UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE LIBRARIES

FACULTY VACANCY

Student Success Librarian for Media Literacy

Appointment Rank:        Assistant Professor

Department:                     Scholars’ Collaborative

Reports To:                        Head, Scholars’ Collaborative

Salary:                                  $52,000

Available:                            June 1, 2020

The University of Tennessee Libraries seeks an enthusiastic, collaborative and highly motivated individual to join our Scholars’ Collaborative team.  The Student Success Librarian for Media Literacy advocates for and promotes an inclusive culture of student success. The Librarian teaches media and library skills to students across disciplines in support of UT’s VolCore general education curriculum.

Working closely with librarians and course instructors, develops and assesses learning outcomes related to finding, evaluating, using, and creating digital media. Works as part of a cross-departmental team of librarians to engage students in multiple modes of composition in a supportive environment that encourages inclusivity and creativity. Helps students develop strong communication and media skills by facilitating incorporation of media literacy across the curriculum. Within the Scholars’ Collaborative, this position is a key member of The Studio, and provides expert and inclusive instruction in the use of media creation software, hardware, and pedagogy. Employs user-experience methods to develop resources, services, and spaces that support an environment in which all students may thrive. Seeks new ways to spark interaction, research, learning, and creativity through gaming and playful inquiry. Promotes community and helps foster student engagement through serious play. Works closely with the Head of the Scholars’ Collaborative and Studio Manager to assess and develop studio services and provides direct insight into current and developing needs in the curriculum.

This position actively engages in team-based and library-wide liaison activities to develop a shared vision for library resources and services which align with the UTK Libraries’ Strategic Plan.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Provide expertise on the Libraries’ adoption and use of media technologies to support student-created content
• Collaborate with teaching faculty across disciplines to provide specialized instruction and consultations to facilitate integrating media literacy concepts and skills into the curriculum
• Provide guidance in fair use and copyright regarding media creation and use in the classroom
• Plan, implement, and assess media instruction and services in a media commons environment
• Develop best practices, standards, and student learning outcomes for media and media literacy instruction

● Stay abreast of trends in media creation and communication practices. Recommend and implement related technology offerings for students, faculty and staff

● Collaboratively develop and support outreach and programming around virtual reality, esports and gaming, and serious play

● Serves on Library and University committees and contributes to planning activities

● Serves the institution and the profession through involvement in professional organizations and through cooperative efforts with other professionals and institutions

● Engages in scholarly activity through publication, presentation, and other creative outlets

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate must exhibit the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals and demonstrate enthusiasm to meet dynamically changing needs within a culture of continuous learning.

Required:

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library/Information Science or equivalent degree in related discipline.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering effective student learning through effective and inclusive pedagogical practices.
• Demonstrated understanding of the applied concepts of media literacy including fair use of media and proper attribution.
• Experience teaching or training media concepts and technologies.

• Demonstrated experience using software and hardware for media design and development, particularly through the use of industry-standard software tools for graphics design and video editing.

• Evidence of a strong service orientation.
• Evidence of commitment to diversity and inclusion in a higher education setting.
• Experience with course management software, social media platforms, and web-based subject or course guides.
• Demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively and independently to manage projects and initiatives.
• Evidence of ability to engage in research, publication, and service consonant with the University’s and Libraries’ guidelines for promotion and tenure.

Preferred:

• Experience assessing effectiveness of library services and programs.
• Experience providing research assistance.
• Experience developing learning outcomes related to media literacy skills.
• Experience developing instructional workshops to meet specified learning outcomes.
• Experience working in a media lab.
• Experience with virtual reality or gaming platforms.

ENVIRONMENT

The University of Tennessee Libraries serves the flagship campus of Tennessee’s premier public research university. The University of Tennessee holds the Carnegie Foundation Research 1 designation, granted to doctoral universities with very high research activity.

The UT Libraries supports the teaching, research, and service mission of the university and enhances the academic experience of each student at the Knoxville campus—through outstanding print and electronic collections, reference and instructional services, and top-notch facilities and technological resources. The John C. Hodges Library in the heart of campus houses the majority of the UT Libraries' collections and many unique services. Two branch libraries offer specialized collections and services: the Webster C. Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library and the George F. DeVine Music Library.

The UT Libraries is a national leader in digital collections; in support of open access though our digital repository, Trace; and through a rich history of designing innovative spaces and building key partnerships that enhance the teaching/learning enterprise. The UT Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, HathiTrust, the Library Publishing Coalition, LYRASIS, and the Center for Research Libraries. The UT Libraries collaborates actively at the state level with the other University of Tennessee System libraries as well as the libraries in the Tennessee Board of Regents system.

The UT Libraries champions diversity in collections and staffing. The University of Tennessee is committed to creating a welcoming environment. More information about how we put our principles of civility and community into action is available at https://www.lib.utk.edu/diversity/.

Additional information about this position and the UT community is available at

https://www.lib.utk.edu/employment/position/media-literacy-librarian/

BENEFITS

Appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor with a salary of $52,000.  Faculty rank and status; twelve-month, tenure-track appointment.  Library faculty must meet University requirements for promotion and tenure.

Excellent benefits include 24 annual leave days; choice of state retirement plan (TCRS) or the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) (VOYA, TIAA, VALIC) with nonrefundable contributions paid for the employee by the University; optional group health and life insurance plans.  Tuition remission is available for all university employees and partial undergraduate tuition remission is available to dependent children and spouses of UT employees. Start-up funding in the amount of $10,000 allocated over a three-year period; annual support for travel & professional development.

UT’s Prospective Faculty Viewbook has information on academic support, personal support, and living in Knoxville.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

A background check and official transcripts are required prior to hiring.  In order to be considered for candidacy, you must submit a cover letter addressing the above qualifications, a current resume or CV, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three recent references to: Elizabeth Greene, Executive Director, Libraries Administration and Human Resources, 1015 Volunteer Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37996-1000.  Application materials may be sent via email attachment to [log in to unmask].  Review of applications will begin March 9, 2020, and will continue until the position is filled.

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admissions without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN  37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498.  Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.