Head of Teaching, Learning & Research, Smith College, Northampton, MA
Posted October 7, 2021
Description:
Direct and coordinate the activities of the Libraries Teaching, Learning and Research (TLR) team of academic research librarians. Set goals and objectives. Guide professional development of staff. Develop strategies that align with the Libraries and the College. Promote and evaluate models for subject-specific instruction, outreach, and consultations that are responsive to the needs of faculty and students in a changing learning environment. In Collaboration with the Head of Collection Development and Management, lead the activities of the subject liaisons in selecting research materials for designated academic departments and help coordinate collection management projects. Serve as an academic liaison to select academic departments and programs to provide research instruction, consultations and collection development.
As a manager within LRT, a blended department of librarians, academic technologists, and spatial analysis specialists shared between the Libraries and ITS, collaborate in developing new service strategies and models in the Libraries and advocate for the collective decision-making of members of TLR. As a leader in the organization, participate in overall Libraries leadership activities, Libraries management team and represent the Libraries and LRT in campus wide activities.
Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College’s efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.
Essential Functions
Management
- Manage the Teaching, Learning and Research team in collaboration with the Learning, Research and Technology unit managers, the Libraries, ITS and campus partners.
- Coordinate with campus teaching colleagues to develop innovative instruction practices. Lead and develop the reference service program including managing in person and email reference as well as training for referrals from other service points.
- Collaborate within the Libraries to develop consistent guidelines for collection development and management.
- Develop thoughtful and user centered processes for scholarly support and critical and inclusive assessment that are scalable, sustainable and in alignment with the Libraries.
- Update members of TLR on information and activities from other departments within the Libraries.
Public Services
- Direct a program of user centered and multi-modal research support for the Smith community.
- Lead and participate on the Libraries Teams, Committees and Working Groups as a representative for teaching, collections management and scholarly support.
- Collaborate with the Libraries, LRT, ITS and campus partners in the continuing development of service strategies and models in Neilson Library.
Subject Liaison
- Provide expert guidance to faculty and students in academic departments on research methods and resources across multiple interfaces of licensed databases and relevant internet resources.
- Develop online learning content for the Libraries’ website, including digital learning objects, subject and course resource pages and other web-based tools and digital information services for assigned liaison departments and as part of a team of teaching librarians.
- Participate in the Libraries’ general consultation service and contribute to Zotero citation management software support including individual assistance and group instruction.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s in Library Science, Information Studies, Education or equivalent degree
- At least 3-5 years teaching experience in a library setting or an equivalent combination of education/experience.
- Leadership experience with public services in academic libraries
- Knowledge of current issues and trends in pedagogy on the undergraduate and graduate level
Skills
- Knowledge of or experience with copyright, privacy, scholarly communication and open access
- Understanding of the principles of accessibility and universal access design
- Expertise with technology including knowledge of current libraries discovery systems, the Google Office suite and Springshare products
- Strong cultural competencies and a demonstrated commitment to anti-oppressive professional practices
How to Apply:
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