Instruction Librarian

JOB TITLE: Instruction Librarian

DEPARTMENT:  University Libraries

REPORTS TO:  Director, University Libraries

Summary:
The Instruction Librarian takes the lead in designing, delivering, organizing, and assessing the University Libraries’ instructional program. They work with courses across the performing and visual arts, as well as in general education and graduate and professional programs to help students develop information literacy, metaliteracy, and critical thinking skills. Within the Libraries, they chair the Information Literacy, Reference, and Liaison working group (IRLG), comprised of the librarians with instructional responsibilities, in support of the Libraries’ information literacy program. This position conducts collection development and liaison duties in assigned areas.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Provides information literacy instruction in the library and in the classroom. Develops written and online materials to support and promote these efforts and ensure UArts community awareness of library resources and services. Leads the University Libraries’ instructional program, including assessment of student learning. 
  • Serves as library liaison to assigned departments, including faculty outreach and collection development.
  • Participates in orientation activities for new students and new faculty.
  • Participates in circulation desk coverage. Answers directional and informational questions from patrons, and answers reference questions in-person and online. Assists patrons in the use of library resources. Contributes to library social media presence.
  • Compiles monthly reference and instruction statistics into reports for the Director for Library Services and the Director for Library Operations.
  • Writes periodic reports on instruction and assessment efforts and the activities of the IRLG.
  • Attends meetings of librarians, library staff, and other standing and ad hoc groups. Convenes and sets agendas for meetings of the IRLG.
  • Collaborates with Director for Learning Assessment (Provost’s Office), First-Year Writing Program Director (College of Critical & Professional Studies), and other academic administrators as needed.
  • Collaborates with individual faculty and program directors to incorporate information literacy instruction into courses and curricula.
  • Serves on university-wide committees as needed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent; they do not purport to describe all functions.  Incumbent may be assigned other duties, and the essential functions may change from time to time as necessary.

Education:
An American Library Association-accredited master’s degree in library/information science is required and an academic degree in the arts is preferred.

Experience:

  • Strong professional experience or coursework in information literacy instruction, preferably with knowledge of instructional technologies and learning theory, at the college level.
  • Experience with providing reference and research assistance in an academic library context.
  • Experience with collection development.
  • Experience with arts education is desirable, especially in higher education.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Excellent instructional skills in classroom and one-on-one settings .
  • Outstanding oral, written, and presentation communication skills.
  • Able to design instructional programs and materials, and define learning outcomes.
  • Familiarity with techniques for learning assessment, including statistical methods.
  • Familiarity with the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy.
  • Advanced knowledge of research methods, literature, and tools.
  • Ability to develop new ideas and contribute to library improvements and outreach efforts.
  • Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with faculty, students, supervisor, and other library staff.
  • Ability to organize, schedule work, set priorities for self and supervisees, meet deadlines, and follow up independently on assignments.
  • Proficiency with software tools used in data collection, analysis, and reporting (such as Excel, PowerPoint, SPSS, Tableau, web-­based survey tools). Working knowledge of other computer applications, such as word processing, web authoring, and Google Apps. Working knowledge of a course management system, such as Canvas.
  • Knowledge of activities and current developments in the library profession.
  • Knowledge of contemporary trends in the arts and in arts education.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the staff member will frequently operate a computer, speak, and listen.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the staff member will be exposed to a quiet to moderate noise level in the office environment.

About The University:

University of the Arts’ mission is simple: to advance human creativity. Established in 1876, UArts believes creativity is the most essential skill for success in today’s society and has educated generations of groundbreaking artists, performers, designers and creative leaders for more than 141 years.  After being granted university status in 1987, University of the Arts became the largest institution of its kind in the nation, offering programs in design, fine arts, media arts, crafts, music, dance, theater and writing. It now features 30 undergraduate arts majors, 15 graduate programs and the nation’s first PhD program in Creativity. UArts is also home to innovative centers across disciplines, including the Center for Immersive Media, Lightbox Film Center, Philadelphia Art Alliance and Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery. Learn more about UArts.

TO APPLY: Interested, qualified applicants should submit letters of application and resumes to the Human Resources Department via email to jobs@uarts.edu. Please ensure job title is in the Subject line.

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, The University of the Arts publishes its Annual Safety Report at the following link for your reference:

http://www.uarts.edu/about/campus-crime-fire-reports.

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Title IX Statement: The University of the Arts prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in its programs and activities, including admission and employment, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The Director for Title IX, Equity, & Compliance is responsible for overseeing compliance with Title IX and other civil rights laws and regulations. To contact the Director for Title IX, Equity, & Compliance, e-mail titleix@uarts.edu,, or visit The University of the Arts, 320 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, Room 260, or call 215-717-6366. To learn more about the University's Title IX policy and response to sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, please visit www.uarts.edu/titleix. Inquiries may also be directed to the Federal agency responsible for enforcing Title IX, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

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