Assistant Professor & Librarian, Assessment Librarian

Do you enjoy working in collaborative library environments? Are you looking for a university where you can partner easily across campus while still enjoying the size and resources of a comprehensive university? The University of Dayton Libraries are looking for an Assessment Librarian to join our team of colleagues. Consisting of Roesch Library, Marian Library, and University Archives and Special Collections, the UD Libraries form an academic focal point, enriching the intellectual and cultural life at and beyond the University. Our faculty and staff are recognized for seamlessly connecting information and services to users, contributing to the educational mission and preserving the history of the University of Dayton. Roesch Library underwent a significant renovation designed to meet present and future needs with an emphasis on student preferences, technology, inclusion, and creating a sense of welcome for all. Learn more about the position and apply!

This is a 12-month, full-time, 35 hours per week, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of assistant professor. The University of Dayton offers a strong benefits package, including tuition remission for self and immediate family, 22 vacation days, and 17 University holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Reporting to the Associate Dean, the successful candidate will coordinate assessment efforts across the University Libraries and will work collaboratively with others to foster a culture of assessment. The Assessment Librarian will serve as a catalyst for change within the library by delivering evidence and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to inform better decision-making by library leadership and the development of robust library services throughout the library. This position will also serve as a liaison to assigned departments/disciplines, providing research assistance, library instruction, and collection development.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Libraries to design and implement quantitative, qualitative and/or mixed-method library assessments to identify user needs, demonstrate library impact, improve services, and inform decision-making related to the Libraries’ strategic priorities

• Participate in the selection, implementation and promotion of appropriate assessment tools to improve library services

• In partnership with others in the Libraries, lead the creation of reports, visualizations, and other strategies intended to communicate library data, assessment results, and other related information to guide strategic decision-making

• Participate in the interpretation and communication of assessment data to a variety of library stakeholders

• Collaborate with others to develop and maintain processes for the collection and storage of library data and statistics

• Support library data collection and routine compilation for accreditation and reporting purposes to organizations such as the Association of College & Research Libraries and the Higher Learning Commission

• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and data ethics, respecting the privacy of library users, students, faculty, and staff and working with the Institutional Review Board as appropriate to protect the dignity and rights of human subjects

• Chair the University Libraries Assessment Team

• Serve as the Libraries’ representative on the University Assessment Committee

• Serve as a liaison to assigned departments and/or disciplines, which may include research support, instruction, and collection development

• Contribute to the implementation of the Libraries’ and University’s strategic plans, including for inclusive excellence

• Conduct research and disseminate the findings through publication in peer-reviewed journals, major national meetings, and other venues

• Serve on various library, university, and professional committees

• Manage or assist with special projects as assigned

About Dayton, Ohio

Dayton’s environment is a great place for those who want a bit of everything with a low cost of living, great schools, and manageable traffic. UD’s campus is a walk away from The Great Miami Riverway (also home of the nation’s largest paved trail network). Our central location provides easy access to a burgeoning downtown area, expansive metro parks named for our convergence of five waterways, a vibrant arts scene, historic neighborhoods, and the Dayton Aviation Heritage and National Historical Park. See https://daytoncvb.com for more information about the area.

The University

At the University of Dayton, we value inclusive excellence because we recognize that diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to academic and institutional excellence. Inclusive excellence requires a comprehensive, cohesive and collaborative alignment of infrastructure, resources and actions. We strive to be active, intentional, and sustain engagement with and celebration of diversity in every dimension of institutional life. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we encourage all candidates to apply.

• Completion of at least 33 credit hours of an ALA-accredited graduate degree program (MLS, MLIS, MSIS, etc.) at the time of application, with degree conferred by December 31, 2025
• Articulated experience conducting all parts of the research process including study design, instrument development, data collection, statistical analysis (both quantitative and qualitative), and reporting
• Excellent written communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively about assessment data with diverse stakeholders, including library researchers, practitioners, university stakeholders, and the public
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment with a strong service orientation
• Articulated ability to support the University of Dayton’s commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Potential for excellence in librarianship, research, and service

While not everyone may meet all preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• Successful experience in one or more of the following:
  • conducting assessments in academic libraries
  • library statistics platforms (such as LibInsight) or another library statistics platform
  • fostering inclusive excellence in the workplace, including working with and supporting individuals from culturally and socially diverse communities
• Working knowledge of assessment frameworks and practices
• Proficiency with statistical software such as SPSS, NVivo, Tableau, etc. and data visualization platforms
• Effective interpersonal communication skills
• Effective oral communication skills
• Effective classroom management skills
• Commitment to breadth of education including educating the whole person in the Marianist tradition and a commitment to social justice, equity and inclusion and service to the community, university and profession

To apply candidates should submit:

• A cover letter that addresses how the candidate meets each of the required and any of the preferred qualifications, as well as a brief statement of the research area they would like to pursue as they advance toward tenure and/or promotion
• A curriculum vitae
• A 300-500 word statement about their previous and planned contributions to inclusive excellence, and how that informs their work as a librarian
• For individuals applying prior to completing their ALA-accredited graduate degree, a copy of an unofficial graduate transcript is also required along with a letter from an advisor indicating progression toward degree completion
• Contact information for three references who will be contacted if applicants are selected for an on-campus interview (instead of recommendation letters)

Finalists for this position will be required to make a 20-30 minute oral presentation. The presentation prompt will be provided two weeks before the on-campus interview.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.  The University does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position

Posting closes at 11:55 PM EDT April 9, 2025.

The University of Dayton is a top tier, Catholic research university with offerings from the undergraduate to the doctoral levels. Founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary, the University is a diverse community committed to advancing the common good through intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, community engagement and local, national and global partnerships. Guided by the Marianist educational philosophy, we educate the whole person and link learning and scholarship with leadership and service.

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. The University is also pleased to provide support for spouses of prospective and newly hired faculty through its dual career program. While we cannot guarantee placement, we serve as an effective resource and support system for your spouse. Information can be found at https://udayton.edu/hr/dual-career-resources.php