Job location: Worcester

Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2019-10-04
Req: R0000738
JOB TITLE

Online Learning and Instruction Librarian

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Academic Strategies

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Associate Director for Library Academic Strategies, the Online Learning and Instruction Librarian contributes to the development and curation of the library’s online learning program, and participates in instruction and engagement initiatives that advance the teaching and research missions of the library and the university.

The Librarian partners with colleagues to support instruction librarians in the creation and assessment of online Open Educational Resources (OERs) and environments, and will be the library’s expert on e-learning technologies that support the provision of online, asynchronous/synchronous information literacy instruction and research assistance.

The incumbent maintains familiarity with WPI’s licensed e-learning platforms and freely available e-learning tools, and develops and leads training for other instruction librarians in the use of these tools. The position also leads the creation and maintenance of best practices and/or guidelines for the library’s OER creation and assessment, including instructional design and accessibility principles as they relate to online learning at both undergraduate and graduate levels. In this role the incumbent works closely with faculty engaged in online learning, with Academic Technology Center experts in online education techniques and resources; and with the office of Continuing Professional Education (CPE).

The librarian also partners with faculty and staff to support student learning by developing, implementing, and delivering innovative library instruction programs for in-person classes, across the curriculum and across all levels. The incumbent provides research and instruction services to the WPI community, incorporating appropriate technologies, skills, innovations, and collaborations as needed.

As a member of the research & instruction team and the Library Academic Strategies department, the librarian will serve as the primary facilitator for provision of library instruction and research services to WPI’s graduate programs and population, including coordinating graduate student orientation and research consultations; and providing guidance to graduate students on the process of submitting electronic graduate theses and dissertations.

As a member of these teams they will also participate actively in undergraduate information literacy and research instruction sessions; participate in undergraduate engagement and orientation initiatives; and provide undergraduate research consultations.

To be fully considered for this position, please include a cover letter when submitting your job application.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Duties/Responsibilities:

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY:

• Participates with library colleagues, faculty, and departments across campus to provide a systematic curriculum-integrated library instruction program for students at all levels.

ONLINE LEARNING:

• In partnership and consultation with instruction librarians, coordinates the design, maintenance, and assessment of online learning modules, OERs, and tutorials that develop students’ knowledge of and expertise in library resources and that enhance students’ research experiences.
• Contributes to the development of effective online pedagogy, in compliance with established accessibility guidelines and higher education standards.
• Collaborates with instruction librarians to provide instruction via online tutorials, the course management system, and other online technologies.
• Ensures that online/distance students and faculty are aware of library services and resources that support student learning and success.
• Establishes collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders within the library and across the university to plan and implement methods of outreach to online students and faculty to encourage use of library resources and instruction services.
• Gathers data to help assess the quality and impact of online instruction services, in collaboration with the Undergraduate Learning Coordinator.

INSTRUCTION:

• Serves as a library contact for the Graduate Studies Office and as primary facilitator for provision of library services to the graduate population, coordinating graduate student orientation and research consultations, and providing guidance to graduate students on the process of submitting electronic graduate theses and dissertations.
• Participates in development, implementation, reporting and assessment of undergraduate information literacy instruction curriculum for courses and project based learning at all levels, and in all formats (currently approximately 50% of worktime).
• Participates in development of instructional materials for in-person sessions.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides one-on-one and group research consultations.
• Maintains awareness of best practices, trends, and relevant technical developments in instruction and online learning in academic libraries through engagement with regional, national, and international professional communities.
• Participates in and contributes to library and WPI committees and initiatives.
• Contributes to the university’s goals regarding equity and inclusion.
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet department, library, and university goals and objectives.
• Evening and weekend hours may be required.

Minimum Requirements:

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent graduate degree.
• Minimum of two years reference and/or instruction experience in an academic library, preferably in sciences and/or engineering.
• Previous teaching and academic library experience.
• Knowledge of instructional design models and learning theories.
• Experience with instructional technologies as they relate to online learning and usability and accessibility standards.
• Experience developing and/or teaching online materials or courses.
• Experience assisting faculty or librarians with the effective use of technology in online learning environments.
• Strong service orientation and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Flexibility, creativity and a willingness to experiment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Successful completion of an information science course on scientific and engineering literature within one year of hire may be required if the incumbent does not have science or engineering educational background or experience.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years of academic library instruction experience.
• Experience with Camtasia or other screen capture/video editing software.
• Working knowledge of the Association of College and Research Libraries' Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.
• Knowledge of evaluation, assessment, and planning methods and strategies.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We are seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity and collaboration, inclusion, problem solving and change making.