Reference Librarian at The Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University

Job Title: Reference Librarian

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Salary: $47,000 – $59,000

Job Summary

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (the Academy) is seeking a Reference Librarian to serve as the point-of-contact for all reference requests, and to guide guests in their use of one of the finest natural history libraries in the Americas.  

The Academy’s extensive library collection is housed within its Library and Archives and reflects the institution’s role as one of the great natural history museums of the world, and the oldest in the Americas. Its collection tells a story of scientific inquiry beginning in the 16th century and has been shaped by two centuries of Academy research, purchases, subscriptions, and exchanges.

The primary users of the library collection are Academy scientists and staff, as well as Drexel’s faculty and students, with external researchers, visiting scholars, and other libraries regularly accessing its collections also.

Aside from the creation of new knowledge, the library collection also increasingly forms the basis of a robust schedule of public programs (including lectures, seminars, workshops, conferences, tours, and exhibitions), student engagement, and professional training.

The Reference Librarian works alongside the Special Collections Librarian, the Cataloging and Serials librarian, the Brook Dolan Archivist, and the Executive Director of the Library and Archives as part of a five-person team responsible for implementing strategies that care for the collections, facilitate and share research, develop programming, foster networking and collaboration among other libraries and archives, build new audiences, and deepen the Academy’s relationship with Drexel University.

Essential Functions

  • Provide in-depth reference support for staff, Drexel students and outside researchers using Academy library collections and the collections of other institutions
  • Conduct reference interviews, schedule appointments, and provide guidance to visiting scholars and other public users
  • Prepare and transmit instructional materials on accessing and using library resources
  • Answer all library inquiries, internal and external
  • Manage all aspects of interlibrary loan from submitting borrowing requests on behalf of staff to filling lending requests from other libraries
  • Handle subscription invoices and acquisitions activities
  • Purchase materials for acquisition based on Academy priorities
  • Serve as liaison with Academy research staff, publishers, and subscription vendors
  • Manage grant funds and spending for collection development within budget guidelines
  • Manage access and circulation, and related policies
  • Maintain use statistics
  • Manage the Academy’s use of ALMA in collaboration with Drexel Library
  • Work with the Special Collections Librarian to digitize materials
  • Work with Intellectual Property Manager to monetize the digital collections
  • Regularly update links to electronic resources and keep library information on the Academy website both current and relevant
  • Manage maintenance requirements and vendor contacts for the Library & Archives technical equipment and work with the Academy’s IT department as needed
  • Collaborate with Special Collections Librarian in the development of programs and resources to improve the accessibility and awareness of the library collection to staff, Drexel faculty, staff and students, and the scientific community at large
  • Collaborate fully with colleagues at the Academy maintaining a collegial environment and positive work culture
  • Collaborate with colleagues at educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia and beyond
  • Support the Experience and Engagement Division as directed to build new, broad, and diverse audiences through collections-based programs
  • Support the Institutional Advancement Division as directed to draft grant proposals, and host/attend fundraising events that involve the Library and Archives
  • Support the Marketing Division as directed in the preparation of relevant blogs, and social media posts.
  • Understand, model, and promote the Academy’s core values
  • Represent and promote the Archives at conferences and symposia as appropriate
  • Undertake other duties as assigned

Requirements

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • At least two years’ experience providing all aspects of reference services in a scholarly environment
  • Experience handling rare and fragile books, manuscripts, photographs, and papers
  • Knowledge of Library of Congress Classification system
  • Familiarity with reference resources and electronic databases
  • Knowledge of integrated library systems, in particular ALMA, including use of circulation modules
  • Excellent organizational, problem solving, communication, and outreach skills
  • Experience working with digital equipment including cameras and scanners as well as a familiarity with Adobe Photoshop or similar photo-editing software
  • Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours

Preferred Qualifications

  • MLIS from an ALA accredited school or equivalent advanced degree preferred
  • Previous experience in special collections libraries preferred
  • Knowledge of American natural history and/or the history of science and/or rare books

Apply via AAM