Williams College Office of Human Resources
Phone: (413) 597-3129

Job # 300582-W
Posted September 18, 2009

Reference/Web Services Librarian, Sawyer Library - Williams College Libraries

Williams College Libraries seeks a creative, service-oriented and technologically skilled librarian to provide reference services and shape the future of the library's online presence. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine reference and web development skills and to work with a dynamic team dedicated to innovation and providing pro-active services. As a small liberal arts college library we value collegiality, collaboration and working one-on-one with students and faculty. The Reference/Web Services Librarian reports to the Head of Research and Reference Services and is an active member of the department. This position is a full-time, 12-month administrative staff position.

Responsibilities:

The Reference/Web Services Librarian provides reference and instruction services for the humanities and social sciences at Sawyer Library. S/he works at the Research Help Desk and conducts research appointments (some weekend and evening hours are required). As liaison to academic departments, the Reference/Web Services Librarian plans and teaches instruction sessions, creates web-based course research guides and develops the library's collections in assigned disciplines.

The Reference/Web Services Librarian manages the library's web site which is driven by a custom-created content management system. S/he provides vision for future development, explores new technologies and implements all changes. S/he serves as an active member of the library's Electronic Public Interfaces Committee and works collaboratively with the committee to set priorities for site improvements and to integrate information literacy principles into the design. S/he works with reference and instruction librarians to develop new online instruction materials and trains and supports colleagues to be self-sufficient web authors. S/he shares expertise and collaborates with other web-developers on campus.

Requirements:

• ALA-accredited MLS

• Experience or coursework in reference and instruction services

• Expertise in developing and maintaining dynamic, data-driven web sites, especially using these technologies: XHTML, CSS, Javascript (particularly the jQuery and/or scriptaculous libraries), PHP, and SQL (particularly using the MySQL database engine)

• Knowledge of emerging web and information technologies and ability to integrate them into existing tools and sites

• Comfortable developing web sites in both Unix and Windows environments

• Familiarity with and use of web 2.0 technologies, including: social networking tools, blogging or other personal publishing, and software-as-a-service / cloud computing

• Demonstrated web site design skills

• Ability to explain and to teach technology to a less- or non-technical audience

• Subject knowledge and demonstrated interest in at least one social sciences or humanities discipline

• Flexibility, initiative and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented organization as well as independently

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Preferred:

• Academic library experience in reference and instruction services

• Understanding of and participation in open source software

• Proficiency in additional programming languages

Review of applications will begin on October 12, 2009 and continue until the position is filled.

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive.

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