Head of Research & Instruction

Goshen College is a Christian liberal arts institution that prepares students to thrive in life, leadership and service. We strive to model an inclusive community committed to transformative justice, peace, and sustainability. A respect and appreciation of the Anabaptist-Mennonite faith perspective and practices, and a commitment to the mission, vision, core values and  community standards of Goshen College, are important for teaching and administrative faculty members.  

Job Summary: The Head of Research and Instruction oversees library instruction and manages research services in the library. This position also provides considerable direct reference and instruction and serves as a liaison to 5-7 departments.

Essential Functions:

Instruction

1. Oversee library instruction, with assistance in planning, design and implementation from other librarians, including but not limited to the following: participation in the CORE curriculum and the library component of the first-year experience; transfer student orientation; international student orientation; high school and bridge programs; and instruction in liaison disciplines. Initiate contacts with teaching faculty in relation to students’ need for instruction in research strategies and library skills.
2. Collaborate with the Academic Success Center on writing support initiatives.
3. Maintain awareness of developments and trends in education, library and information science with a focus on instruction and library user experience; participate in relevant professional activities.
4. Coordinate the production and updating of tools and materials to support the instructional program.
5. Provide technical assistance with website design and maintenance.
6. Supervise library internships of students interested in librarianship as a career; work with academic advisors responsible for assessing student learning to ensure that the students complete a variety of instructive work assignments and receive adequate exposure to the profession during their internships.

Reference

1. Manage Ask desk services, including policy-making, promotion, scheduling, training and troubleshooting.
2. Develop and assess the reference collection on a continuing basis; establish policies and guidelines for reference resources in print and electronic forms.
3. Provide reference service 14-18 hours per week, including some weekday evenings.
4. Direct the Student Research Intern program, including selection, training and periodic evaluation.
5. Oversee the reading room and physical spaces associated with reference services.

Liaison

1. Assume liaison responsibilities for five to seven academic departments; aid in establishing collection development/acquisitions guidelines and weeding projects in these departments’ subject areas; assist with bibliographic instruction in those subject areas; inform and regularly update departments of their spending in relation to library allocations and applicable restricted funds.

Other Duties:

1. Serve on faculty committees.
2. Serve on PALNI taskforces and committees.
3. Participate in or lead special projects as assigned.

Education and/or Experience:

• Masters degree in Library Science required.
• Extensive use of reference sources (in print and online) essential.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching adults required.
• Hands-on understanding of data communications, standard desktop
• PC applications, and library automation tools required.
• Knowledge of current and evolving technologies highly desirable.

Skills Required:

• Strong public service and public relations skills.
• Ability to think analytically. Technical competence.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment and to organize and prioritize a demanding workload.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Teaching skills.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Basic budgeting skills.
• Flexibility and grace under pressure.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, students, administration, and staff.

Physical Demands: Lifting, handling and shelving books. Extensive use of computer and operation of normal office equipment. Mobility within the library and across campus. Reading a variety of print materials.

Work Environment/Environmental Condition: Mostly inside/office conditions. Temperatures are usually moderate. Artificial lighting. Some exposure to dust and molds characteristic of a library environment and to chemicals typically used in office products. Must use stairs or elevator to use toilet facilities.

All of the essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.   Individuals may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation. This position description is not all-inclusive and may change at the option of the (supervisor or department head). Any major change will result in the position being reviewed for reclassification.

Benefits

• Health insurance (employee premium 100% covered)
• Dental, vision, life and LTD insurance
• Retirement plans
• Tuition discounts
• Free employee membership to Recreation/Fitness Center
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave

See our website for additional benefits information.

About Goshen College

Goshen College is a nationally-ranked college and Hispanic-Serving Institution in Indiana renowned for its distinctive hands-on, real-world educational opportunities, and its commitment to creating positive change in the community and the world. The college offers over 65 undergraduate areas of study; as well as best-in-class graduate programs in nursing, business administration, social work and environmental education. This caring, safe and diverse campus prides itself on providing excellent academic programs that connect arts with sciences, and theory with practice — exposing students to multiple perspectives and encouraging them to think deeply, live creatively and lead purposefully.

The college is located in the City of Goshen in the heart of Elkhart County, within several hours of Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit, Residents of Goshen enjoy a culturally diverse small-town atmosphere with an active arts community, a vibrant and entrepreneurial downtown, the Maple City Greenway network of bicycle paths and affordable housing prices. Learn more at www.goodofgoshen.com.

How to Apply

Application materials may be attached to the Administrative Faculty Application Form or sent electronically to hr@goshen.edu.

Required:

• Complete the online Administrative Faculty Application Form
• Letter of Application
• Resume
• List of three professional references with contact information

E-Verify Statement of Participation

Goshen College participates in E-Verify. If you are hired, we will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Goshen College Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Goshen College is an equal opportunity employer, committed to enhancing diversity across the institution. Goshen College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or any legally protected status. To protect the welfare and provide for the safety of the students, employees, visitors, and resources of Goshen College, background checks are conducted by the Office of Human Resources on all new and re-hired employees.

Human Resources
Goshen College
1700 S. Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526-4795

E-mail: hr@goshen.edu
Telephone: (574) 535-7111