Assessment Librarian, University Of Alabama Libraries, Tuscaloosa, AL

Posted April 25, 2023

Description:

The University of Alabama Libraries seeks a collaborative, analytical, and detail-oriented individual to
fulfill the role of Assessment Librarian. Reporting to the Director of Branch Library & Research Data
Services the ideal candidate for this faculty position will have the ability to collaborate across all
University Libraries units to formulate, establish, and monitor a systematic, robust, rigorous, and
sustainable library assessment program. The Assessment Librarian will oversee University Libraries
learning assessments, including training on IRB applications, identifying/monitoring meaningful
organizational performance indicators, establishing procedures for and monitoring of all
monthly/annual assessment reporting, basic systems administration and help desk support for
assessment, as well as user training for all assessment management systems (e.g., LibPAS and
LibInsight), and organizing/analyzing assessment data to produce custom reports that support
strategic, evidence-based management practices within the UA Libraries. The Assessment Librarian
also plays a key role in the University Libraries strategic planning process.
Internally, the Assessment Librarian’s skills in data analysis will be leveraged in support of those
ongoing and special data-driven projects of the University Libraries Dean’s Office, as well as public-
facing Research Data Services (RDS). In addition, based on education and experience (or learned
while at UA), the Assessment Librarian will be expected to utilize their knowledge of appropriate
quantitative and qualitative methods to design and administer user surveys for original data collection
and analysis, as well as effectively gather, organize, and analyze secondary-source data from the UA
Libraries enterprise systems and other common sources of university and library assessment data.
The Assessment Librarian will actively pursue grant writing opportunities and submission of projects
relevant to the mission of University Libraries and the University of Alabama. The successful
candidate must have a willingness for continual learning, development, and application of additional
expertise through work related experiences and professional development opportunities with a
commitment to continuous quality improvement. The successful candidate must also possess the
ability to deal with change, ambiguity, and complex problems that are typical of an academic setting.
This position may also supervise staff and students as required and perform other duties/functions as
needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in Library & Information Sciences from an ALA-accredited institution or Ph.D.
in the social sciences.
Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as their appropriate
analytical counterparts.
Proven ability utilizing software for data organization and analysis (e.g., Excel, Access, SPSS,
or NVivo).
Knowledge of SACSCOC accreditation standards and other similar reports for academic
libraries.
Ability to successfully initiate, track, and manage projects.
Demonstrated ability, interest, and willingness to assume additional and/or new
responsibilities, along with the ability to set and model high performance standards.
Ability to conceptualize, articulate, and implement short and long range goals.
Ability to work independently and as a team member to solve problems, using sound judgment
in decision-making according to an established timeframe.
Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written, along with skills associated with
listening, negotiating, compromising, and adapting.
Proven interpersonal skills evidenced by the ability to work cooperatively and maintain
effective working relationships with colleagues, faculty, students, and staff.
Ability to support and enhance a diverse learning and working environment.
Ability to meet the requirements for tenure and promotion.
Commitment to conduct research and scholarship consistent with the requirements of a tenure
track appointment; commitment to engage in continuing professional development and
service.
Responsibilities of the position evolve as the library environment continues to change.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Advanced degree in applied statistics, or a PhD in the social sciences with experience
conducting statistical analyses.
Prior experience with library assessment such a with library instruction, e-resources,
collections management, access services, etc.
Experience with library assessment platforms such as LibInsight, LibPAS, etc.
Experience with data visualization platforms such as Tableau, Power BI, etc.
Experience working with SQL databases
Knowledge of project management applications such as Jira, Asana, etc.
Prior experience delivering library instruction and/or data services.
Knowledge of funding sources and organizations for grant revenues.
Experience submitting grant proposals.

ENVIRONMENT:

The University of Alabama, The Capstone University, is the State of Alabama’s

flagship public university, and the senior comprehensive doctoral level institution in Alabama. UA

enrolls over 38,320 students, with record breaking freshman classes for each of the past three years.

UA has also increased graduate student enrollment by seven percent for Fall 2021. Ranked among

the top 70 public universities in the nation by U.S. World and News Report’s annual college rankings

for more than a decade, UA ranked 67th among public universities in 2020 rankings. UA made the

Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for New Graduates in 2021. The University of Alabama students

continue to win prestigious national awards. Fifty-nine UA students have been named Goldwater

Scholars. The University of Alabama has produced a total of 15 Rhodes Scholars, 16 Truman

Scholars, 32 Hollins Scholars, and 11 Boren Scholars. The University of Alabama is a leader among

public universities nationwide for enrollment of National Merit Scholars with more than 900 currently

enrolled, the highest number in UA’s history. Under the leadership of President Stuart Bell, UA has

launched a strategic planning process that includes an aggressive research agenda and expansion of

graduate education. There are currently 36 faculty who have received NSF Career awards, the

nation’s most prestigious recognition of top performing young scientists. UA was also recognized as a

top producer of Fulbright Scholars for the fifth time in six years in 2021-2022. UA is located in

Tuscaloosa, a metropolitan area of over 250,000, with a vibrant economy, a moderate climate, and

reputation across the South as an innovative, progressive community with an excellent quality of life.

Tuscaloosa provides easy access to mountains, several lager cities, and the beautiful Gulf Coast.

The University Libraries maintains memberships in the Association of Research Libraries, the Center

for Research Libraries, the Coalition of Networked Information, centerNET, LYRASIS, HathiTrust, the

Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, LOCKSS, the Network of Alabama Academic

Libraries, and the Alabama Digital Preservation Network. As a U.S. Government Documents

Regional Depository since 1860, the UA Libraries serves Alabama libraries and the public. The

University Libraries homepage may be accessed at http://www.libraries.ua.edu

Prior to employment the successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation.

SALARY/BENEFITS:

12-month tenure track faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor

rank, depending on qualifications and experience. Salary range is $70,000.00 – $80,000.00,

commensurate with qualifications, experience, and advanced degrees. Strong benefits,
including professional development support, tuition fee waiver, and matching retirement
contributions.

TO APPLY:

Applications are accepted online only at https://facultyjobs.ua.edu. Click Search
Positions. University Libraries in Organization drop-down box. Please include your application,
Curriculum Vitae, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three
references, including one current supervisor.
Position open until filled. Applications received by May 20, 2023, are assured of receiving full
consideration.

The University of Alabama is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and is strongly
committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. Applicants from a broad spectrum of people,
including women, members of ethnic minorities and disabled persons, are especially
encouraged to apply. For questions regarding the search, contact Michael Arthur, Senior
Associate Dean, at [email protected]