Greetings! 

The University of Rhode Island Libraries, Carothers Library, Public Services Department, welcomes applicants for the following  position. For salary information, please refer to the URI AAUP website, under Salary Structure 2022-23, Tenure Track, Research & Clinical Faculty, Group B. 

Please direct any questions to the search committee chair, Professor Mary C. MacDonald, at [log in to unmask]. 

For further details and to apply for the position visit the University of Rhode Island HR site.

Position Information

Job Title: Assistant Professor, Reference and Instruction Librarian

The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by November 23, 2022. Second consideration may be given to applications received by December 21, 2022. Applications received subsequent to second consideration date (December 21, 2022) may not be given full consideration.

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This position is a 12-month calendar year, tenure-track faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor level with an expected start date of late Spring/Summer 2023. The position reports to the Chair, Public Services, and Dean of the University Libraries. Recent graduates and early-career professionals are encouraged to apply.

The University of Rhode Island University Libraries seeks a highly motivated individual for the position of Assistant Professor, Reference and Instruction Librarian. The incumbent will use collaborative and innovative approaches to fulfill the Public Services Department’s reference and instruction mission and, eventually, take on the duties of Head of Reference.

Informed by the University and Libraries’ mission and strategic priorities, this position will participate in the Libraries’ reference and instruction efforts. Depending on experience, previous training, and aptitudes, this position will take over the role of Head of Reference immediately or over time, taking on responsibility for scheduling, training, developing new reference models, and performing outreach activities.

The URI Libraries are looking for candidates who are collegial, forward-thinking, and eager to advance a service model where library faculty and staff actively engage the University community through direct outreach. Successful candidates will have a knowledge of and interest in the evolving roles of research libraries in the changing landscape of higher education.

NOTE: This position is open to both experienced and early-career candidates. While a successful candidate will eventually take on all duties, the Department will support the development of skills and help candidates grow into the position.

RESPONSIBILITIES AS PUBLIC SERVICES LIBRARIAN:

• Collaborate on essential Departmental activities (e.g. instruction, reference, and committee work).

• Teach Library credit-bearing courses.

• Deliver classes and workshops to support information literacies and collaborate on the creation of instructional materials, outcomes, and activities.

• Participate in planning, researching, writing, and scholarly communication in areas of expertise.

• Serve on committees as part of University service and professional outreach.

• Proactively integrate considerations of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility with library resources and services.

• Perform liaison and selection duties as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES AS HEAD OF REFERENCE:

• Maintain and enhance reference procedures and outreach.

• Hire, manage, supervise, and train graduate reference student assistants.

• Maintain the reference desk schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

1. A Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited library/information program or international equivalent by the time of hire.

2. Demonstrated experience with library reference and instruction duties.

3. Demonstrated ability to work creatively, collaboratively, and effectively as a team leader, as a team member, and independently.

4. Demonstrated engagement with DEI efforts within or outside Higher Education.

5. Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.

6. Demonstrated strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

7. Demonstrated ability to fulfill the University’s requirements for tenure and promotion in librarianship, research, and service.

8. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

PREFERRED:

1. At least one year of professional or paraprofessional library work.

2. Supervisory experience.

3. Experience with College- or University-level credit-bearing courses as an instructor or teaching assistant.

4. Evidence of continuing professional development, creativity, and resourcefulness.

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About the University of Rhode Island

Established in 1888, URI is the state’s land-, sea-, and urban-grant institution. Located on three campuses, with nearly 18,000 students representing 48 states and 76 countries, supported by 1200 faculty and 2000 staff, URI offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, plus certificate and non-degree programs.

About Kingston, Rhode Island

Kingston is located in the southern part of the state. It is about 30 miles from Providence and 15 miles from Newport. All of New England and its many cultural institutions are short drives away. There is easy access to beaches and other outdoor activities. Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it’s easy to navigate—and from our vantage point, there’s plenty to discover no matter what path you follow.

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ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.