Reference and Student Support Librarian

The Oliver Wendell Holmes Library (OWHL) at Phillips Academy seeks a personable, energetic, creative, and self-directed individual to join our library team as a Full-Time Reference and Student Support Librarian. Situated at the Welcome Desk, this position plays a central role in supporting student research, faculty teaching, and daily library operations, while also contributing to the stewardship, development, and long-term planning of the library’s collections and services. This position is .87 FTE and works 8:00 AM–4:00 PM during the academic school year and summer session, with the ability to work an occasional Sunday 12:00–8:00 PM shift.

The successful candidate will:

• Staff the Welcome Desk and carry out all daily activities, including reference and circulation services, basic troubleshooting, and directional assistance, in an effective, customer-oriented, and professional manner.
• Provide reference and research assistance (in person, by phone, and via email), including conducting one-on-one research consultations with students and faculty.
• Oversee an assigned area of collection development, with an emphasis on thoughtful assessment and alignment with evolving curricular goals and student research needs.
• Assist with decisions regarding the retention, replacement, or deselection of library materials by making informed recommendations for an assigned area.
• Contribute to the creation, maintenance, and revision of library documentation and LibGuides.
• Participate in library programming, orientations, and workshops, as needed, in support of the academic mission of Phillips Academy.
• Engage in ongoing professional development, including workshops, trainings, and conferences, when possible, with the goal of deepening expertise in academic librarianship.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities assigned by library leadership in support of library operations and initiatives.

Qualifications Required:

• Master’s degree in Library Science preferred.
• Other college degrees with relevant experience considered.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively about current information tools and emerging technologies.
• Two to three years of experience providing reference services, including conducting individualized reference or research consultations.
• Working knowledge of major academic databases and digital research platforms.
• Ability and willingness to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Working with teens and an understanding of adolescent learning styles, interests, and research needs.
• Familiarity with Evergreen ILS and SpringShare products (e.g., LibGuides, LibCal).
• Demonstrated interest in or experience with library instruction, curriculum support, and/or collection development, and a desire to continue developing in these areas.
• Using Evergreen ILS and SpringShare products.

To be considered for this position, please include a cover letter Phillips Academy is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, military service, application for military service or any other characteristic protected by law. Any offers of employment will be contingent upon successful CORI/SORI, and fingerprinting background checks as well as unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.