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. 

Qualifications

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