Reference and Instruction Librarian

Position Overview

This role sits within The Ford Library at the Fuqua School of Business and is part of a collaborative Research Services Team. The librarian provides end-to-end support for teaching and research through data tools and online research resources, helps faculty incorporate library materials into coursework, delivers instruction to students, and develops web-based content such as course reserves and other teaching support materials.

Key Responsibilities

The position combines reference support, instruction, outreach, and course-assistance duties. It includes serving library users through a shared-service model, contributing to the library’s research support efforts, and working closely with faculty and staff across the Ford Library and Fuqua community.

• Respond to reference and research questions through phone, email, chat, and in-person support.
• Plan, coordinate, and teach bibliographic and database instruction sessions throughout the academic year, including sessions on Bloomberg, career research, and business strategy.
• Assess trial databases and share observations with library leadership about user relevance, ease of use, and cost for the Fuqua community.
• Take on additional research support tasks as needed, such as library tours and vendor-led database training sessions.
• Create instructional and research-help materials for Fuqua courses by curating resources from the Ford and Duke Libraries for online guides.
• Reach out to Fuqua faculty and student groups to encourage effective use of library resources in teaching and learning.
• Prepare the library’s monthly newsletter featuring important resources, services, and initiatives.
• Organize and support outreach efforts such as coffee breaks, tabling events, and similar engagement programs.
• Assist faculty and students with access to library-licensed and locally hosted course materials.
• Produce and share persistent links to library resources for classroom use.
• Build and maintain course pages that connect faculty and students to library content.
• Help ensure students can access locally hosted materials for academic purposes.

Required Qualifications

Candidates should hold a master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library or information science program and bring at least two years of experience in an academic or research library setting with reference and instruction duties. The role also calls for strong knowledge of information resources and services, excellent communication skills, analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, comfort working both independently and as part of a team, strong computer proficiency, adaptability to new technologies, and a clear commitment to excellent customer service and professional development.

Preferred Background

Experience with business research databases in an academic business library or professional business library environment is preferred.

Equal Opportunity

The employer states that it provides equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, sex including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, or military status. The organization also emphasizes a culture grounded in collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging, and expects all community members to help maintain a respectful and welcoming environment.