Part-Time Reference Librarian (Hourly)

Ramapo College of New Jersey (RCNJ) develops ethical leaders who serve as change agents across all sectors. The College’s unique interdisciplinary academic structure, its liberal arts core, its size (approximately 5,500 students), and its setting in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains on the New Jersey/New York border provide an optimal environment for individualized, student-centered learning and leadership development. RCNJ’s designation as “New Jersey’s Public Liberal Arts College” by the State legislature is the foundation from which the College’s commitment to an accessible and transformative undergraduate and graduate education is realized.

Established in 1969, CondeNast Traveler named Ramapo one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America. The barrier-free campus occupies 300 acres and is home to 52 bachelor’s degree programs spanning the arts, business, data science, humanities, education, nursing, social work, social sciences, and the sciences. Ramapo College boasts an average student/faculty ratio of 16:1 and an average class size of 21; affording students the opportunity to develop close ties to the College’s exceptional faculty. In addition, the College offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work, and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Every degree program is designed and delivered through the collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts of student-centered faculty scholars and staff who are committed to serving the public good through the delivery of an academically rigorous, inclusive, and a transformative collegiate experience.  Ramapo is ranked #1 among New Jersey public institutions by College Choice and is recognized as the State’s top college on the list of Best Disability Schools by Great Value Colleges. Further commendations include designation as a “Military Friendly College” in Victory Media’s Guide to Military Friendly Schools, and as a leading college by U.S. News & World Report, Kiplinger’s, Princeton Review, and Money Magazine, among others. 

Examples of Duties

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Part time, 12 hours per week during the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.

Saturday - 12:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday - 12:00-6:00 p.m. (No Sunday Hours during the Summer)

Occasionally additional hours may be available.

JOB SUMMARY:

 Under the direct supervision of the Dean of the Library and Reference Coordinator, the part-time Reference Librarian is responsible for providing in-person and virtual reference service; assists students, faculty and staff in the use of library resources and provides research support; supervises the Circulation Desk, performs Interlibrary Loan functions, and performs other duties as assigned.

DUTIES

Responds to research inquiries from Ramapo students, faculty, and staff – in person at the Research Help Desk and through online chat, text, email, and phone.

Answers in-depth and general reference questions using a variety of relevant print and online resources including databases.

Instructs students on the use of library resources including the online catalog (Koha) and various research databases.

Conducts thorough reference interviews to assess patron needs.

Oversees the library facility during nights and weekends. Ensures the safety of library patrons and equipment.

May train and supervise Circulation student workers. Assists in resolving Circulation student or staff interactions with patrons when needed. 

Assists patrons in locating and obtaining materials outside Ramapo through Interlibrary Loan. Help patrons with filling out Interlibrary Loan request forms. Offers Ramapo students and faculty other means available to obtain needed materials outside Ramapo including VALE Reciprocal Borrowing Program, Mahwah Public Library, and Bergen County Cooperative Library System. 

Supports Interlibrary Loan functions including processing Interlibrary Loan requests, verifying  elements of the request, locating the material, and preparing the necessary paperwork.

Manages library emergencies and incidents during assigned shifts and coordinates with Public Safety as necessary. Submits written reports about the incidents to library supervisors. Reports building-related problems including leaks, burned out lights and other maintenance problems to library supervisors.

Interprets library policies and procedures to the public.

Records and compiles reference statistics for reports.

Completes special assignments and projects as assigned.

Assists in promoting the library, its services and programs to library patron.

Keeps informed of professional trends and best-practices and Ramapo College and library policies and procedures.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Required: Master’s degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA accredited library school.

• Minimum of one year of reference experience, preferably in an academic library.

• Experience in providing in-person and virtual reference service including chat and text.

• Preferred: Experience with library functions including Circulation and Interlibrary Loan. Knowledge of Interlibrary Loan management systems and OCLC WMS a plus.

• The successful candidate will be customer service-oriented, self-directed, flexible, accommodating, and motivated to work in a diverse academic environment.  

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

Knowledge of and experience in using print and online information sources including databases.

Consistent, high quality of performance in areas of assigned responsibility with an emphasis on providing excellent reference service to patrons.

Knowledge of Interlibrary Loan and Circulation policies, procedures, and workflows.

Ability to process Interlibrary Loan requests in an orderly and efficient manner.

Ability to evaluate difficult situations related to Reference, Circulation, and Interlibrary Loan, including clarifying patron complaints, determining the cause of the problem, exploring solutions, and making decisions to resolve the problem.

Demonstrated commitment to providing excellent user-centered services in an academic library setting.

Ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member with diverse students and faculty, as well as library staff and student workers.  

Excellent oral and written communication skills, organizational skills, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for performing assigned responsibilities. 

Maintain knowledge of current trends, best practices and emerging technologies in the library field.

Ability to learn and interpret college and library policies and procedures.

Ability to work a flexible schedule.

Supplemental Information

EEO Statement:

Ramapo College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Ramapo has a long history of advocating, advising, and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. Examples can be found in its mission statement, strategic plans, degree and course offerings, community outreach programs, and other diversity programs. Ramapo’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is infused across all facets of the College; where the environment is welcoming, dedicated to social justice, respectful of freedom of expression, focused on educating and having an ongoing conversation regarding cultural competence and the benefits and importance of diversity.

Agency

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Address

505 Ramapo Valley Road

Mahwah, New Jersey, 07430

Phone

2016847782 Website

https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/ramapo?