Assistant Theological Librarian

The Assistant Theological Librarian serves as a member of the theological division at Hekman Library and provides reference and instructional services support for students, faculty, and staff at Calvin Theological Seminary and Calvin University.

• Provide reference and research support related to religion and theology for students (residential and distance, traditional and non-traditional), faculty, and the community by providing guidance, assistance, and instruction to enable patrons to make optimum use of the library.
• Provide instructional support by teaching research methods and information literacy skills in university and seminary classes in order to help students in specific courses conduct research in a defined area.
• Provide support to library users by staffing the reference desk through offline and online on‑call research support to contribute to efficient and effective use of the library and its resources.
• Contribute to the development of the theological collection by selecting suitable and beneficial books and journals to advance the entire collection, with special attention given to establishing and maintaining an outstanding collection in religion and theology.

Possibly supervise the activities of student assistants.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires a master’s in library science (MLS/MLIS) and a master’s degree in theology/religion; three to five years experience in a seminary library, theological library, or academic library setting or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.

The position requires the ability to explain university policies in difficult situations, write and edit reports or technical documents, coordinate and assess the work of others, and activities requiring significant communication skills.

The position requires the ability to solve problems and to deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Instructions may be furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

The position has the authority, if approved, to take action or make recommendations that will affect procedures, processes, and practices involving patrons or employees in other departments.

This position requires independent judgement in setting priorities and organizing work to accomplish results. The position requires an ability to interpret and extrapolate patron requests in order to supply relevant materials. Some of the responsibilities of this position are performed in accordance with existing procedures and instructions.

• Commitment to the Reformed faith as expressed in the historic Reformed confessions and creeds.
• Excellent communication and teaching skills.
• Knowledge of computer technology especially as it relates to libraries.

This position requires regular engagement with employees or patrons and deals with items of a routine nature with occasional supervision. Participants use information and expertise to influence outcomes and solve problems.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work in this position is performed within routine office conditions, usually without exposure to hazardous or unpleasant conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.
• A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.