Reference Librarian Job Description
Reference librarian
provides and manages research services and consultation for attorneys and staff including legal and non-legal research utilizing multiple print and online resources.
Reference Librarian Duties & Responsibilities
To write an effective reference librarian job description, begin by listing detailed duties, responsibilities and expectations. We have included reference librarian job description templates that you can modify and use.
Sample responsibilities for this position include:
Contribute to the creation, development, and delivery of workshops, tutorials, and related on-line research guides on library resources and library research methods to students in person and online
Teach classes and give demonstrations of library resources
Teach a variety of workshops and classes on library resources and skills
Develop course and topic guides and other digital and print tools to help students make use of library resources
Provide in-person and virtual reference assistance and instruction as assigned, including weekends and some evenings
Maintain databases for unique collections materials or sets of collections materials using recognized professional standards and tools (e.g., EAD finding aids, ArchivesSpace, OCLC Connexion, Aeon, InMagic, XMetal, Adobe applications)
Facilitate reproduction services to visiting and remote patrons
Perform collection development and collection liaison duties as assigned
Works at the Research Assistance Desk 6 to16 hours a week including nights and weekends
Conducts library instruction sessions in several sections of English 1410, a required English composition course with a strong emphasis on research
Reference Librarian Qualifications
Qualifications for a job description may include education, certification, and experience.
Education for Reference Librarian
Typically a job would require a certain level of education.
Employers hiring for the reference librarian job most commonly would prefer for their future employee to have a relevant degree such as Master's and University Degree in Library, Library Science, Law, Legal, Information Science, Law School, Education, History, Faculty, Teaching
Skills for Reference Librarian
Desired skills for reference librarian include:
Proficiency with a wide range of legal information sources and research methods
Library automation systems
Legal systems
Technology troubleshooting abilities
Basic legal sources and skill in using print and electronic materials
Library resources
Service provisions
Trends and best practices in academic libraries
Ability to quickly learn and effectively use Egan Library’s catalog and research databases
Current instructional and multimedia technologies
Desired experience for reference librarian includes:
High degree of computer literacy and demonstrated interest in the application of information technologies in the social sciences and humanities
Evidence of superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Record of participation and/or contribution in library professional organizations
Strong commitment to service, and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment with all levels of patrons and staff
Teaches library workshops on RefWorks and other topics
Participates in librarian and staff meetings
Reference Librarian Examples
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Reference Librarian Job Description
Job Description Example
Our growing company is searching for experienced candidates for the position of reference librarian. Please review the list of responsibilities and qualifications. While this is our ideal list, we will consider candidates that do not necessarily have all of the qualifications, but have sufficient experience and talent.
Responsibilities for reference librarian
- Consistently demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior congruent with Christian values in all transactions and relationships
- Assist patrons and staff with reference and research inquiries by searching shelves and electronic resources
- Provide information on library activities, facilities, rules and services to patrons and staff
- Manage outreach activities and lead tours to introduce students to the library
- Manage information literacy projects such as instructional videos
- Provide in-person and on-line reference
- Create instructional videos or other information literacy tools
- Plan and coordinate new student orientation tours
- Write library guides, handouts, bibliographies, , and contribute to webpage projects
- Provides research assistance in person at service desk, by phone and electronically via chat and e-mail to students, staff, and faculty
Qualifications for reference librarian
- Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school
- Experience or coursework in library instruction and reference services
- Experience creating Libguides
- Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent by start of employment
- Experience providing reference services at a public service desk in an academic environment
- Experience leading group instruction
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Reference Librarian Job Description
Job Description Example
Our innovative and growing company is hiring for a reference librarian. We appreciate you taking the time to review the list of qualifications and to apply for the position. If you don’t fill all of the qualifications, you may still be considered depending on your level of experience.
Responsibilities for reference librarian
- Investigates and recommends resources to library users
- Assists users with locating and using online journals and books
- Assists and instructs clients in the use of reference books, indexes and abstracts, and library computer systems/databases
- Coordinates Reference Service
- Coordinates and supports all aspects of the HSL Ask Us reference service, including maintaining the Ask Us schedule, acting as the main back up, determining the need for referral
- Provides training and guidelines to other public services staff for Ask Us service
- Maintains and reports statistics as needed
- Supports Education Programs & Activities
- Teaches regular library classes as needed
- Schedules regular library classes
Qualifications for reference librarian
- Demonstrated expertise in use of web-authoring applications
- Evidence of ability to perform research, publication, and service consonant with university standards for tenure
- High proficiency in oral and written English
- ALA accredited master's degree in Library and Information Science
- At least one year of academic library reference experience including email, chat or phone
- Experience searching and teaching the use of online databases
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Reference Librarian Job Description
Job Description Example
Our company is growing rapidly and is hiring for a reference librarian. Please review the list of responsibilities and qualifications. While this is our ideal list, we will consider candidates that do not necessarily have all of the qualifications, but have sufficient experience and talent.
