Digital Services/Reference Librarian Position

[Alison Atkins]

The Paul V. Galvin Library at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)
is pleased to invite applications for the new position of Digital
Services/Reference Librarian.  This librarian is responsible for the
library web site, and as part of the Reference and Information Services
team developing/delivering library services that facilitate education
and research.  This includes providing reference service, research
consultation, collection development, and bibliographic instruction.  In
addition, the incumbent assists the Associate Director for Public
Services in planning, public relations, outreach and in other areas.

The job description follows.  A more detailed job description can be
found at www.gl.iit.edu.


New Position
         Digital Services/Reference Librarian
         Job Description
           Paul V. Galvin Library
       Illinois Institute of Technology

Basic Function

This is a permanent, full-time position. Reporting to the Associate
Director for Public Services and Associate Director for Network
Services, the Digital Services/Reference Librarian is responsible for
the library web site, developing/delivering library services that
facilitate education and research, providing reference service, research
consultation, online searching, collection development, and
bibliographic instruction. This Librarian participates as a member of
the Reference and Information Services team and assists the Associate
Director for Public Services in planning, public relations, outreach and
in other areas.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Web Services.  Carries out a leadership role in the Galvin Library in
planning, promoting and coordinating innovative use of technology in
support of reference, instruction and electronic access to library
resources. Has lead responsibility for the library design and assessment
of electronic access mechanisms (e.g., entry points, organization,
effective displays), using techniques such as indexing, database
management and metadata applications to create search capabilities in
the digital library environment. Serves as managing editor of the
Library's Web presence. Monitors changing Web technologies.

Electronic Resources.  Serves as the Library webmaster. This includes
the management of the library web server, the style and format of all
library web sites, and participation in the identification of new
electronic resources for the site.  Identifies, selects, and develops
Internet electronic resources. Also includes the testing and evaluation
of new Internet and database software, staff and user training, and
compiling feedback from users. Works closely with the Network Services
Department to match technical infrastructure with the library's content
and service objectives.

Reference Desk.  Provides reference assistance at the reference desk.
Assists library patrons by answering specific information requests,
providing consultations, and guiding users in the effective use of a
broad range of information  resources with special emphasis on
electronic resources. Rotational evening and weekend hours required.
Bibliographer.  Interacts with designated academic departments and
oversees the selection of print and electronic resources in assigned
subject areas and monitors the acquisitions budget in the assigned
areas.

Computer searching.  Includes searching any of the databases in the
public area as well as systems such as Dialog, STN, and others.

Instruction.  Provides individual, classroom, and group instruction in
library services and procedures, search strategies, and the use of
information resources including a variety of databases and systems such
as Voyager, FirstSearch, OVID,  UMI's ProQuest, Dialog, STN, Geographic
Information Systems (GIS), and others.

Outreach/Public Relations.  Interacts with faculty and students to
identify information needs; Develops and distributes appropriate PR
materials.

Participates as a member of the Public Services team in planning,
evaluation, policy formulation, training, and in other areas.
Participates in professional activities.  Performs other
responsibilities and duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will have an MLS from an ALA accredited
institution; proficiency in HTML and Photoshop or other graphics
software packages; demonstrated ability to effectively interact with the
public; successful reference and instructional experience; strong
interpersonal and communication skills; knowledge of electronic
information technologies; knowledge of
information resources in science and engineering; the ability to work
effectively with a diverse user population; the initiative, flexibility,
problem solving skills, and ability to adjust to changing conditions in
a library committed to quality service.

Desired Qualifications

Familiarity with Proxy servers, CGI programming, UNIX, and Windows NT.
Experience in Public Services work including bibliographic instruction,
reference desk work, computer literature searching, collection
development of print and electronic resources, outreach, and public
relations in a science or engineering university library. Demonstrated
potential to excel as a team member in a dynamic, collaborative,
technology-intensive environment. Successful experience with Web page
design and with Web-based technologies such as HTML, Java script, and
database-driven Web content in libraries. Demonstrated ability to learn
and adapt to rapidly changing technologies.

Paul V. Galvin Library

Twenty-six permanent staff manage over 550,000 volumes and one of the
most sophisticated digital libraries in the country. For more
information, go to www.gl.iit.edu.

Illinois Institute of Technology

IIT is a doctoral granting research university four miles south of
Chicago's Loop. The university focuses on engineering, science, and
professional studies including law, business, architecture, and design.

To apply for this position

Send a letter of interest and the names, addresses, and telephone
numbers of three professional references to: Charles Wenger, Associate
Director for Public Services, Paul V. Galvin Library, Illinois Institute
of Technology, 35 W. 33rd Street, Chicago, IL 60616; FAX 1-312-567-5318.
Position available immediately.

IIT is an Equal Opportunity institution and encourages applications from
women and members of all minority groups.