Job Opening: Reference Librarian, IIT/Chicago Kent

Reference Librarian, Job Posting 192-05
Illinois Institute of Technology,
Downtown Campus Library,
Chicago-Kent College of Law & Stuart Graduate School of Business

The IIT Downtown Campus Library is seeking an energetic and creative individual who has the capacity to thrive in an environment of change and is committed to public services to become the newest member of its reference team. This position will start on July 25, 2005. To apply, submit cover letter & resume to: jobs@iit.edu. Be sure to include the Job Posting number as the Subject line.

We will interview candidates at the AALL annual meeting in San Antonio.

Environment
Located in a state-of-the-art building in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Downtown Campus Library primarily serves the Chicago-Kent College of Law as well as the Stuart Graduate School of Business. The Library's primary patrons are the faculty of both the law and business schools and the 1,500 students who attend the downtown campus. Other users include subscribers who pay for specialized services and other members of the general public. Containing approximately 500,000 volumes, the Library has an outstanding collection of materials relating to law, business, international relations and the social sciences. Additional information about the Library and IIT can be found at: http://library.kentlaw.edu/ and http://www.iit.edu/

There are presently 4 reference librarians and an electronic resources librarian (who shares reference duties) in addition to the Director of Public Services.

Responsibilities
Under the general direction of the Director of Public Services, the Reference Librarian is responsible for providing reference, research and instructional assistance to the IIT community in both formal and informal settings. Reference librarians, who work as a team to deliver services, are responsible for individually supervising Circulation Desk staff when they are staffing the Reference Desk. Each member of the reference team is expected to participate in the school's liaison program that provides an exceptionally high level of service to faculty members. In addition, each member of the reference staff is actively involved with teaching activities for both the law and business school programs. All professional staff are encouraged to participate in professional activities and organizations.

Typical duties will include providing assistance at the Reference Desk (including some weekend and evening hours); assisting users to identify and locate Library materials (print and electronic); performing other duties to enhance the collection and services of the Library such as (but not limited to): assisting in the development, implementation and evaluation of reference and public service policies, procedures and publications; developing instructional materials, bibliographies, research guides and other items to aid in the utilization of Library materials and facilities; responding to telephone, mail and e-mail inquiries from patrons seeking information; creating and delivering specialized topical research seminars; individual and group training; and other duties as required.

Requirements
The position requires a M.L.S. from an A.L.A.-accredited graduate program. The ability to work effectively with faculty and all levels of staff is essential. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills are critical. The successful candidate will be one who is very customer service oriented, has a friendly and helpful manner and can manage diverse assignments in a rapidly-changing and demanding environment.

Preferred
Additional graduate degrees in business and/or law; previous Library experience using specialized business and/or legal materials; foreign language proficiency; experience with Voyager, the Library's integrated Library system.

Reporting
Reference librarians report to the Director of Public Services, who is responsible for evaluating their performance with input from the Director of Bibliographic Services, the Library Director, faculty and other clientele.

Schedule
Reference Librarians work a varied schedule that includes evening and weekend hours. A rotational schedule is used to provide for reference service from 8am until 9pm Mondays-Thursdays; 8am until 5pm Fridays; 9am until 5pm on Saturdays; and 10am until 6pm on Sundays when school is in session.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity in Employment Statement:
It is the policy of the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees regardless of race, religion, color, age, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, special disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Questions?
Please contact Holly Lakatos, Director of Public Services, at (312) 906-5690 or hlakatos@kentlaw.edu.