Instructional and Research Librarian

Position Summary: The Mabee Library at MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) seeks a dynamic, service-minded Instructional and Research Librarian to join a collaborative team in advancing the library's mission to build student success through high-impact practices for information literacy and academic enrichment. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is innovative, collaborative, and committed to advancing teaching, learning, and research. The library team consists of one full-time faculty librarian, two full-time staff librarians, one quarter-time library technologist, and 10-15 undergraduate student workers. The Instructional and Research Librarian supervises and mentors some of these undergraduate student workers as peer research consultants. This position reports to the MNU Library Director and the NBC VPAA.

This role requires a warm, relational person who thrives on engagement across campus. The Instructional and Research Librarian must be comfortable and energized by regular interaction with students, faculty, and staff through classroom visits, consultations, and meetings.

This position also requires leadership and management of library services at Nazarene Bible College (NBC)-a fully online, sister institution. NBC and MNU share the resources of the Mabee Library. These responsibilities will comprise 50% of job duties for the Instructional and Research Librarian.

MNU Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison as assigned to programs of study across campus, including graduate/adult programs, building collaborative partnerships with faculty, academic departments, and Academic Success Center to support teaching, learning, and student success.
• Develop and deliver curriculum-aligned instructional workshops/seminars to promote information literacy and research production.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate student library workers as peer research consultants.
• Coordinate information literacy, research, and citation services with the Academic Success Center in the Mabee Learning Commons.
• Provide reference and research assistance to students and faculty to advance teaching, learning, and research effectiveness.
• Develop digital learning tools, research guides, instructional materials, and promote outreach initiatives that foster awareness of the use of library resources and services.
• In collaboration with the library director, assess and evaluate instructional and outreach efforts to improve student engagement, learning and research skills, and service effectiveness.
• Promote use of collections and services to promote research.
• Participate in campus and community events to represent the library and foster collaborative relationships that support academic engagement and outreach.
• Participate in professional development activities (for example, conferences, workshops, professional organizations, and scholarly or institutional service initiatives that support the mission and strategic goals of the university and library).
• Complete other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the university and the library.

NBC Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate NBC library resource delivery and services with MNU staff.
• Conduct outreach to NBC students and instructors to support student research across the curriculum.
• Communicate regularly with the offices of NBC Information Technology and the NBC Vice President for Academic Affairs to maintain service quality levels.

Qualifications

• Ability to work with people, communicate clearly, and build collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and diverse campus stakeholders.
• Ability to provide instructional, reference, and research support in an academic or learning-centered environment.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically.
• Working knowledge of various research resources in print and electronic formats.
• Computer proficiency in educational technologies including Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word and Excel), digital learning tools, and video conferencing software.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new computer systems and digital resources.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and emerging trends in academic librarianship and higher education.
• Ability to lift and carry at least 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job's essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Required:

• ALA-accredited MLS or MLIS, either completed or with substantial progress.
• Minimum one year of teaching experience, training experience, or commensurate skill.
• Demonstrated success in outreach, relationship building, and public communication.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and team-building skills; ability to inspire engagement and collaboration across campus.
• Experience working in the online/distance learning environment.
• Commitment to student success, teaching excellence, and the integration of faith and learning.
• A personal faith in Jesus Christ and alignment with the university's mission and values.

Preferred:

• Experience with digital scholarship tools and practices.
• Ability to assess instructional and outreach efforts and use data to improve services, engagement, and learning outcomes.
• Experience with integrated library systems, LibGuides platform, citation management tools presentation and video creation technologies.

Application: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To apply for this position, attach the following documentation with your online application:

• A complete curriculum vita or resume
• Letter of application (cover letter)
• Teaching Philosophy
• List of professional references (minimum of 3 with phone number and email address included)
• University transcripts from all universities from which degrees were received (scan and attach) or request mailing from appropriate university (official transcripts will be required upon hire)
• Statement of faith (see below)

Questions about the application process may be addressed to Abigail Harris, HR Specialist, at abrubaker@mnu.edu. Questions regarding the position may be addressed to Dr. Mark Hayse, Director of Mabee Library, at mahayse@mnu.edu

Statement of Faith

MidAmerica Nazarene University is an intentionally Christian Community and desires that all employees in positions of leadership reflect a foundational Christian position in word, attitude and action. While there is no predetermined length or format for the Personal Statement of Faith, the norm is a one or two page narrative document describing the applicant's central Christian beliefs, significant formative influences in the applicant's Christian experience (e.g., religious experiences of conversion or the affirmation of one's faith, one's family and/or home life, spiritual aspirations), and ways in which the applicant's faith is being demonstrated in daily patterns and practices.

Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start date: July 2026.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed in a normal office and classroom setting. Travel between buildings on campus is required; occasional weekend and evening work during given periods and travel to other locations for training can be expected i.e., conferences, etc. Deadlines, disturbances of workflow, and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected and occur on an intermittent basis. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job's essential functions.

MidAmerica Nazarene University is very much interested in reviewing applications from qualified members of traditionally underrepresented groups in America including women and racial and ethnic minorities. MidAmerica Nazarene University policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, marital status, or disability in the recruitment and admission of students and in the operation of all university programs, activities, and services. Any concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of gender or disability should be addressed to the Human Resources Director.

• Christian faith and employment at MidAmerica Nazarene University: MidAmerica Nazarene University is an expression of the Church of the Nazarene. It reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (Title VII, Section 702-703, U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964). Preferred candidates demonstrate a strong commitment to the Christian faith, active participation in a local church, and a philosophy of Christian higher education consistent with the Wesleyan tradition.

Read the university's full Non-Discrimination/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement at www.mnu.edu/employment.