Research and Instruction Librarian

JOB SUMMARY

The Research and Instruction Librarian promotes and supports learning. The position provides leadership for developing the research and information literacy capabilities of the Columbia College community. The Research and Instruction Librarian collaborates with other Learning Commons faculty and staff to develop programming that cultivates a culture of learning among students, faculty, and staff.

The Learning Commons includes the Library, Career and Student Success Services (including advising and accessibility services), Pearce Communication Center, tutoring, and the Honors Program as integrated services to support student learning. It also serves as the lab for individual and collaborative learning for students, faculty, and staff, including developing programming on topics of current regional, world, or professional interest.

The position reports to the Director of Edens Library while working collaboratively with other members of the Library and Learning Commons faculty and staff. This is a full-time (i.e. twelve-month), non-tenure-track faculty position. Participation in evening and weekend shifts is expected.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Primary responsibilities (75%)

• Develops a comprehensive plan for information literacy (imagined broadly, to include media and digital literacy and misinformation/disinformation/bias/etc.) with learning outcomes and assessment in alignment with the ACRL framework for information literacy.


• Collaborates with faculty and staff to develop activities and assignments that involve students in inquiry that supports the mission of the college, information literacy, media and digital literacy, and ethical use of information, with commensurate support for in-person and online learners.


• Provides course-based information literacy support through one-shot sessions, scaffolded involvement, embedded support, or otherwise.


• Supports subject liaisons’ delivery of information literacy and research support in their areas.

• Provides leadership for collaborative management and development of SpringShare LibGuides and other resources.


• Develops workshops, skillshops, drop-in sessions, or other in-person and virtual events that engage students and faculty broadly in research and information literacy.


• Collaborates with other Learning Commons faculty and staff ensure robust training for student employees to provide peer-to-peer mentoring in research and information literacy.


• Provides leadership for and participates in the effective delivery of research support in all modes, such as via chat, virtual appointments, etc.


• Develops and communicates to other librarians and staff a consistent approach for documenting research and information literacy support and engagement in related programming for assessment purposes.


• Serves as subject liaison for one or more divisions, departments, or programs. Subject liaison support includes developing relationships with the faculty and students, learning the curriculum, providing information literacy and research support, and participating in collection development and management.


• Assumes responsibility for the Learning Commons during regularly scheduled evenings and weekends, including supervising student assistants.


• Participates in the collection development of resources for the Reference and General Collections.

Additional responsibilities (25%)

• Serves on campus committees and task forces as assigned.


• Engages in service to the profession.


• Engages in professional development through various means, such as:
  
  
  
  • Attending and presenting at local, state and/or regional conferences, workshops, webinars, etc. as budget permits
  
  
  • Staying current on professional literature and webinars
  
  
  • Conducting research for program development and presenting results.
  
  
  
  


• Participates in community life and activities of Columbia College.

• Performs other duties as assigned, within the general scope of the position description.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: 

• Master’s Degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited Master’s program (MLS/MLIS).


• One to three (1-3) years of experience in a similar role, preferably in higher education.


• Knowledge of current practices and pedagogy for information literacy.


• Enthusiasm for the learning culture of liberal arts institutions and for the mission of Columbia College.


• Evidence of affinity for building networks or linking people with resources, preferably in an asynchronous environment.


• Demonstrated experience providing collaborative leadership.


• Demonstrated experience using best pedagogical practices for active learning preferred.


• Evidence of effective organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Competence with business math and written and verbal communication suitable in a business or professional setting.


• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, utilizing Outlook, Word, Excel and Microsoft Teams, or related software.


• Marketing or promotional experience preferred, including graphic design or social media.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work independently with little direction.


• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.


• Ability to meet schedules and timelines.


• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.


• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Requires sedentary work that involves walking, standing, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work environment risks exposure to no known environmental hazards.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resumé, salary requirements, and names and contact information for three references. Questions can be directed to Laurel Whisler, Director of J. Drake Edens Library, at lwhisler@columbiasc.edu. Interviews may include demonstration of skills or a problem-solving activity. Priority consideration begins July 8, 2024.

EOE M/F/D/V