Position: Public Services & Engagement Librarian
Department: University Libraries, Webster C. Pendergrass Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine Library
Exempt; MR08
https://www.lib.utk.edu/employment/position/public-services-engagement-librarian-3/
POSITION SUMMARY
The Public Services & Engagement Librarian advances the Pendergrass mission by connecting library patrons with resources, services, spaces, and collections beneficial to their teaching, learning, research, and engagement. This position leads Pendergrass efforts for marketing and outreach, often in conjunction with colleagues across the Libraries and UTIA. Working with a high level of autonomy, the Public Services & Engagement Librarian makes vital contributions to the library’s instruction and learning support efforts through information literacy instruction, research assistance, and coordinating tutoring and student success partnerships with Pendergrass. This position manages both the Leisure Reading collection and Seed Library at Pendergrass. This position also works regular shifts at the public services desk and contributes to the library’s assessment efforts.
The Public Services & Engagement Librarian will regularly work Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, but may occasionally work outside normally scheduled hours to assist with special events, instruction, and library coverage.
RESPONSIBILITIES
* Marketing, Outreach, and Engagement
* Design, promote, implement, and assess activities to connect users with Pendergrass and UT Libraries’ resources, services, spaces, and collections
* Plan and execute Destress for Success
* Produce physical and digital media in support of library events and messaging
* Create displays throughout the library that highlight collections, services, and resources; special events; or feature other themes
* Organize library orientations and tours and collaborate with student ambassadors leading tours
* Collaborate with the UT Libraries’ Marketing & Communications team to develop content and strategies for sharing Pendergrass’s story
* Partner with UTIA marketing and communications representatives to promote Pendergrass content via UTIA channels
* Develop annual proposal for library giveaways and collaborate with Marketing for design and ordering
* Additional outreach and engagement duties as assigned
* Instruction and Learning Support
* Design and teach instructional sessions that orient users to library resources, services, spaces, and collections and teach basic search strategies and common information literacy skills
* Formulate digital learning objects, such as LibGuides, Canvas course content, and instructional activities.
* Provide research assistance to patrons, including analyzing their information needs, designing search strategies, and determining appropriate library resources
* Coordinate partnerships between Pendergrass and student success units across campus
* Additional instruction and learning support duties as assigned
* Library and Departmental Activities
* Actively contribute to departmental activities, including team meetings, departmental planning, and other Pendergrass and UT Libraries committees and initiatives
* Staff the public services desk and perform all functions therein, including but not limited to circulation, tech support, and research assistance
* Conduct and participate in library assessment activities
* Pursue growth, engagement, and library improvement in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
* Grow and develop skills in areas of job responsibility and library need
* Regularly work Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, but may need to work outside of normally scheduled hours to assist with special events, instruction, and library coverage
* Other duties as assigned
* Collections
* Manage and promote Pendergrass’s unique collections, including Leisure Reading and the Seed Library
* Management of the Leisure Reading collection includes: selecting and ordering fiction and nonfiction books; promoting the collection via displays, campaigns, and special events; maintaining usage statistics; and deaccessioning materials
* Management of the Seed Library includes: maintaining stock and inventory, selecting and ordering seeds, seed sorting, updating the Seed Library LibGuide, and collaborating with Pendergrass and UT Libraries colleagues on Seed Library events and curricular integration
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
* Bachelor’s Degree
* Customer service experience
* Experience working in team environments
* 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 make sound decisions and solve problems with creativity and flexibility
* Ability to be flexible and adapt to a changing environment
* Ability to be highly dependable and maintain a regular work schedule
* Effective oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, instruction, and marketing communications
* Knowledge of graphic design principles, including accessibility and available software
* Ability to teach based on learning outcomes
* Knowledge of research methods and tools, such as online databases, web-based resources, and other reference sources
Preferred
* Master’s degree in Library & Information Science or equivalent library degree
* Reference or public services experience in a library of any kind
* Experience using multi-disciplinary library resources, such as databases, catalogs, and online discovery platforms
* Outreach and marketing experience
* Advanced graphic design
* Experience using Canvas, LibApps, WordPress, or similar programs
* Learning object design, such as tutorials and videos
* Event planning and management
* Collection development
* Project management
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
________________________________
From: UTK Library Faculty Vacancies
Sent: Friday, April 14, 2023 11:45 AM
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>; [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>; [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Vacancy: Public Services & Engagement Librarian, University of Tennessee Libraries, USA
Position: Public Services & Engagement Librarian
Department: University Libraries, Webster C. Pendergrass Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine Library
Exempt; MR08
https://www.lib.utk.edu/employment/position/public-services-engagement-librarian-3/
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 will regularly work Tuesday - Saturday, 9:30am-6:30pm, but 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
