Reference Librarian, Library

About Lipscomb UniversityLipscomb University is a private Christian university located in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee. It is affiliated with the Churches of Christ and committed to preparing learners for purposeful lives through rigorous academics and transformative experiences.About the DepartmentLipscomb's Beaman Library is a member of the Learning Commons composed of key departments providing essential academic services to students (Library, Coggin Family Academic Success Center, Center for Teaching and Learning, Career Development Center, and the Office of Accessibility and Learning Supports). Together we seamlessly support students' academic success.Work EnvironmentThis Librarian will join an energetic, scrappy, creative team that values cultivating students' curiosity and fostering a learning environment where students and faculty are inspired to create. Beaman Library fosters a collaborative and innovative environment where team members work both independently and collegially. The successful candidate will be a proactive and engaged member of the Learning Commons, contributing to a positive and supportive workplace that embraces new technologies and continuously improves library resources and services. We value bold idea-sharing, constructive feedback, and creative problem-solving.Position DescriptionThis full-time faculty-status position requires 40 hours of work each week, including some evening and weekend availability. The Reference Librarian provides comprehensive reference and research assistance, information literacy instruction, collection development support, and student worker supervision to support the academic success of students and faculty. This position reports to the Senior Director of Library Services.Required QualificationsMLIS or equivalent from an ALA-accredited library programAbility to work both independently and collegially in a changing environmentExcellent organizational, technological, interpersonal, and communication skillsAbility to provide library reference services and assistance to a wide variety of faculty and students in multiple formatsDemonstrated sound judgment and emotional intelligenceAbility to work well with others, receive critical feedback, and boldly share ideas to enrich the library's initiativesAn appreciation for and active commitment to the university's Christian mission and a desire to contribute to that missionPreferred QualificationsKnowledge of the scholarly publishing environment and its current trendsExperience teaching or providing library instruction in face-to-face and/or virtual settingsBackground in outreach and/or programmingPrior experience overseeing student workersWorking knowledge of new and emerging technologies, including AIExperience managing forms, emails, and administrative systemsFamiliarity with serving on university committeesPrimary Responsibilities:Liaison & Teaching Serve as liaison to assigned academic departments, building relationships with faculty and students Work with teaching faculty in liaison areas to develop department- and course-specific information literacy objectivesEstablish and maintain communication with assigned departments regarding library resources and servicesPlan, prepare, and conduct information literacy instruction in face-to-face and virtual settings for undergraduate students, graduate students, and students pursuing university certifications for assigned liaison departmentsTeach freshman orientation courses as assignedCreate, update, and maintain teaching materials for information literacy instruction at various levelsConduct in-depth research consultations for assigned liaison departments, both by appointment and walk-inAdvise Collection Development and Systems librarians on acquisitions and collection development decisions based on liaison knowledgeReference & Research Services Serve as primary contact for the reference email and manage delegating teaching requests submitted via reference form. Answer ready reference questions (directional, basic information requests, book availability, etc.) and identify research questions requiring referralsAssist patrons in locating and accessing information, both digitally and physicallyAssist patrons in using library services (printers, databases, etc.)Conduct research consultations both by appointment and walk-ins for students and facultyServe as backup for interlibrary loan email and systemProvide vision for the maintenance of the reference collection and storageParticipate in weeding projects as neededStudent Worker Program Leadership Work closely with Circulation Department to provide vision and leadership for the student worker program including:Manage job posting and coordinate with HR on the hiring processCreate training materials and lead group trainings, including reference desk trainingCreate evaluation materials and conduct student worker evaluationsOversee student workers, including shift scheduling, communication, shift coverage, and special scheduling needsService to the Department & UniversityContribute to the development of original programming, concierge services, strategic outreach/partnerships, and assessmentRepresent the library on university committees and task forces as assignedCommitment to ongoing professional development and continuous improvement in librarianship, including active participation in professional organizations, attendance at relevant conferences and workshops, and engagement with current trends in information literacy instruction and library servicesPerform additional services as requested by the Senior Director of Library Services Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Created: 2026-04-02