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Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Posted: 25-Aug-23
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 520628
Department/Organization
219101 - University Libraries
Rank
Assistant/Associate Professor
Position Summary
The University of Alabama Libraries seeks a forward-thinking librarian with innovative ideas for learning-centered approaches to research and instructional services in disciplines across campus. This is a twelve-month, tenure-track position that reports to the Head of Information Services and Creative Media. The Coordinator of Library Instruction will lead the instructional program for undergraduate and graduate courses.
Detailed Position Information
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA LIBRARIES
Coordinator of Library Instruction
The University of Alabama Libraries seeks a forward-thinking librarian with innovative ideas for learning-centered approaches to research and instructional services in disciplines across campus. This is a twelve-month, tenure-track position that reports to the Head of Information Services and Creative Media. The Coordinator of Library Instruction will lead the instructional program for undergraduate and graduate courses. The position will train and work with University Libraries liaisons and campus faculty to develop a robust program that identifies needs and opportunities for instruction across academic departments. The ideal candidate possesses a strong desire to teach and seeks out further knowledge in teaching and learning theories for different disciplines. The coordinator will work with staff in the Sanford Media Center (SMC) in creating a multi-media research and instruction environment for the liaisons. The candidate will teach course-related instruction sessions and will organize and participate in other venues to promote information literacy across campus. The candidate will continuously improve instruction across the University Libraries by coaching instruction librarians, sharing expertise in library instruction theory and practice, and staying abreast of innovations in library instruction and the use of technology in instruction.
This position will serve as a University Libraries liaison to different departments with assignments based on departmental needs. The librarian will be responsible for instruction, proactive communication and training, and other support mechanisms for those departments’ teaching and research-related information needs. As Coordinator of Library Instruction, the librarian will also teach periodically and on an ongoing basis for all disciplines at UA to maintain current knowledge of the liaison program. Equally, the Coordinator will assess librarian teaching performance through annual classroom observation and will ensure Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET) of liaisons take place on an annual basis. The Coordinator will also partner with and teach actively within the Research Data Services Program to ensure liaison engagement with related workshops and assessment activities. This position also plans and coordinates activities for individuals who are involved in creative programs and communities in the social sciences, such as the Honors College, the Sanford Media Center, and the Alabama Digital Humanities Center. The candidate also coordinates instruction efforts and provides instruction in support of the First Year Writing program. The Coordinator of Library Instruction will guide instruction librarians in their efforts and work closely with the Head of Information Services and Creative Media and the Director of Branch Library & Research Data Services to set goals, to balance workload and scheduling equitably, and to identify opportunities for professional development for liaison librarians.
This position promotes collaboration and shared information experiences among students, assists with development and implementation of assessment initiatives aimed at improving services and collections, and creates and utilizes a variety of technologies, media, and digital learning objects for the advancement of library goals and objectives. The coordinator is responsible for collecting and analyzing data, assessing student learning outcomes, evaluating effectiveness of the instruction program, and reporting analyses.
This position collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders to conceptualize, define, and deliver contemporary services in support of cutting-edge approaches in instruction and research. The candidate will be active in curriculum development by collaborating with campus faculty and librarians. An existing example of this is the University Libraries involvement with the STEM-MBA program.
The candidate will work in a team environment in the University Libraries and must have a willingness for continual learning, development, and application of additional expertise through work related experiences and professional development opportunities. The candidate must also possess the ability to deal with change, ambiguity, and complex problems in an academic setting. This position may also provide outreach to non-academic units such as student housing to develop events and services that promote the University Libraries and perform other duties/functions as requested. Responsibilities of this position change as the University Libraries continue to evolve.
Prior to employment the successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation.
SALARY/BENEFITS: 12 month tenure-track faculty appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank. Salary range is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and advanced degrees. Strong benefits, including professional development support, tuition fee waiver, and matching retirement contributions.
Minimum Qualifications
• MLS from an ALA accredited program.
• 3-5 years’ experience providing reference services and instruction in a research library setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with information literacy concepts and trends (ex: ACRL Framework for Information Literacy and curriculum mapping).
• Experience with online instructional technologies (e.g., e-learning software and authoring tools, content management systems, and learning management systems).
• Demonstrated ability to adapt emerging technologies to enhance user services and student learning.
• Understanding of various pedagogical methodologies, theories, and epistemologies and ability to apply them appropriately.
• Experience creating assessment of student learning outcomes.
• Evidence of commitment to students at the undergraduate and graduate level.
• Demonstrated record of excellence in public service.
• Adaptability, flexibility, and willingness to engage in continuous learning to meet the changing needs of library users.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong and effective written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and evidence of the ability to initiate and carry projects through to completion.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute collegially and productively in a team environment.
• Ability to support and enhance a diverse learning and working environment.
• Potential to meet university promotion and tenure requirements for library faculty.
Preferred Qualifications
• A record of curriculum development collaboration with faculty.
• Supervisory experience.
• Additional graduate or doctoral degree.
• Research experience, including experience with Institutional Review Board processes.
• Experience developing programmatic assessment.
• Experience with assessment of teaching.
Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Applications are accepted online only at https://careers.ua.edu Click Faculty Jobs, then University Libraries. Please include your application, Curriculum Vitae, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for three references, including one current supervisor. Position open until filled. Applications received by September 22, 2023, are assured of receiving full consideration. For questions regarding the search, contact Michael Arthur, Senior Associate Dean at maarthur@ua.edu.
About the Division/College/School
The University of Alabama Libraries, a system of four separate discipline-related libraries, is proud to support the research enterprise at the University of Alabama via a comprehensive and integrated network of resources, services, and technologies designed to meet the academic and research needs of students, faculty, and staff. We take pride in serving as a hub for innovation, knowledge creation and dissemination, research assistance, and collaborative learning.
Members of the University of Alabama family visited our physical and virtual spaces over 10 million times in 2022. Our print collections span over 6 million volumes, and we offer access to 2.5 million E-Books, 220,000 AV titles, and 98,000 E-Journals via our 685 databases.
University Libraries provides strong mentorship for faculty and staff, with ongoing collaborative opportunities, and administrative support for innovative services and ideas. We provide excellent support for needed technology and conference travel, and we are invested in academic freedom with teaching and research.
Our staff routinely update and maintain cutting edge programs of service in support of our stakeholders. Our faculty librarians have developed a robust instruction program, including a series of research data services and workshops, that consistently performs at the top of the SEC. We are heavily invested in performing the same high value research that our stakeholders produce, and that assists us in our data-driven strategic planning for the future. Our librarians have produced 75 peer reviewed journal articles in Tier 1 journals in the last 2 years.
If working with a talented group of professionals who value service, innovation, and high achievement, earning a nationally competitive starting salary, in a thriving college town, with a low cost of living, close to Birmingham, Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, and the Gulf Coast sounds interesting to you, start your application process with us to learn more!
About the University
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus.
A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. The University of Alabama has R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is among the top doctoral research universities in the United States.
As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.
About Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is so much more than a college town.
It's a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Located along the Black Warrior River, the city features a walkable downtown that’s complete with live music, locally owned shops, outdoor spaces to explore and local restaurants to meet every palate. With a geography ranging from suburban to rural, the area offers a variety of housing options along with excellent public and private schools and a wealth of recreational and entertainment options.
With a metro area population of 235,000, the Druid City lies about an hour southwest of Birmingham, in west-central Alabama. It’s within a few hours’ drive of Gulf Coast beaches and major cities like Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta, making it a great base for growing better acquainted with the South’s finest offerings.
Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf
