Job Description

Job no: 514160

Position type: Staff

Location: New York

Categories: Library, Onsite, Hybrid

Job Summary/Basic Function:

The Gottesman Libraries is seeking a Circulation and Reference Librarian who plays a key role in delivering high-quality reader and reference services to meet the needs of a graduate research institution focusing on education, psychology, and the applied health sciences. The incumbent must be committed to excellence in service; attuned to emerging needs in circulation, information, reference, and instruction; and a highly responsible and responsive team player. In coordination with unit staff, they will manage up to one dozen part-time, hourly associates in activities that support access to, maintenance of, and use of the general research collection, as well as the contemporary children’s literature and K-12 curriculum collections.

The Circulation and Reference Librarian will collaboratively strengthen front-line services for members and affiliates of Teachers College, Columbia University – services that align with College-wide strategic priorities, including: enhancing student pathways; advancing research; leading in digital innovation; and building a culture that supports our community.
We invite applications from candidates who, through their experience and/or service, will contribute to the advancement and distinctiveness of the College community.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administers, develops, and reviews policies and procedures related to loans and returns of library resources
• Plans and rearranges the circulating collection, in coordination with staff, to accomplish shifting, signage, and communications
• Provides ready and in-depth reference service, including research consultations, workshops, guides, and timely response to patrons to meet their needs in access, information, and research, whether subscribed or open; in-person, online, or via text
• Oversees part-time hourly staff, including their training documentation, library FAQs, and other instructional materials
• Coordinates with staff on managing and scheduling the Services Desk to ensure coverage during all open hours
• Assists with timely reporting on the delivery of reader and reference services through contributions to the blog, newsletter, and other media
• Participates in campus-wide access and reference committees
• Engage in Professional Development
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science, accredited by the American Library Association
• One-two years of related job experience in an academic library
• Familiarity with Alma, Primo, and best practices in circulation and reference
• Strong customer service orientation
• Good technical skills, including proficiency in MS Office and Springshare
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Willing to work evening and weekend hours, as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of reference sources, citation management tools, and academic database searching
• Additional Master's degree or equivalent
• Circulation and reference experience in an academic research library
  

Salary Range:

$71,000 - $73,000

Work Modality:

Hybrid

Competitive Compensation and Benefits

The salary range reflects the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for the position at the time of the job posting. Salary decisions are dependent on several factors including but not limited to market and organizational considerations, experience, and qualifications of a selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.

Our benefits contribute significantly to the total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans; flexible and hybrid work schedules; tuition remission; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; an exceptional employer retirement matching program; health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Hybrid/Remote

Teachers College maintains a hybrid work environment, which provides employees with flexible work arrangements while ensuring we preserve the important aspects of our unique in-person college-campus culture. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues will either work onsite or in a hybrid model (a combination of in-office and virtual days). Employees are expected to live within a 150-mile radius of the College.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Teachers College is committed to fostering an inclusive academic community and to providing equal opportunity in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, citizenship, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.

If you would like to discuss any disability-related accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or a similar law, related to applying for employment at Teachers College, Columbia University, please email the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities: oasid@tc.columbia.edu

Advertised: Apr 13, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: May 15, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Temporary work, Part time, Remote work, Flexible hours, Shift work, Weekend work, Afternoon shift

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