The Instruction and Research Librarian in the Libraries’ Humanities and History unit fosters information literacy and critical research skills among students and faculty through an interdisciplinary and liberal arts-based approach to teaching, learning, and research support.

Reporting to the Head of Humanities & History, the Librarian provides programmatic instruction, research consultations, and other learning-support services designed to produce the literacies and habits of mind required for research and scholarship in a contemporary information environment. The Librarian is responsible for sustainable in-person, online, and asynchronous services for all University constituencies but especially for undergraduates and master’s students. As part of the Humanities & History (H&H) team, the Librarian participates in front-line reference services and is the coordinator of H&H’s consultation services.

This position works closely with the Teaching and Undergraduate Services Librarian and other public-service staff—as well as colleagues in the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and academic partners across campus. As assigned, the Librarian serves as a liaison to specific academic departments and research centers and, as appropriate, acquires research materials in selected disciplinary and interdisciplinary subjects.

Key Responsibilities

• Instruction, Consultations, and Reference
• Coordinate research consultations on behalf of the Humanities & History unit.
• Contribute as an instructor to the Libraries’ teaching partnerships, including those for the Writing Program and other Core Curriculum courses, as well as the Libraries’ general library workshops.
• Provide regular consultations and research-support to students and faculty through one-on-one research appointments and contributions to the Libraries’ references services (including the in-person Butler help desk and the Ask a Librarian chat-reference service).

Outreach and Liaison Duties

• Promote engagement with library services through strategic partnerships with academic departments and centers.
• Participate in selected orientation and welcome events.
• As assigned, serve as a liaison to specific departments and/or centers.
• Committee Work
• Contribute to Libraries and University committees, task forces, and related initiatives to enhance and promote library services.

Professional Development

• Keep up with evolving scholarly and professional trends, especially those pertinent to teaching, learning assessment, and service design.
• Represent Columbia University Libraries in local and national forums to develop professionally and promote the Libraries’ work and goals.

Qualifications

Required

• An ALA-accredited Master’s of Library Science or a relevant graduate degree and professional experience
• Familiarity with the work and mission of a contemporary academic research library
• Formal or informal experience teaching in an academic setting; knowledge of pedagogical methods and trends in higher education
• Demonstrated familiarity with a range of relevant research tools and environments
• Strong public service ethos and commitment to providing inclusive and equitable services
• Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills

Preferred

• Experience as a liaison librarian
• Second advanced degree (e.g., master’s, Ph.D.) in a relevant field

Contact: kw3087@columbia.edu