Job Description

Job Location Columbia College - Columbia, SC 29203 Position Type Full Time

The Assistant Research and Instruction Librarian promotes and supports student learning and academic success with a particular focus on undergraduate day programs, including first-year student initiatives. This role provides leadership in developing the research and information literacy capabilities of the Columbia College community, collaborating with faculty and staff to cultivate a culture of inquiry, academic engagement, and critical thinking.

The librarian plays an active role in information literacy instruction, research support, collection development, and programming, and contributes to campus-wide initiatives that advance student success. Evening and weekend shifts may be required.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Information Literacy and Instruction

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive plan for information literacy, broadly defined to include media and digital literacy, misinformation/disinformation, and bias, aligned with the ACRL Framework.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to design and implement activities, assignments, and instruction that support critical inquiry and ethical information use.
• Provide course-based information literacy support through embedded instruction, workshops, and classroom sessions for in-person and online learners.
• Lead the collaborative management and development of SpringShare LibGuides and other research support tools.
• Plan and deliver workshops, skillshops, and events to engage students and faculty in research and information literacy.

Research Support and Student Engagement

• Provide leadership for the delivery of research support in all modes (e.g., in person, chat, virtual appointments).
• Supervise and train student employees to provide peer-to-peer research and information literacy support.
• Document research and information literacy engagement for assessment purposes.
• Oversee daily library operations, including supervising student assistants.
• Contribute to the development of the Reference and General Collections.

Service, Scholarship, and Professional Development

• Serve on campus committees and task forces as assigned.
• Engage in professional service and development, including attending and presenting at professional conferences and staying current with emerging trends and practices.
• Participate in community life and activities at Columbia College.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Master’s degree from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited program (MLS/MLIS).
• 1–3 years of relevant experience, preferably in an academic library setting.
• Knowledge of current practices and pedagogy for information literacy.
• Strong commitment to the learning culture and mission of Columbia College.
• Demonstrated collaborative leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related technologies.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated experience in active learning pedagogy.
• Experience working with undergraduate students, particularly first-year programs.
• Familiarity with library instructional technologies and assessment practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Primarily sedentary work involving routine use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 10 pounds occasionally.
• May require periods of standing and walking.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested applicants should submit the following:

• Cover letter describing teaching interests and experiences
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching statement (philosophy and methodology)
• Statement of research and scholarly interests
• Names and contact information for three references
• Copies of graduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts accepted for initial review)

Review of applications will begin October 17 and continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries may be directed to:
Dr. Brennan Davis, Interim Dean of Integrated Learning Services

Email: bdavis@columbiasc.edu

EOE M/F/D/V