Position Description:

• Design and deliver information literacy and research instruction that responds to the needs of diverse stakeholders and curricula.
• Lead strategic efforts to embed a comprehensive library instruction program across the curriculum.
• Continuously assess the efficacy of information literacy instruction and student learning.
• Coordinate with other instruction librarians in developing pedagogical goals, strategies and priorities.
• Leverage campus resources related to pedagogy, instructional design, and emerging technologies related to teaching.

• Provide appointments and drop-in assistance to researchers of all experience levels.
• Develop materials for research skills development and reference, such as LibGuides, Canvas modules, handouts, etc.
• Explore and recommend established and emerging tools and practices for scholarly and creative research.
• Participate in library projects related to resource discoverability and information-seeking behavior, such as updates to search platforms, cataloging practices, and the library website.
• Connect researchers to resources beyond RISD via reciprocating libraries, ILL, etc.

• Contribute to efforts to promote library collections and services through the library's web ecosystem, social media, faculty meetings, and campus-wide communications platforms and events.
• Develop strong working relationships with faculty, students, and staff to maintain awareness of curricular and other priorities on campus.
• Seek out opportunities to engage with student cohorts such as international and first generation college (FGC) students.
• Provide general library introductions or overviews to groups and individuals as needed.

• Make recommendations for acquisitions of circulating and reference materials informed by research questions and instruction requests.
• Propose new areas of growth in consultation with library colleagues and faculty.
• Contribute to selecting, managing, and assessing research databases and other subscription resources.
• Support assessment of gift offers and recommend responses.
• Recommend candidates for deaccessioning from the circulating and reference collections.

• Assist in supervision and training of student employees in support of the tasks described above.
• Review and update policies and procedures in consultation with colleagues, especially as they pertain to shared spaces and responsibilities.
• Contribute to and ensure that statistics in this area of library operations are maintained and reported accurately.
• Participate in professional and institutional activities; pursue continuing education as appropriate. Serve on cross-operational library working groups and college committees.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited MLIS or equivalent achieved through experience and related training.
• Minimum three years of recent instruction work in libraries or related environments.
• Experience supporting researchers across a variety of levels and learning styles.
• Strong interest in visual literacy and research pedagogies that support art and design practices and creative production generally.
• Familiarity with research practices of artists, designers, and related creative fields.
• Experience promoting library resources and services through a variety of outlets.
• Experience with library management systems (Sierra, AEON, and ArchivesSpace preferred). Strong analytical skills, creative and innovative problem-solving.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills for in-person and virtual settings.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collegially and independently.
• Proficiency with commonly used productivity software (e.g., Google Workspace) and ability to learn new technologies with ease.
• Ability to set priorities, exercise flexibility, effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines and adjust as circumstances change.
• Commitment to promoting and/or enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in an organizational context.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional degree in a relevant field such as art or design history, fine arts, design, etc.
• Formal coursework or training in active learning and/or inclusive teaching techniques.
• Fluency with commonly used design software and media editing software (e.g., Adobe Suite, Canva).
• Knowledge and understanding of key issues and trends in the art and design school sector and an understanding of the impact of digital technologies in libraries and higher education.
• Participation in relevant professional associations.

Employment Type: Full-Time

Department: Library

About Rhode Island School of Design

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), founded in 1877, is a fine arts and design college located in Providence, Rhode Island. Enrolling about 2000 undergraduates and 400 graduate students from across the United States and 55 other countries, RISD offers 16 undergraduate majors and 16 graduate majors, and is ranked annually by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top art and design schools in the United States. RISD’s rigorous education encourages creative experimentation and intellectual risk-taking, challenging students to question their approach to art making through critical thinking. There are over 90,000 works of art in the RISD Museum, which houses a collection of fine and decorative art objects. The first public galleries opened in 1893. The RISD Library is one of the oldest independent art college libraries in the country with more than 150,000 volumes and 380 periodical subscriptions which offer unusual depth and richness in the areas of architecture, art, design, and photography. The RISD campus is contiguous with the campus of Brown University and the two institutions share social, academic, and community resources.RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundament...al to its learning community and integral to an art and design education.  We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

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Connections working at Rhode Island School of Design