Instruction and Research Librarian

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.

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