Librarian

Librarian

Location: Austin Christian University, Georgetown, TX

Reports to: Provost

Summary of Role

The Librarian supports the academic mission of Austin Christian University by providing professional oversight of library resources, research services, and information systems. This role ensures students and faculty have access to relevant, academically rigorous resources that support the University's curriculum and Christian mission.

Working collaboratively with faculty and university leadership, the Librarian manages collection development, provides advanced research and reference support, strengthens student information literacy, and maintains effective cataloging and library systems. The Librarian also helps anticipate evolving academic resource needs, evaluates resource utilization, and ensures library practices align with applicable accreditation, academic, and regulatory standards.

Position Status & Schedule

• Non-exempt
• Hourly
• Part-time (25 hours per week)
• Schedule varies based on academic calendar, institutional priorities, and key university events; may include evenings and weekends
• University events (i.e. Welcome Week, Graduation) and academic milestones will require availability outside of standard business hours
• Easter/Christmas services and WAVE Student Conference are required workdays for this position

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Collection Development & Management

• Evaluate and maintain physical and digital library collections to ensure academic rigor, relevance, and theological alignment with the University's curriculum and Christian mission.
• Propose new resource acquisitions based on curriculum needs, faculty input, and emerging academic priorities.
• Manage the ongoing review and de-selection of outdated, duplicative, or no longer relevant materials.

Reference & Academic Support

• Provide advanced, customized reference support for students and faculty.
• Assist faculty in identifying scholarly materials for course development and integration.
• Coordinate with faculty subject-matter experts to create and manage specialized subject guides (LibGuides) supporting theology, ministry, business, and general education courses.

Information Literacy

• Design and deliver instructional sessions on academic research methods, including new and emerging research technologies.
• Equip students to critically evaluate sources and effectively navigate academic databases.
• Develop asynchronous learning materials (tutorials, handouts) for different learning modalities.

Cataloging & Systems

• Perform original and complex copy cataloging using current metadata standards (RDA, MARC).
• Maintain accurate classification and organization of theological and academic texts.
• Maintain and troubleshoot library management systems and academic database access to support reliable use by students and faculty.

Strategic Administration

• Partner with faculty and University departments to anticipate and plan for upcoming academic resource needs.
• Track and evaluate library resource usage to inform collection development and future budget decisions.
• Ensure library practices comply with applicable academic accreditation and approval standards and federal and state requirements.

Contributes to the overall success of the University by performing other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Strong commitment to Christian faith and ability to lead in alignment with the University's Statement of Faith and Standards of Performance.
• Uphold the Core Values of the University, exemplifying them by word and lifestyle.
• Participate in the social, cultural, and spiritual life of the University community, including regular Chapel attendance.
• Support the educational purposes and objectives of the University
• Proven ability to lead through complexity, manage change, and improve academic and student outcomes.
• Cooperate with the administration and staff of the University in professional and personal relationships.
• Observe and enforce the rules and regulations of the University.
• Support the University prayerfully on a regular basis.
• Ability to work evenings/weekends as needed for academic events and crises.
• Travel for accreditation, partnerships, and conferences as required.
• Successful completion of background check, driver record, and reference checks.
• Be an active Member of Celebration Church.
• Regularly attend services at Celebration Church.
• Tithe faithfully and regularly to Celebration Church.
• Abide by the values, policies, and practices within the Celebration Church Employee Handbook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience
• Minimum 3 years of library science or related professional experience
• MLS/MLIS or related advanced degree preferred
• Prior experience in a higher education or academic library setting preferred

Competencies

• Demonstrated passion for and alignment with the mission, values, and vision of Austin Christian University
• Demonstrates depth of knowledge in library science, academic research, information literacy, collection stewardship, and evolving library technologies.
• Exercises sound independent judgment when navigating academic needs, resource decisions, and competing priorities.
• Understands the connection between library resources, curriculum, faculty needs, and student learning and applies that perspective to thoughtful decision-making.
• Demonstrates strong research acumen and the ability to effectively navigate, evaluate, organize, and communicate scholarly information.
• Maintains a high standard of accuracy, organization, and consistency when working with academic resources, information systems, classification, and data.
• Builds productive relationships across faculty, staff, students, and University leadership through professionalism, responsiveness, and a collaborative approach.
• Approaches challenges with curiosity and resourcefulness, independently identifying solutions and opportunities for improvement.
• Remains current in evolving academic practices, technologies, accreditation expectations, and library standards and readily adapts to changing University needs.
• Demonstrates thoughtful stewardship of University resources, balancing academic quality, institutional priorities, utilization, and long-term needs.
• Approaches students, faculty, and the broader University community with responsiveness, professionalism, and a commitment to supporting teaching, research, and learning.
• Builds trust and credibility through subject-matter expertise, sound judgment, reliability, professionalism, and consistent follow-through.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Primarily works in an air-conditioned office environment with adequate lighting and moderate noise levels
• No hazardous or significantly unpleasant working conditions
• Ability to remain in a stationary position approximately 50% of the time
• Ability to move about University and Church facilities as needed
• Regular use of computers, phones, and standard office equipment; ability to talk and hear
• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, and use of hands and arms to handle files and equipment
• Ability to reach, stoop, crouch, kneel, and access supplies on lower shelves or in storage areas
• Frequent repetitive hand, wrist, and finger movements
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds
• Vision abilities required include close, distance, peripheral, and color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Moderate exposure to physical risk
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation; employees requiring accommodation must notify their supervisor or Human Resources

Other Information

Celebration Church, which includes Austin Christian University, is an equal employment opportunity employer to the extent required by law applicable to religious institutions.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or tasks. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned at any time, with or without notice. This job description is not intended to create, and does not constitute, an employment contract. Austin Christian University maintains its status as an at-will employer, and employment may be terminated by either party at any time for any reason not prohibited by law.