Outreach and Instruction Librarian - Agricultural, Biological and Environmental Sciences
The University of Minnesota's recent strategic positioning process identifies important trends and institutional priorities for excellence. Among the emphases are a new urban engagement agenda, the formation of new community partnerships, and a reaffirmation of the important role of Extension and outreach programming in connecting the University to urban and rural communities throughout the State.
The University Libraries are an integral part of campus life and a significant contributor of resources and programs within the state, region, and broader profession. The Libraries offer a highly collaborative environment, programs to develop and integrate digital resources and tools, digitization services, information literacy initiatives, a commitment to organizational development, and a record of national and international collaboration. The Libraries engage in the development of new learning environments, including the innovative SMART Learning Commons, a collaborative approach toward student success.
The University of Minnesota Libraries seeks an enthusiastic, innovative, service-oriented professional to serve as liaison and outreach specialist to the College of Continuing Education and the University of Minnesota Extension Service, and to coordinate instruction and information literacy activities for the Libraries' Agricultural, Biological, and Environmental Sciences Department. The Department supports the research, knowledge management, instructional and life-long learning needs of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff in the agricultural and life sciences, and selected areas within the social sciences.
The successful candidate will work with library colleagues to provide a full range of services, with an emphasis on forging new relationships with the College of Continuing Education and University of Minnesota Extension Service, and creating new initiatives that anticipate and respond to the broad-based research, instructional, and outreach programs in those departments. Focus areas include exploring new models for delivering instruction and meeting curriculum-integrated information literacy objectives; collaborating with faculty and library colleagues, including the Digital Library Development Lab, to create innovative tools for managing the interdisciplinary research process; developing and managing collections; and providing reference services. The successful candidates will also contribute to the profession as they work toward continuous appointment. The position reports to the Academic Programs Director for Agricultural, Biological, and Environmental Sciences.
Responsibilities:
- Coordinate the educational programming of the Libraries’ Agricultural, Biological, and Environmental Sciences Department, and work with departmental colleagues to develop instructional skills and programming.
- Analyze trends in the instructional programs of assigned departments. Promote information literacy through program development and instructional support, including life-long learning.
- Analyze trends in the research programs and curricula of assigned departments, keep current with trends in the literature and scholarship of the disciplines themselves, and use this knowledge to assist in building and managing the Libraries' collections.
- Develop strong connections with faculty, staff, and students to determine and address collections and service needs. Seek opportunities for partnerships with assigned departments, including the development of digital content and services that incorporate new tools and techniques for working with virtual organizations, information exchange, research and learning.
- Promote new modes of scholarly communication and recruit institutional scholarly output for inclusion in the University Digital Conservancy (repository services).
- Actively participate in University-wide community outreach and public engagement initiatives.
- Collaborate in the design and implementation of online tools and services that meet the needs of diverse discipline-based and interdisciplinary research communities.
- Provide high-quality reference and research assistance using a variety of media (chat, email, telephone, and desk/in-person) to library users during scheduled hours and by appointment, including occasional evening or weekend shifts. Actively seek opportunities to provide customized reference and research services.
- Provide leadership for and contribute to library-wide projects.
- Contribute to the knowledge base of the profession through research, publication, and professional engagement.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Master's degree from an American Library Association accredited library school or equivalent combination of advanced degree and relevant experience
- Demonstrated teaching ability
- Knowledge of information literacy concepts and issues
- Facility with technology and its application in academic contexts
- Knowledge of instructional design, curriculum mapping and instructional technologies
- Demonstrated analytical skills
- Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated creativity, initiative and self-direction
- Ability to respond effectively to changing needs and priorities
- Ability to develop working partnerships with academic departments and other campus communities
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and library users in a service-oriented, research intensive environment
Preferred:
- Experience and understanding of information literacy principles and/or experience in developing information literacy in a large college or university library
- Experience in the design and integration of new technologies into the delivery of information services
- Experience working in an academic or research library in a research intensive environment
- Familiarity with software programming; strong web development and digital library skills
- Experience in collection development or reference in a large college or university library
- Experience working in multicultural settings
- Experience with grant development and project management
- Demonstrated involvement in professional activities.
The University of Minnesota is located in the center of the vibrant Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Twin Cities are known for their cultural amenities, such as the Guthrie Theater and Walker Art Center, and for their extensive park and recreational systems. (http://www1.umn.edu/wishyouwerehere/)
SALARY AND BENEFITS: This is a full-time, 12-month, continuous-appointment track, academic/professional position with probationary appointment at Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian rank, depending on qualifications. The Libraries offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits and substantial moving allowance.
TO APPLY: Position available immediately. Applications will be accepted until filled. Submit a letter of application, resume, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three current professional references. Please identify the cover letter with UL240. Apply at: https://employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=71170
The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer.