Section Head, Reference and Instruction

Job Description

Duties & Responsibilities:    
This position requires an energetic and enthusiastic individual who will provide reference, instruction, and research services for students, faculty, and employees to assist with research needs and to contribute to the learning environment at the College through the management and support of Library Services.
Candidates should have an outstanding record of industry experience in library services and possess the qualifications necessary to be successful in the role of Section Head, Reference and Instruction.
The successful candidate will provide reference and research services by answering questions and conducting reference interviews with students and employees to identify research needs, utilize and share expert search strategies to provide advice on appropriate resources and follow up on research inquiries in a timely manner.
The successful candidate will provide instruction in qualitative and quantitative research methods, the research process, and information evaluation techniques, collaborating with faculty to support and develop programs that deliver learning objectives. This includes developing online subject and resource guides to highlight technology, current trends, and Library resources to aid in student and employee research needs.
The successful candidate will create instructional materials, lesson plans, learning outcomes, and assessment tools to deliver information/digital literacy and research classes that demonstrate critical thinking, hands-on learning, and collaboration. This will include developing scholarly communication functions, advising on copyright, open access, publishing, and impact analysis as well as developing the library collection through the review of relevant lists, knowledge of publications, feedback from users, and curriculum and accreditation needs.
The successful candidate will assist in the assignment and delegation of tasks to Senior Technical Support Specialists, Library Technical Support Specialists, and Student employees.
The successful candidate will participate on College and Departmental committees to promote College, Library and information management policies and procedures in alignment with industry best practices and liaise with colleagues and employers to engage in continuous teaching, learning and industry development to enhance the scope of student learning.
The successful candidate will attend departmental meetings and participate in initiatives to monitor and enhance student learning development and success, assist in the development, implementation and evaluation of Library policies and procedures and contribute to the establishment of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Library Reference and Instruction and monitor its performance vis-à-vis established KPIs on a regular basis.
The successful candidate will provide professional development support and perform periodic performance reviews for direct subordinates, contribute to the development of workforce plans for the Library, Learning Commons and Archives in collaboration with Human Resources, and contribute to the development of employees through identifying appropriate learning and development opportunities.
Skills
Education and Certifications:
Master’s Degree in Library and/or Information Science. ALA-accredited or equivalent program
Experience:
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in Library Services or related field
1 year Supervisory experience
Language:
Fluency in written and spoken English language
Arabic language will be an asset
Other Required Skills:
Strong leadership skills with a desire to achieve organizational success and to lead by example is required. A proactive can-do attitude to work and good time management is essential. The candidate should have the ability to anticipate change and effectively manage quality and risk at all times. Effective decision making and resource management is required. Commitment to positive relationship building and effective working relationships across all levels of the organisations is required. Knowledge of Library Science is required and knowledge of Recruitment. A Commitment to ongoing training and continuous professional development is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate explanatory communication and interpersonal skills and fluency in English language is required.