Assistant/Associate Director of Reference and Instructional Services

Assistant/Associate Director of Reference and Instructional Services

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 Position Information 

About Hofstra  | Hofstra University is nationally ranked and recognized as Long Island’s largest private university located in Hempstead, N.Y. When you work at Hofstra, you join a team of talented professionals committed to preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow, in an environment that cultivates learning through the free and open exchange of ideas for the betterment of humankind. The work we do at Hofstra supports the education and well-being of our students, and the workforce of the future. While working towards this mission, employees can take advantage of many enriching experiences on campus. Whether it’s a lunchtime lecture, a Division I NCAA athletics game, a musical concert, a theatre performance, or a visit to one of our two accredited museums, there is always something exciting to do at Hofstra. Enjoy the ease of going to the fitness center, taking a swim, or grabbing a bite to eat without having to leave our beautiful campus! Hofstra University is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diverse academic community of students, faculty, staff, and administrators respectful of the contributions and dignity of each of its members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community.

Position Title  | Assistant/Associate Director of Reference and Instructional Services
Position Number  | 898219
Position Category  | Staff
School/Division  | School of Law
Department  |
Full-Time or Part-Time  | Full-Time

Description  | Reporting to the Director of the Law Library, the Assistant/ Associate Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for reference, research, and instructional services. This position carries administrative and supervisory responsibilities and involves collaborating with other law librarians to develop, deliver, and expand library services for students and faculty. The Assistant/ Associate Director advances strategic goals by contributing to planning, assessment, budgeting, and policy development, as well as personnel administration and evaluation. The position supports the educational, scholarship, and service missions of Hofstra Law and the University. This is a full-time position, with a limited and negotiable hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Reference, Research, and User Services Management Providing leadership and coordination of all research and reference services, including supervision of the Reference Department, management of desk and project schedules, and liaison support for faculty and students. Ensuring high-quality, responsive research assistance and outreach that adapts to evolving user needs. Collecting and analyzing usage data and service metrics to inform ongoing service improvement and innovation.  Policy Development, Strategic Planning, and Organizational Leadership Leading the development and periodic review of policies, workflows, and service standards for reference, research services, and instruction. Participating in the library’s strategic planning, goal setting, and annual assessment cycles in alignment with Law School and University plans. Advising the Library Leadership team on reference, research, and instructional innovations and pilot opportunities. Collaborating with other law librarians to develop, provide, and expand library and access services for students and faculty. Coordinating with the Director to develop and implement personnel policies and initiatives that align with long-term organizational goals. Teaching and Instruction Leadership Teaching at least one designated course as part of the Law School’s curriculum each academic year, for example Advanced Legal Research or a specialized research seminar. Overseeing and coordinating the library’s instructional program, including librarian participation in classes, development of learning outcomes, and assessment of instructional effectiveness. Collaborating with faculty in support of scholarly and teaching research needs. Budget, Collection Development, Technology, and Repository Collaboration Assisting the Director with budget analysis and monitoring for public services and instruction-related resources. Collaborating with collections staff and selectors on collection development decisions that support research, teaching, and clinics, including evaluation of databases and tools used for instruction and faculty research. Contributing to the selection and evaluation of electronic and digital resources, ensuring accessibility and usability for the law school community. Partnering with the Associate Director for Access and Collection Services on the management and integration of the Law School’s Digital Institutional Repository, ensuring alignment between instructional content, faculty scholarship, and technical infrastructure. Supporting management of web-based content relevant to reference and instructional services. Professional Development and Staff Growth Promoting consistent documentation, staff training, and performance assessment that supports reliable service and continuous improvement. Maintaining an active program of professional development, including participation in AALL and regional chapters, presentations, scholarship, and committee service. Serving on law school or university committees and representing the library in professional forums. Providing mentoring, coaching, and performance feedback to Reference Department staff that supports growth and retention. Administrative and Co-Leadership Responsibilities Collaborating with the Associate Director for Access and Collection Services to ensure cohesive management of library operations and strategic initiatives, promoting alignment between access, collections, research, and instructional services. Providing adaptable and evolving leadership across administrative areas of the Law Library. Serving as acting head or co-head of the Law Library when designated, ensuring operational continuity and alignment with strategic priorities. Performing other duties as assigned to meet changing organizational and academic goals.

Qualifications  | J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school. M.L.S. or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program. 3-7 years of progressively responsible academic law library experience in reference, research services, or instruction. One year of supervisory experience. Demonstrated excellence in legal research, teaching or training, and user-centered public services. Experience with project management and performance evaluation processes. Familiarity with current and emerging legal research technologies and strong data and assessment skills. Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a collegial environment. Excellent written and oral communication abilities.

Preferred Qualifications  | Experience coordinating a law library teaching program. Experience designing outcomes-based instruction and assessment. Experience with data analytics or digital information systems, including web content management or repository oversight. Record of professional engagement through AALL or similar associations.

Special Instructions   
Deadline  |
Date Posted  | 01/02/2026
EEO Statement  | Hofstra University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to extending equal opportunity in employment to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary/Salary Range  | $112,000 - $140,000

 Additional Information
Hofstra University provides the above salary* as a good faith estimate of the starting pay range which considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience and education. In addition to the salary offered, we offer a collegial and inclusive culture, and a benefits program which includes generous paid time off, paid holidays, tuition remission for employees and eligible dependents, and a retirement plan with University contributions.
 
*Salary ranges indicated for positions covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement are in accordance with the CBA.

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