At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead library operations, supervise staff, and assist students with research and information literacy.
- Company: Bristol Community College, a supportive and inclusive educational environment.
- Benefits: Part-time role with flexible hours, sick leave, holiday pay, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' academic journeys while developing your library skills.
- Qualifications: Master's degree in Library Science and two years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As the lead librarian for the Taunton LLC, the Reference & Instruction Librarian (part-time) oversees library operations at the Taunton Center, including the supervision of student assistants and one part-time library assistant. In collaboration with other LLC staff, the position oversees access services for the location, delivers information literacy instruction, and assists researchers in the use of print/electronic resources. This is a part-time, non-benefitted position, with provisions for sick leave, holiday pay, and all-purpose leave. Weekly schedule may not exceed 18.5 hours per week. Schedule may vary depending on local needs. Occasional travel to other locations is required. SALARY: $36.55 per hour.
Reference & Instruction
- Provide general reference assistance and information literacy instruction; conduct orientation sessions, tours, and classroom introductions to LLC resources and services.
- Provide online assistance to library users via multiple mediums including chat, e-mail, Canvas, Zoom, and Teams.
- Serve as a liaison to one or more academic areas and provide collection development for these areas of the collection.
- Participate in meetings as required (i.e., Access Services Leadership Team, Research & Instruction Group, LLC Team, and Taunton Staff meetings).
- Maintain professional knowledge of information and trends in library and related technology fields; recommend innovative ideas to connect students within information.
Access Services & Assigned Location Responsibilities
- Hire, supervise, develop, and direct the work of assigned staff.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations to ensure continuous improvement and identify potential opportunities for growth.
- Work closely with Human Resources to notify staff of important deadlines (e.g., payroll), set performance expectations, and develop staff capabilities.
- Participate in circulation desk activities, including checking materials in/out; assist students in accessing tutoring services; assist with use of library equipment.
- Compile statistics on usage of various library services/resources.
- Create and maintain library displays and exhibits, online and in the physical location.
- Develop the local collection to support courses taught at the Taunton location.
- Organize assigned location's Library and Learning Commons (Taunton), including the physical space and daily departmental activities.
- Provide outreach to administration, faculty, staff, and students at assigned location about LLC resources and services.
- Promote a positive and inclusive work environment that supports the professional growth of staff while fostering a commitment to service excellence.
- Demonstrate a sense of professionalism and consistently reflect Bristol's core values while interacting with members of the Bristol community.
- Focus on the Commonwealth's Equity Agenda by applying related best practices throughout all job functions.
- Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Qualifications
- Minimum of a Master's degree in Library Science, Library & Information Science, or closely related field. Must be received by September 2026.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience, training, and/or coursework that includes library operations, library information systems, reference services, bibliographic instruction, and access services. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience shall be considered.
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse student body, faculty, and staff.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Reliable transportation to travel to and from meetings, trainings, or campus and community locations as required.
Reference Librarian (part-time), Bristol Community College (Taunton) employer: Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
Contact Detail:
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reference Librarian (part-time), Bristol Community College (Taunton)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current librarians or staff at Bristol Community College. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a mini-presentation on how you’d enhance library services or engage students. This will demonstrate your passion and creativity during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for situational questions! Think about scenarios where you've helped students or improved library operations. We want to hear how you handle real-life challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Reference Librarian (part-time), Bristol Community College (Taunton)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Reference Librarian role. Highlight your experience in library operations and information literacy instruction, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must, don’t shy away from demonstrating these in your application. Use clear, concise language and make sure to proofread for any errors. We appreciate attention to detail!
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've got experience supervising staff or conducting library tours, make sure to mention it! We love seeing candidates who can bring their past experiences to the table, especially when it comes to working with diverse groups.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you're keen on joining our team at Bristol Community College!
How to prepare for a job interview at Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
✨Know Your Library Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of library operations and information literacy. Be ready to discuss how you would assist students and faculty in using both print and electronic resources. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in library technology, as this will show your commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be supervising student assistants and a part-time library assistant, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed projects. Highlight your ability to conduct performance evaluations and foster a positive work environment during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like assisting a frustrated student or managing library resources during peak times. Practise your responses to these scenarios, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to provide excellent service.
✨Engage with the Community
Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of outreach by discussing how you would promote library resources to students and faculty. Think about innovative ideas you could bring to the table that align with Bristol's core values and the Commonwealth's Equity Agenda.