Research & Instructional Services Librarian - 521847

Department/Organization
219101 - University Libraries

Rank
Assistant Professor

Position Summary
The University of Alabama seeks a forward-thinking librarian with innovative ideas for learning-centered approaches to research and instructional services. Reporting to the Head of Information Services and Creative Media, this position works with campus faculty to develop instruction materials and library assignments and to identify needs and opportunities for outreach in assigned academic departments. The ideal candidate possesses a strong desire to teach and seeks out further knowledge in teaching and learning theories.

Detailed Position Information
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA LIBRARIES
Research & Instructional Services Librarian

The University of Alabama seeks a forward-thinking librarian with innovative ideas for learning-centered approaches to research and instructional services. Reporting to the Head of Information Services and Creative Media, this position works with campus faculty to develop instruction materials and library assignments and to identify needs and opportunities for outreach in assigned academic departments. The ideal candidate possesses a strong desire to teach and seeks out further knowledge in teaching and learning theories. They will be responsible for developing a robust instruction and outreach program, both in-person and online, while also offering software application training and support related to areas of liaison responsibilities for the disciplines assigned. This position also plans and coordinates activities for departments that support undergraduate students, such as the Capstone Center for Student Success and the Honors College, as well as participates actively in instruction for the First-year Writing program. This position promotes collaboration and shared information experiences among students, assists with development and implementation of assessment initiatives aimed at improving services and collections, and creates and utilizes a variety of technologies and media for the advancement of library goals and objectives. This position collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders to conceptualize, define, and deliver contemporary services in support of cutting-edge approaches in instruction, research and reference, participating actively in LibChat services and assessment activities. As part of the liaison role, this position will assist with instructional design initiatives and projects and continuously create and update digital learning objects in support of teaching and learning.

This position may also provide outreach to non-academic units, such as student housing, to develop events and services that promote the University Libraries, supervise staff and students as required, and perform other duties/functions as requested. This position will work collaboratively within Gorgas Information Services and with Research Data Services to promote and integrate data services, data literacy, data curation, and geographic information systems into library instruction across the disciplines. They will also participate in the data services workshop series program to develop and lead workshops throughout the academic year, such as qualitative data analysis software, citation managers, and data visualization. They will pursue grant writing opportunities and submission of projects relevant to the mission of University Libraries and the University of Alabama. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early career professional to gain an expert knowledge in learning-centered approaches to research and instructional services while working collaboratively to develop and promote services and collections that support teaching and research at an R1 institution.

Responsibilities of the position evolve as the library environment continues to change. The University of Alabama Libraries has recently re-envisioned the liaison program with more emphasis on outreach and seeking opportunities to work with campus faculty and students. Working in a team environment in the University Libraries, the successful candidate must be willing to continually learn, develop, and apply additional expertise through work related experiences and professional development opportunities. They must also possess the ability to deal with change, ambiguity, and complex problems in an academic setting.

The University Libraries maintains memberships in the Association of Research Libraries, the Center for Research Libraries, the Coalition of Networked Information, centerNET, LYRASIS, HathiTrust, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, LOCKSS, the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries, and the Alabama Digital Preservation Network. As a U.S. Government Documents Regional Depository since 1860, the UA Libraries serves Alabama libraries and the public. The University Libraries homepage may be accessed at http://www.libraries.ua.edu

SALARY/BENEFITS: 12 month clinical faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor rank. Salary range is $65,000-$75,000, commensurate with qualifications, experience, and advanced degrees. Strong benefits, including professional development support, tuition fee waiver, and matching retirement contributions.

Minimum Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Library & Information Sciences from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Knowledge of reference/instructional services in an academic library setting.
• Knowledge of trends and services in academic libraries to support undergraduate and graduate education.
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends in information literacy instruction and information technologies.
• Awareness of new and emerging technologies and how they can be utilized in an academic library.
• Ability to successfully initiate, track, and manage projects.
• Understanding of ways to market and promote instruction, collections, and services to assigned liaison areas and various groups such as the Capstone Center for Student Success, the Honors College, and the First Year Writing Program.
• Demonstration of ability, interest, and willingness to assume additional and/or new responsibilities, along with the ability to set and model high performance standards.
• Ability to conceptualize, articulate, and implement short and long-range goals.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member to solve problems, using sound judgment in decision-making according to an established timeframe.
• Friendly, approachable, public service attitude.
• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written, along with skills associated with listening, negotiating, compromising, and adapting.
• Proven interpersonal skills evidenced by the ability to work cooperatively and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, faculty, students, and staff.

Preferred Qualifications
• Additional graduate degree. • Bachelor’s or graduate degree in the social sciences. • One to three years of experience providing reference/instructional services in an academic library setting. • Teaching experience. • Knowledge of funding sources and organizations for grant revenues. • Experience submitting grant proposals. • Experience developing LibGuides, tutorials, and digital learning objects. • Experience with Blackboard or another Learning Management System.

Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Applications are accepted online only at https://careers.ua.edu Click Faculty Jobs, then University Libraries. Please include your application, Curriculum Vitae, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for three references, including one current supervisor. Prior to employment the successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation. Position open until filled. Applications received by March 5, 2024, are assured of receiving full consideration.

About the Division/College/School
The University of Alabama Libraries, a system of four separate discipline-related libraries, is proud to support the research enterprise at the University of Alabama via a comprehensive and integrated network of resources, services, and technologies designed to meet the academic and research needs of students, faculty, and staff. We take pride in serving as a hub for innovation, knowledge creation and dissemination, research assistance, and collaborative learning.

Members of the University of Alabama family visited our physical and virtual spaces over 10 million times in 2022. Our print collections span over 6 million volumes, and we offer access to 2.5 million E-Books, 220,000 AV titles, and 98,000 E-Journals via our 685 databases.

University Libraries provides strong mentorship for faculty and staff, with ongoing collaborative opportunities, and administrative support for innovative services and ideas. We provide excellent support for needed technology and conference travel, and we are invested in academic freedom with teaching and research.

Our staff routinely update and maintain cutting edge programs of service in support of our stakeholders. Our faculty librarians have developed a robust instruction program, including a series of research data services and workshops, that consistently performs at the top of the SEC. We are heavily invested in performing the same high value research that our stakeholders produce, and that assists us in our data-driven strategic planning for the future. Our librarians have produced 75 peer reviewed journal articles in Tier 1 journals in the last 2 years.

If working with a talented group of professionals who value service, innovation, and high achievement, earning a nationally competitive starting salary, in a thriving college town, with a low cost of living, close to Birmingham, Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, and the Gulf Coast sounds interesting to you, start your application process with us to learn more!

About the University
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus.

A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. The University of Alabama has R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is among the top doctoral research universities in the United States.

As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

About Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is so much more than a college town.

It's a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Located along the Black Warrior River, the city features a walkable downtown that’s complete with live music, locally owned shops, outdoor spaces to explore and local restaurants to meet every palate. With a geography ranging from suburban to rural, the area offers a variety of housing options along with excellent public and private schools and a wealth of recreational and entertainment options.

With a metro area population of 235,000, the Druid City lies about an hour southwest of Birmingham, in west-central Alabama. It’s within a few hours’ drive of Gulf Coast beaches and major cities like Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta, making it a great base for growing better acquainted with the South’s finest offerings.

Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf