Student Success Librarian, Tufts University, Somerville, MA

Posted September 13, 2022

Description:

The Research & Learning unit at Tufts University’s Tisch Library seeks an innovative and collaborative colleague to join us as Student Success Librarian to continue our growth within the context of our strategic plan. The person in this position will contribute to the development of the User Experience & Student Success Department, which, along with the Collections & Liaison Services and Digital Scholarship departments, make up the Research & Learning division. 

The User Experience & Student Success Department leads Tisch Library in building expertise in online learning, user experience enhancement and usability, first-year instruction, and outreach to underrepresented populations. The work of this department includes: designing, developing, and implementing innovative programming for first-year instruction and outreach to underrepresented and marginalized populations; developing and supporting online learning objects and services for online learners; providing leadership and direction for the website and LibGuides platform; and designing usability testing for and assessing the user’s experience of virtual and physical spaces and services as part of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. To further this work, we are seeking a colleague who can complement, strengthen, and expand partnerships across library departments and with colleagues across the university to address barriers that limit access to library services, collections, programs, and spaces as Tufts strives to become an anti-racist institution. 

A successful candidate will:

• Develop and lead Library engagement, outreach, and orientation initiatives for students at Tufts, with a specific focus on students from underrepresented and underserved populations. 
• Form and cultivate collaborative relationships with campus units and programs that support academic preparedness and student success, such as the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching, the Center for STEM Diversity, the StAAR Center, and the identity-based resource centers.
• Take an active role in developing and supporting the Library’s student success initiatives, particularly within the context of addressing barriers that limit access to library services, collections, programs, and spaces. 
• Participate in, and help to develop and expand, the first-year instruction program.
• Participate in the formal assessment of Tisch Library’s academic and learning services, including the effectiveness and usability of online-learning objects and other library instructional materials, to enhance student learning outcomes. 
• Participate in planning and assessing online and face-to-face services and learning spaces for the Library. 
• Serve as a liaison to assigned academic departments, lead information literacy instruction sessions, and provide research consultations. 

This position is open to early-career librarians. We welcome applications from candidates that meet our minimum requirements, and we encourage you to speak to your experience and knowledge—including in positions outside of libraries and tell us how it may connect to some of the preferred qualifications for this position.

Minimum Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a Master’s degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, or equivalent.
• Teaching or instruction experience, whether in a library or other educational setting.
• Demonstrated ability to provide public service and outreach.

• Demonstrated understanding of the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion and ability to work collaboratively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• A strong commitment to user-centered customer service and demonstrated ability to provide public service and outreach.

• Capacity to thrive in the ambiguous, future-oriented environment of a major research institution and respond effectively to changing needs and priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. 

• Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment as well as take initiative on independent projects. 

• Ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse community and willingness to adopt the Tisch Library values of Community, Curiosity & Learning, Openness, and Social Justice.

Preferred:

• Experience working in an academic library.
  
• Experience working with and creating instructional content for underserved and/or minoritized student populations, such as international students, English language-learners, first generation students, BIPOC students, LGBTQ+ students.

• Experience with planning or presenting programs or events.
  
• Experience, either on the job or through graduate level coursework, with library assessment practices and methodologies.
  
• Demonstrated knowledge of current issues in equitable access to education and information.
  
• Experience partnering with a variety of stakeholders that focus on student success.
  
• Experience creating and using online instructional materials.
  
• Practical knowledge of ACRL’s Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.

Candidates who are invited to interview with the search committee will be asked to provide a diversity statement in advance of that meeting. 

Reporting:

This position will report to the Head of User Experience & Student Success.

Hiring Range:

This position will be hired at the rank of either Affiliate or Assistant Librarian, with a salary range of $55,000-$75,000.

About Tisch Library:

Tisch Library supports three Tufts’ Schools – Arts & Sciences, Engineering, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts – providing collections, expertise, and technology-rich environments to assist the Tufts community in teaching, learning, research, and the creation and dissemination of scholarship.

About Tufts University:

Tufts is a student-centered research university dedicated to the creation and application of knowledge. We are committed to providing transformational experiences for students and faculty in an inclusive and collaborative environment where creative scholars generate bold ideas, innovate in the face of complex challenges, and distinguish themselves as active citizens of the world.

How to Apply:

Please submit a Cover Letter and CV/Resume at: https://jobs.tufts.edu/jobs/17852?lang=en-us