Assistant Professor – Access Services Librarian Job at Montana State University

Assistant Professor – Access Services Librarian

Position for the Assistant Professor – Access Services Librarian at Montana State University – Office of Student Engagement. This tenure‑track librarian will lead the Access, Information, and User Services (AIUS) Department, provide strategic direction, implement new services, manage personnel at the service desk, oversee technical aspects of the library’s online circulation and reserves services, and collaborate with other library departments to provide public services. The position also includes library instruction to students, staff, and faculty.

Contact

Robin Francis, Assistant to the Dean
406-994-4997
robin@montana.edu

Position Details

Faculty Tenure Track: Yes
Faculty Rank: Assistant/Associate Professor
Position Number: 4B3566
FTE: 1.0
Benefits: Eligible

Salary

Starting at $72,080 annually (plus $10,000 administrative stipend annually concurrent with a department head appointment), commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the AIUS Department, including providing strategic direction, implementing new services, and collaborating with other library departments to provide public services.
• Serve as Head of the AIUS Department from 2026 – 2028, with renewal at the dean’s discretion.
• Manage AIUS personnel, including several classified staff members and 13–15 student employees.
• Oversee technical aspects of the operations of the library’s online circulation, holds, and reserves services.
• Provide instruction to students, staff, and faculty through research consultations, library instruction sessions, workshops, and/or credit‑bearing courses.
• Contribute scholarship and service in accordance with tenure expectations.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Master’s degree in library and information science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA‑accredited program (or international equivalent) or terminal degree from an appropriate discipline by the time of appointment.
• Experience with library access services, circulation, or user services operations.
• Knowledge of reference, research support, or information literacy instruction in an academic, research, or equivalent setting.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, supervisory, or project management experience.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience with Ex Libris' Alma and Primo and with Springshare's LibApps.
• Experience designing and delivering library instruction, workshops, or credit‑bearing courses.
• Knowledge of or experience with managing instructional and classroom technologies in an academic environment.
• Evidence of scholarly or professional contributions in librarianship, teaching, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with faculty, staff, and students in support of student success.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Have a broad knowledge and an understanding of current trends and issues in academic libraries, particularly related to access, user experience, and emerging technologies.
• Have a user‑oriented mindset for delivering outstanding library service.
• Have excellent communication skills across a range of audiences, including students, faculty, library colleagues, and the professional community.
• Have problem‑solving skills and a positive and proactive approach to troubleshooting.
• Have project management skills and an aptitude for managing multiple priorities.
• Have strong collaborative abilities with students and colleagues of diverse skills and perspectives.
• Contribute positively to the academic success of the students and the mission of Montana State University.
• Have the ability to engage in research and be an active tenure‑track faculty member capable of meeting the university’s promotion and tenure requirements for librarianship, scholarly activity, and service.

Position Special Requirements / Additional Information

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Program and Department

The MSU Library embraces educational initiatives in many formats. The AIUS Department is the vibrant, user‑centered public face of the library. For more information, visit https://www.lib.montana.edu/about/faculty-and-staff/departments/aius/.

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies: 1
Desired Start Date: (Not specified)
Position End Date: (Not specified)
Open Date: (Not specified)
Close Date: (Not specified)
Screening of applications will begin on January 7th, 2025; applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

• A cover letter highlighting elements of your experiences that specifically addresses the required and preferred qualifications.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• A statement on your teaching philosophy that will be applied to your work with students and instructors at MSU (max 2 pages).

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

FLSA Details

FLSA Determination: Exempt.

Applicant Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Other: Please see Special Instructions