Position: Public Services & Engagement Librarian - 2 Positions

Department: University Libraries, Public Services

Exempt; MR08 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Public Services & Engagement Librarian advances the University Libraries mission by connecting library patrons with resources, services, spaces, and collections beneficial to their teaching, learning, research, and engagement. The Librarian ensures an excellent user experience by providing high-level user-focused support for research assistance and front-line public services activities. Working with a high level of autonomy, this position focuses on performing functions directly related to instructing academic library users in how to find scholarly information to support their academic research needs. This individual contributes to the Libraries' learning and engagement program by teaching information and research skills to students in general education classes and other settings. This person develops and participates in engagement activities to help students transition to college life.  

The exempt staff position may occasionally work outside normally scheduled hours to assist with special events, instruction, and library coverage. This position is required to report to their designated work location to ensure operation of essential campus functions or departments during an emergency, or when the University has suspended or delayed operations.  

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Research and Information Services  
• Analyzes users' information needs, determines appropriate library resources to use, and designs research strategies to meet those needs. 
• Instructs students in how to find scholarly information, evaluate information credibility, and avoid plagiarism.  
• Assists library users with circulating library materials, collecting fines, and other activities associated with patron accounts. 
• Teaching 
• Teaches classes on research skills related to finding, evaluating, using, and citing information sources to students in English Composition, First Year Programs, and other general education classes.  
• Creates online tutorials, research guides, and other instructional materials.  
• Contributes to the work of library instruction committees in developing class outlines, student learning outcomes, and assessments for student learning initiatives.  
• Develops and participates in engagement activities to help students transition to college life.  
• Engages in partnerships with campus student success units. 
• Library & Departmental Activities 
• Contributes to the planning and assessment of departmental efforts.  
• Participates in professional development, library committees, departmental and library-wide meetings, and planning activities.  
• Trains student workers and staff in providing basic reference service.  
• Reviews chat transcripts, and makes recommendations on improving accuracy and customer service.  
• May need to work outside of normally scheduled hours to assist with special events, staffing shortages, or inclement weather.  

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required 

• Bachelor’s Degree 
• Customer service experience 
• Experience working in team environments 
• Ability to speak comfortably in public 
• Ability to be flexible and to adapt to a changing environment 
• Knowledge of research methods and tools, such as online databases, web-based resources, and other reference sources  
• Knowledge of basic cataloging principles and database searching 
• Ability to teach based on learning outcomes  
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment  
• Effective applied customer service skills  
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision   
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment  
• Ability to manage projects through all stages, including planning implementation, and assessment  
• Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and ability to work effectively to complete assignments as scheduled and with minimal errors  
• Ability to be highly dependable and maintain a regular work schedule  
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, instruction, and marketing communications 

Preferred  

• Master’s degree preferred from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited Library Science or Information Science degree 
• Knowledge of reference tools in the sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences 
• Knowledge of web authoring tools and content management systems 
• Reference or public services experience in an academic library 
• Library instruction experience 
• Outreach experience 
  
   

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/. 

Application Procedures 

A background check is required prior to hiring.  In order to be considered for candidacy, you must submit a cover letter addressing the above qualifications and a current resume.    

For assistance or questions about using the UT online application system, contact University of Tennessee Human Resources: 

105 Student Services Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0213 

Office Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

(865) 974-6642