Access Services Librarian

Houghton Memorial Library

Huntingdon College

Montgomery, Alabama 

 

Come Join the Huntingdon Family

 

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• Looking for a professional opportunity that provides for a broad professional library
• experience?
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• Seeking to develop your information literacy teaching skills?
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• Interested in being part of a small library team exploring creative ways to advance an
• academic library?
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• Enjoy working closely with students and faculty in a small, liberal arts environment?
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Huntingdon College is seeking applicants to join its library faculty as the Access Services Librarian.  This tenure-track, 12-month position (rank dependent upon experience) has daily management of the Library’s access services functions and supervisory responsibility for the Library’s student assistants.  The Access Services Librarian:

 

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• Oversees the access services functions of the Library (we are an OCLC WMS library) to
• meet evolving needs of users, including but not limited to circulation, reserves, stack management, shared virtual reference/research assistance.
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• Works with other members of the library faculty & staff to develop and sustain effective
• and innovative pathways to resources and services that consider a wide range of potential barriers for diverse populations.
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• Oversees development of effective wayfinding resources in a variety of formats.
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• Oversees the Library’s student assistant program (e.g. supervision, training, evaluation).
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• Ensures necessary service desk coverage during full-access hours.
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• Prepares reports as needed.
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• Provides technology assistance to students and other library users.
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• Educates users on library policies, services, and collections.
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• Provides reference/research assistance.
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• Assists in delivery of the Library’s information literacy program.
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• Assists in delivery of InterLibrary Loan services (as needed).
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• Assists in development of collections, physical and electronic.
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• Possesses an understanding of a wide range of privacy and security issues.
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• Assists in development and delivery of library events and various observances.
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• Assists in overall promotion of the Library and its role in the academic development
• of students, as well as their overall well-being.
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• Assists in the development of the Library’s social media through contributing posts.
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• Possesses ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
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• Possesses a work ethic that extends beyond “It’s not in my job description.”
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• Provides some evening coverage during full-access hours, if needed.
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• Fulfills responsibilities associated with status as a faculty member.
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To be successful in the position a librarian will need to be reliable in their work schedule and in the fulfillment of their responsibilities, have effective communication skills, be able to work productively with a diverse population, think creatively and analytically and conceptually, be an advocate for intellectual freedom, have an interest in working with students to help them prepare for their success in the workforce and in their life after college, show an enthusiasm for the overall opportunities a small college environment can provide -- and exhibit patience and a welcoming environment.  The successful candidate should understand that in most instances they are the visible frontline representation of the Library for those who visit our physical space.  

 

The team of the Houghton Memorial Library includes 4 library faculty (ranging from 6 to 38 years in the profession), 4 full- and part-time staff, and an average of 25 student assistants (and one ghost!).  An exciting space redesign project is underway.  

 

An ALA-accredited Master’s in library science is required. Applications from qualified candidates recently completing their degree are welcome.  We enjoy providing librarians their first post-degree professional experience.  Applications from qualified candidates whose background has been in the public library field are also welcome.  Ideal start date is early January 2024, with some flexibility for an earlier or later start date.  

 

Huntingdon College is located in historic Montgomery, Alabama, which holds the unique distinction of being both the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and having served as the first capital of the Confederacy.  Huntingdon has recently implemented an exciting Race & Justice Initiative that includes the introduction of an African American Studies minor, several new courses across the disciplines, and a new lecture series.  Montgomery is the headquarters of the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Equal Justice Initiative, and is home to such sites and attractions as Dexter Avenue Baptist Church (where Martin Luther King, Jr. preached and which served as a center point of the Montgomery Bus Boycott ), the Rosa Parks Museum, the Freedom Riders Museum, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Capri Theatre (independent, foreign language, and documentary films), the Montgomery Biscuits (minor league baseball team), Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, and the new National Memorial for Peace and Justice and Legacy Museum.  Montgomery is 3 hours from Gulf Coast beaches and 2 - 3 hours from Atlanta.

 

Huntingdon College is committed to a policy against legally impermissible, arbitrary, or unreasonable discriminatory practices. Therefore, Huntingdon College, in accordance with Title IX and Section 106.8 of the 2020 Final Rule under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, other applicable federal and state law, and stated College policy, prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. Furthermore, Huntingdon College, in accordance with applicable federal and state law and stated College policy, prohibits discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived gender, gender identity, race, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age and/or national origin in its education program or activity, including admission and employment.

 

Huntingdon College also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internal or external to the institution. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination, which are prohibited under Title IX by policy.  Inquiries and/or complaints that are not related to disability discrimination can be addressed to:

Huntingdon College Title IX Coordinator. Eric A. Kidwell. Library. 1500 East Fairview Ave.

Montgomery, AL 36106. [log in to unmask]

 

Huntingdon College, grounded in the Judeo-Christian tradition of the United Methodist Church, is committed to nurturing growth in faith, wisdom, and service and to graduating individuals prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Founded in 1854, Huntingdon is a coeducational liberal arts college.

 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  To apply, submit a letter of application, curriculum vita with the names and contact information of three references, graduate transcript(s) (unofficial is acceptable at time of application), and statement of professional philosophy (i.e. philosophy of academic librarianship) to: Dr. Sarah Conrad Sours, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, at [log in to unmask].

 

Questions may be directed to Eric A. Kidwell, Professor & Director of the Library & Title IX Coordinator at [log in to unmask].