Librarian for Creative & Instructional Technologies

The Librarian for Creative & Instructional Technologies is part of the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries’ Teaching & Learning Department at Vanderbilt University and is a key leader responsible for advancing the library’s teaching and learning efforts by working with library staff, students, and faculty from across campus and disciplines to advance creative inquiry through workshops, interdisciplinary course-integrated instruction, and point of need consultations. This position supports instructional technologies within the library, envisioning and coordinating the library’s lendable technology program and partnering with Libraries staff on creative and instructional technology services, and collaborates on library outreach and student-focused events with campus and community partners. Reporting directly to the Associate University Librarian for Teaching & Learning, the Librarian for Creative and Instructional Technologies works closely with students, faculty, and staff both in the Libraries as well as across the University to incorporate critical literacy perspectives into instruction and programming through a digital and technological lens. The Librarian for Creative and Instructional Technologies demonstrates a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in all aspects of their work, and supports and participates in system-wide library committees or other strategic initiatives as an integral component of their responsibilities.

About the Work Unit:

The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries at Vanderbilt University comprises nine libraries, as well as service departments in collections services, digital scholarship & scholarly communications, information technology and digital services, and teaching & learning. We seek to create a welcoming environment and serve as a partner in research and scholarship. The libraries are dynamic places for faculty, staff, students, and alumni to reflect and discover. We also strive to be a workplace in which staff at every level continuously grow in knowledge and skills, staying abreast of advances and trends in librarianship to power relevant, vibrant research libraries. 

The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries are fundamental to the university’s goal of advancing scholarship and learning. We collect, preserve and make accessible a wide variety of resources, we partner with faculty and students to shape research, and we encourage the development of informed scholars and engaged citizens.

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

• Spearheads workshop development and activities related to media and instructional technologies, including video creation, podcasting, poster design, and other areas driven by students’ curricular and co-curricular needs. 


• Coordinates and maintains a library-wide lendable technology program, offering training and support for devices in the technology lending program, and facilitates collection development for the tactile learning collection.


• Supports student and faculty learning through consultations, workshops, course-based instruction, web-based tutorials, and other learning content.


• Collaborates with colleagues to develop, implement, and apply innovative multimedia and online learning tools, resources, technologies, and services for integration with library-related instructional needs.


• Contributes to development of instructional and creative technologies for the Vanderbilt Libraries. 


• Works closely with the Librarian for Instruction & Digital Learning to provide professional development opportunities for improving the design and delivery of curriculum-aligned, pedagogically sound, technology-appropriate information literacy learning experiences. 


• Contributes overall to assessment of library instruction, services, programs, and other initiatives.


• Maintains an ongoing current awareness of national trends related to emerging and evolving instructional technologies in higher education; evaluates those trends for applicability to instruction at Vanderbilt Libraries; and leads in their implementation.


• Hires and supervises student workers as needed. 


• Participates in system-wide library and university initiatives and committees.


• Participates in scholarly and professional activities including publication of journal articles and book reviews, and presentations at regional and national professional conferences that contribute to the practice of academic librarianship.

• Outstanding communication skills and a demonstrated ability to effectively teach and present is necessary.


• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively on teams within the library and with campus partners is necessary. 


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a changing environment is necessary.


• Demonstrated knowledge of digital media creation and production technologies (including Adobe Creative Suite) or teaching with technology is necessary.


• Evidence of commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in a higher education setting is necessary; experience with the principles of University Design for Learning strongly preferred.


• Demonstrated comfort with and enthusiasm experimenting with and teaching new technologies is strongly preferred.


• Experience with online learning platforms and/or creating digital tutorials, videos, and research guides is preferred.


• Familiarity with a wide variety of technologies for research and teaching in libraries (e.g. GIS tools, VR headsets, media production tools, etc) is preferred. 


• Familiarity with teaching information and digital literacy skills across multiple disciplines on a college campus is preferred. 


• Familiarity and knowledge of instructional design principles, digital pedagogy, and Open Educational Resources is preferred.


• Experience working with or directing student workers is preferred. 


• Familiarity and experience with budgets and/or grant applications is preferred.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. 

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.