing reference assistance, in person and virtually preferred.
• 1+ years of teaching experience preferred, preferably in an academic library setting.
• Primarily weekday, afternoon-evening hours. Some weekend shifts required. Additional hours may be available for instruction and project-based assignments.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

Work Environment

Physical Activity

Lifting Requirements

Vision requirements (Especially relevant if driving is required by the job)

• X Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)
• Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)
• Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)
• No special vision requirements

Part-Time Employee Benefits:

• Tuition benefits

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)

The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.