Responsibilities for reference librarian
- Supports Teaching Labs by ensuring rooms are set up according to policy and procedures
- Coordinates with Library IT staff to maintain and update Teaching Lab computers and to conduct trials of educational software and technologies
- Updates class handouts as needed
- Creates and maintains ResourceGuides using the LibGuides software
- Serves on committees and task forces within the library as appropriate
- Interacts cooperatively and constructively with all constituents
- Designs, promotes and delivers a variety of engaging library instructional sessions for students and employees, through individual assistance, orientations, and classroom instruction
- Provide general information, research and reference services in a variety of ways (i.e., texting, online chat, email, face-to-face)
- Assist library users in finding information by conducting reference interviews to determine and meet information needs
- Investigate and implement any needed changes to reference policies/procedures and services
Qualifications for reference librarian
- Shares our passion for reference and instruction
- Enjoys meeting new people, making connections, and promoting the value of the library
- Embraces our commitment to active learning pedagogy
- Thrives in a small, relationship-driven academic environment
- General subject knowledge in at least one of the subject areas of responsibility
- Public service experience working in a library
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Reference Librarian Job Description
Job Description Example
Our growing company is hiring for a reference librarian. If you are looking for an exciting place to work, please take a look at the list of qualifications below.
Responsibilities for reference librarian
- Create and/or update LibGuides and online library tutorials for use by library patrons
- Share responsibility for collection development of reference and other print and electronic materials and databases
- Serves on committees as appointed by the Director of Library Services or other University officials or as elected by the Library or University faculty
- Works primarily week days
- Collaborates with other members of the Public Services team to ensure that the public and staff areas are safe, clean, well maintained and inviting to users
- Other responsibilities as required to assist the Public Services department in accomplishing its mission
- Creates and maintains library and discipline-specific information guides and resources
- Provide reference, circulation and general assistance for students, faculty, and the community at the Information Desk and remote reference assistance for other campuses as needed
- Design, develop, deliver, and market library instruction classes, workshops, and research consultations
- Provide library collection development services to faculty and others in assigned subject areas
Qualifications for reference librarian
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, time management, and presentation skills
- Experience creating promotional materials
- Masters degree in library or information science from a program accredited by the American Library Association or foreign equivalent
- Experience in a health sciences, academic, or life sciences library
- At least one year of library experience
- Experience providing virtual and face-to-face library reference services
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Reference Librarian Job Description
Job Description Example
Our innovative and growing company is looking to fill the role of reference librarian. Thank you in advance for taking a look at the list of responsibilities and qualifications. We look forward to reviewing your resume.
Responsibilities for reference librarian
- Coordinate, promote, and establish appropriate staffing and coverage for virtual reference services, and actively participate in all modes of scheduled reference activities (face to face, chat, and email)
- Identify underserved users, programs, and domains, and institute alternative or supplementary virtual references services to a diverse user community, including users with disabilities
- Provide support and training for staff and librarians who participate in virtual reference services, institute best practices, and develop resources for the effective delivery of virtual reference
- Conduct continuous analysis and evaluation of virtual reference services through usage and transaction data to improve services, identify underserved users, programs, and domains, respond to staffing and coverage patterns, and support local library assessments
- Investigate and initiate new modes of virtual reference services in response to changing user needs, technologies, and delivery channels
- Major responsibilities include providing in-person and telephone reference to the public
- Supervises student workers and access services
- Provides library instruction using the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education
- Market library services
- Prepare instructional lessons
Qualifications for reference librarian
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented organization
- Experience working in library service area with appropriate systems, such as LibAnswers, LibGuides, Drupal, and library information databases
- Experience utilizing an electronic scheduling system such as EMS software to schedule labs, rooms, classes and events
- Experience administering trainings to small and large groups of people
- Knowledge of innovative applications of technology to deliver reference and instructional services
- Strong searching skills in health sciences and related information resources and tools, especially the ability to search PubMed/Medline and demonstrate an understanding of Medical Subject Headings