Job: Online Reference Services Coordinator and Information Science Librarian - University of Washington Libraries, Seattle

[Christine Tawatao]

(Apologies for cross-posting!)

Online Reference Services Coordinator and Information Science Librarian
University of Washington Libraries, Seattle Washington

To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than 
5:00 pm, Friday, October 10, 2014.

Full job posting: 
<http://www.lib.washington.edu/about/employment/librarians/online-reference-services-coordinator-and-information-science-librarian>

The University of Washington Libraries seeks an enthusiastic librarian 
committed to supporting user needs through a robust virtual reference 
and information service.  The Libraries utilizes OCLC's QuestionPoint to 
manage inquiries submitted via email, 24/7 chat, and text messaging 
through a single portal. In addition to participation in QuestionPoint's 
24/7 chat cooperative, the Libraries is a member of AskWA, Washington 
State’s cooperative reference service. The Online Reference Services 
Coordinator is responsible for the daily oversight of the Libraries' 
centralized AskUs virtual service point, and serves as the Libraries 
liaison to OCLC QuestionPoint and AskWA.  The Coordinator works with a 
small team sharing responsibility for answering and referring questions. 
The librarian will serve as the Information Science librarian, providing 
reference services, research consultations, outreach, instruction 
services, and collection development for programs in the Information School.

Specific Responsibilities and Duties:
- Provides leadership for the Libraries AskUs virtual, centralized 
service point. Monitors, responds to, and refers requests. Develops and 
provides training on QuestionPoint features and best practices. Serves 
as the Libraries’ expert on QuestionPoint. Understands the technical 
features of the system and works with Libraries Information Technology 
Services (ITS) to implement enhancements.
- Serves as the Libraries primary liaison to OCLC QuestionPoint and to 
AskWA. Duties may include membership on the OCLC QuestionPoint 24/7 
Advisory Board and the AskWA Steering Committee.
- Monitors and analyzes service usage and provides reports. Recommends 
new service approaches based on data. Reviews transcripts to ensure 
quality and communicates regularly with staff on best practices, 
software changes, and 24/7 chat policies.
- Seeks venues to expand the service to users, collaborating with 
partners in the Libraries and on campus to integrate online reference 
and information services.
- Serves as the Libraries’ liaison to the Information School, selecting 
materials to support research and instruction, and providing 
instructional and research consultation services to faculty and 
students. Responsible for maintaining research guides for disciplines 
offered in the Information School. Provides other services and support 
described in the UW Libraries’ Subject Librarian Position Description 
Framework.
- Participates in general and specialized reference services in the 
Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences through consultations, chat 
and email, and some desk hours.
- Manages state, gift, and grant funds for information science library 
acquisitions. May recommend materials from the collections for 
digitization and participate in regional and national cooperative 
collection development programs. Participates in meetings of the Social 
Sciences Fund Group and the Social Sciences Teaching Community.

*Qualifications*

Required:
- Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library 
Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information 
studies degree.
- Minimum of two years of post-MLS experience in public services in an 
academic library.
- Minimum of one year post MLS recent, regular experience providing chat 
reference.
- Evidence of ability to work independently and with others in a 
demanding and rapidly changing environment where consultation, 
collaboration, and cooperation are essential.
- Demonstrated commitment to and accomplishment in the provision of 
virtual reference and information services.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills evidenced by the ability 
to establish and maintain effective working relationships with 
colleagues, faculty, staff, and students; evidence of strong written and 
oral communication skills.
- Experience in using online tools and technologies.
- Evidence of initiative and resourcefulness in past professional or 
academic activities.
- Evidence of a strong customer service focus and a passion for 
providing excellent reference and information services to users.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity and understanding of the 
contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace.

Preferred:
- Evidence of engagement with current and emerging educational 
technology trends.
- Collection development and management experience in an academic library.
- Experience in providing information literacy instruction.

*Compensation*

Salary:
$48,000 minimum. Starting salary commensurate with qualifications and 
background.

Rank:
Position will be at rank of Assistant Librarian, Sr. Assistant Librarian 
or Associate Librarian, depending on qualifications and background.

Benefits:
Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the University of 
Washington Retirement Plan on a matching basis. Vacation is accrued at 
the rate of 24 working days per year; sick leave at the rate of 12 
working days per year. No state or local income tax.
Application Process

To apply for this position, please submit the following information to 
libhr at uw.edu:
- Cover letter (addressed to Laura Lillard, Assistant Director, 
Libraries Academic Human Resources).
- Curriculum vitae or resume (include a telephone number, mailing 
address, email address and salary requirements).
- List of three references who are knowledgeable of your qualifications 
for this position (include telephone numbers, mailing addresses, and 
email addresses).
- Please use "Librarian Application" in the subject heading.
- Please submit all three components in a single, multi-page PDF 
document. All submissions will be maintained in a secure, password 
protected online file space until interviews are conducted. Then, some 
application materials will be circulated.

Contact Information:
For questions about this position, or questions regarding potential 
disability accommodations, please contact Laura Lillard at libhr at uw.edu.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal 
opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive 
consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, 
race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as protected 
veterans, or status as qualified individuals with disabilities.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the 
University is required to verify and document the citizenship or 
employment authorization of each new employee.

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2014-09-24