Librarian II (Research & Outreach Librarian)

Texas A&M University System • Canyon, TX

1d

About The Position

The Librarian II: Research & Outreach Librarian at Cornette Library is an entry-level position focused on providing reference, outreach, and instruction services. This position supports students and faculty with general reference services in-person and virtually through appointments and at the Research Desk, as well as serving as a liaison to one or more academic departments. This position also focuses on promoting library initiatives such as Open Educational Resources and supporting transformative agreements. This position develops and delivers library workshops, develops instructional materials to enhance information literacy skills among students and faculty, and creates and maintains library guides, FAQs, videos, and OER-related resources. This position reports to the Librarian III: Systems and Emerging Technologies Librarian. Access to OER training is part of this role, and mentorship is provided to help facilitate positive faculty interactions.

Requirements

• MLS, MLIS, or MSLS or Masters degree in related field.
• One (1) year experience developing and providing educational programming in a library, classroom, museum, state park, or related setting.
• Strong background in research and reference service theory.
• Knowledge of pedagogical theory and practice.
• Strong presentation skills, with a proven ability to improvise.
• Evidence of creativity, particularly in developing outreach programs.
• Strong skills with information technologies, including but not limited to: Microsoft Windows, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Strong soft skills: teamwork and collaboration, professionalism or work ethic, oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with campus community, and critical thinking or problem-solving skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of academic library resources.
• Ability to move medium weight boxes, furniture, books, heavy book trucks or similar items.
• Ability to handle materials containing dust or microscopic mold spores.
• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.

Nice To Haves

• MLS, MLIS, or MSLS from an ALA-accredited program.
• One (1) year experience providing professional development to educators in a collegiate or K-12 (public school) setting.
• Coursework or experience related to Open Educational Resources or copyright compliance as it relates to open licenses.
• Teaching Certificate.
• School Librarian Certificate.
• Creative Commons Certificate or equivalent intensive OER Certification.
• Proficiency with the use of virtual reference tools such as LibChat or equivalent.
• Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite, including Acrobat, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and Premiere.
• Proficiency using HTML, CSS, or JavaScript.
• Proficiency working with Pressbooks or an equivalent Open Publishing Platform.

Responsibilities

• Library Instruction/Outreach: Delivers virtual and in-person library instruction.
• Develops and delivers library workshops and develops instructional materials to enhance information literacy skills among students.
• Creates and maintains library guides, FAQs, videos, and other resources/services.
• Develops and delivers faculty development workshops, primarily focusing on increasing awareness and use of Open Educational Resources.
• Assists with the creation and delivery of library marketing, particularly when related to Open Educational Resources and OER-related programs, or transformative agreements.
• Primary individual responsible for the maintenance and promotion of Cornette Library’s OER web presence, including the OER LibGuide and Pressbooks Platform.
• As part of the library research, outreach and instruction team, assists with development and implementation of student or community outreach activities and events as needed.
• May be occasionally required to travel to the Amarillo Center and other regional libraries and schools.
• May involve working nights and weekends for evening and weekend classes and library events.
• Duties may include moving furniture or equipment for library events.
• Reference Services: Assists library patrons (WTAMU students, faculty, and staff and community members) with their information and research needs both in-person and virtually, using chat, phone, and email at the time of need and/or through appointment (service priority is given to WTAMU students, faculty, and staff).
• Offers assistance in navigating complex information landscapes across a wide range of electronic and print resources by formulating effective search strategies and helping to find relevant and accurate information.
• Works scheduled hours at the library’s 1st floor Research Desk delivering reference services, both during scheduled shifts and as needed.
• Knowledgeable about various subject areas, expertise extends to evaluating information sources for their reliability and relevance.
• Primary individual responsible for reference requests related to Open Educational Resources, helping faculty find, adopt, adapt, and develop OER Resources.
• Tracks and supports transformative agreements and other publisher deals.
• Refers patrons to other internal and external colleagues and services, when necessary, e.g. Interlibrary Loan.
• May work nights or weekends when needed.
• Professional Development: Maintains currency with developments in library service and pedagogical theory and practice.
• Commits to learning and self-improvement, adding value to Cornette Library and West Texas A&M University through attendance at Cornette Library’s Professional Learning Community (PLC) and through other professional avenues such as membership in professional organizations, conferences, webinars, podcasts, professional literature, presentations and/or publishing.
• May involve nights or weekends.
• Professional Service: Serves as liaison to one or more academic departments.
• Participates in maintenance of library collections in liaison area(s) through evaluation, weeding, and selection of resources in consultation with faculty and library Collection Development Committee.
• Serves on Cornette Library committees.
• May also participate in university committees and/or regional, State, and national library or library related professional committees.
• Demonstrates contributions to the profession through such things as membership in library or library related professional organizations, scholarly publication and/or presentations.
• May involve nights or weekends.
• Maintains 100% compliance with timely completion of required System, University and job- specific online training courses.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The A&M System strives to maintain a competitive, high-quality benefit package to support the health and wellness needs of our workforce.
• This includes comprehensive health and welfare insurance plans, additional health and lifestyle programs, and optional retirement savings opportunities.
• Eligible employees will have access to paid leave programs in addition to 13-15 paid holidays each year.
• Employees and their dependents get half-off their tuition and fees.
• The minimum starting wage is $15 per hour.
• Employees also have generous health, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance packages, plus free basic life insurance and enrollment in the Texas Teacher Retirement System.
• Flexible or compressed work-week arrangements are also available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level