Reference & Instruction Librarian for Theology - LMU
Location: USA - CA - Los Angeles
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.Position Specific Responsibilities/Accountabilities
Primary Responsibilities
Serve 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.
Provide 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.
Work 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.
Serve as library liaison to the departments of Theological Studies and Philosophy. Other possible departments may include Yoga Studies, Catholic Studies, and/or the Bioethics Institute and the Huffington Ecumenical Institute.
Create 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.
Help the Library explore and assess emerging technologies critical to the delivery of high quality reference and informational services.
Actively participate 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.
Secondary Responsibilities
In order to meet expectations for moving through the LMU librarians’ promotion plan: 1) Engage in service to the library, campus, and the library profession through committee work, conference planning, or other activities; 2) Engage in professional development through continuing education, including local, regional, national, international, or virtual conference and workshop attendance; and 3) Engage in scholarship through grant writing, conference presentations, and/or publications.
Serve 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).
Perform other duties as assigned or requested.
Loyola Marymount University Expectations
Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct. Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.
Qualifications
Required
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 Theological Studies or a related field.
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 who are diverse in their religious and cultural belief systems.
Preferred
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 Database with AtlaSerials PLUS, Old Testament Abstracts, New Testament Abstracts, the Vatican Web site, and Arts & Humanities Citation Index.
At least a passing knowledge of one or more of the key languages associated with theological studies in our setting (Latin, Greek, Spanish, French, German or Italian)
Knowledge in the area of building, managing, and assessing collections in theological and religious studies areas with an ecumenical or multifaith range.
Knowledge of emerging technologies critical to the design and delivery of reference and information services.
About the William H. Hannon Library
The William H. Hannon Library (http://library.lmu.edu) opened in 2009 and serves as the intellectual and cultural hub of the university. The Hannon Library was the recipient of the 2021 ACRL Excellence in Academic Libraries Award in the university category.
We share the university's commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. We invite women, persons of color, LGBTQ and gender-nonconforming people, people living with disabilities, and/or individuals with other diverse life experiences and beliefs to apply.
Please read more about the library's commitment to DEIA and our efforts at: library.lmu.edu/deia
Location & Hours
This position is at the William H. Hannon Library, on the university's Westchester campus. Incumbent should expect to primarily work on campus; with hybrid schedule negotiable two days/week. Typical daily schedule is flexible within core business hours (7am-7pm) Monday-Friday.
Special Instructions
To ensure full consideration, please submit application materials by August 31, 2022.
Applicants should submit the following materials:
1. A letter of application describing your qualifications for the position; explaining your interest in the position; and affirming your commitment to the mission of LMU.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. A list of three professional references (names, titles, relationships to applicant, telephone numbers, and email addresses).
For more information about the position, including salary range, please contact: Susan Archambault / Head of Reference & Instruction Services / [email protected] / 310.338.7680
COVID Vaccination Requirement
To ensure the safety and well-being of our community Loyola Marymount University requires that all students, faculty and staff are vaccinated or have been approved for a qualifying medical or religious exemption.
Application instructions:
Please apply directly on the University employment site.