This position embraces, supports, and contributes to the vision and goals of the Vanderbilt University Strategic Plan in the pursuit of excellence in learning and discovery by providing, as subject librarian, professional research instruction, information consultation services, and collection development and maintenance for the Departments of Leadership, Policy, & Organizations in Peabody College. The broad scope of responsibilities for this position includes outreach, teaching and learning, research services, scholarly communication, and leadership, all of which may vary over time to reflect strategic initiatives.
This position reports to the Director of Peabody Library. Professional staff are expected to support and participate in system-wide library committees or other strategic initiatives as an integral component of their responsibilities.
About the Work Unit:
The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries at Vanderbilt University comprises nine libraries, as well as service departments in collections services, digital scholarship & scholarly communications, information technology and digital services, and teaching & learning. We seek to create a welcoming environment and serve as a partner in research and scholarship. The libraries are dynamic places for faculty, staff, students, and alumni to reflect and discover. We also strive to be a workplace in which staff at every level continuously grow in knowledge and skills, staying abreast of advances and trends in librarianship to power relevant, vibrant research libraries.
The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries are fundamental to the university’s goal of advancing scholarship and learning. We collect, preserve and make accessible a wide variety of resources, we partner with faculty and students to shape research, and we encourage the development of informed scholars and engaged citizens.
The Peabody Library is the primary library for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in the Peabody College of Education and Human Development, as well as students from a variety of other disciplines. The library’s staff is made up of a library director, subject librarians, and library staff that provide outreach and support for Vanderbilt faculty, students, and university staff in the areas of research and teaching. Peabody Library functions as a distinct operational facility, positioned within the larger structure of the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries system.
Duties and Responsibilities
As Subject Librarian for Leadership, Policy, & Organizations (LPO):
Provides individual research consultations to faculty/students on request Promotes library services and resources through outreach activities, campus engagement, and event planning Actively and systematically engages with faculty and students in LPO, in addition to working with librarians and faculty in other disciplines Participates in and helping grow an information and digital literacy program that is integrated into the curriculum Develops and teaches course-related instruction sessions, workshops, and participates in Peabody Library orientation sessions for new students Creates online learning objects to provide research support to both on-campus and online students Responds to all inquiries or requests from faculty/staff/students from the liaison departments Participates in collection development for LPO and participates in collaborative decision making for shared Peabody Library collections Communicates with other library staff as needed in relation to collections, gifts, weeding, and other material decisions Participates in staffing the Peabody Library service desk, as needed Participates in instruction and outreach with Peabody International Students in coordination with the Peabody Office of Student Life Develops and delivers innovative consultation services drawing on established and emerging computational research methods. Regularly presents, publishes, and/or otherwise contributes to the profession of library science and/or related disciplinary areas
Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Peabody Library.
Education and Certifications
Master of Library and Information Science is required. Advanced subject degree in Education Leadership or Business Management is preferred.
Experience and Skills:
Experience in academic libraries is necessary. A combination of expertise and experience from both the academic discipline(s) and library/information sciences is necessary. Experience with online learning platforms and/or creating digital tutorials, videos, and research guides is necessary. A demonstrated ability to teach and present effectively and outstanding communication skills is necessary. Familiarity with teaching information and digital literacy skills on a college campus is necessary. Knowledge and/or interest in using emerging technologies to enhance the delivery of research instruction & information services is necessary. Ability to facilitate instruction sessions (face-to-face and online) in a broad range of disciplines to undergraduate and graduate students is necessary. Ability to create instructional materials in multiple formats (videos, online tutorials, Resource Guides, Blackboard classes, etc.) for use by students, residents, faculty, and staff is necessary. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively on teams is necessary. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a changing environment is necessary. Experience with creating modules in Learning Management Systems, such as Canvas, Blackboard, or Desire2Learning (D2L) is preferred. Experience with Universal Design and/or designing for accessibility is preferred. Experience with open educational resources is preferred. Experience with video creation and editing software is preferred. Experience assessing and evaluating digital learning objects is preferred. Knowledge of current research tools and issues including open educational resources, research impact, data visualization, etc. is preferred. Experience writing grant proposals is preferred.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
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