Research & Instruction Librarian, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Gordon Library (Worcester, MA)

Posted October 26, 2023

Description:
The Research & Instruction (R&I) Librarian supports student learning by developing, implementing, delivering, and assessing innovative library instruction programs for undergraduate and graduate students. R&I Librarians work within the Research & Instruction team at the Gordon Library at WPI, partnering with faculty and staff to provide relevant, focused information literacy instruction at an increasingly sophisticated level throughout the curriculum, focusing on project-based learning and purpose-driven research. The team supports research across a variety of disciplines, including areas in the sciences, engineering, humanities, business, and interdisciplinary classes. The team works together to support the ID2050 course, completed by nearly all undergraduates as preparation for the Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP). The person in this position may have lead or coordinating responsibility for research and curricular areas that align with evolving service needs as well as their experience and interests. The librarian also participates in providing research consultations, reference services, and raising awareness of library services through outreach.

WPI is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We are looking for candidates who can support our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities:
Contributes to team-based library instruction programming and services:

As a member of the library’s instruction team, participates in developing a shared vision and values, evaluative and programmatic practices, and curricular strategies informed by individual and team strengths.
Helps develop, implement, report, and assess undergraduate information literacy instruction for project-based learning at all levels, and in all formats; and participates in providing research consultations related to project work.
Collaborates on initiatives, projects, experiments, and innovations that advance the library’s contributions to teaching and learning programs. These may include the use of new instructional technologies and/or developing co-curricular and certificate-based paths for students to attain research and information skills.
Demonstrates awareness and understanding of the needs of a diverse student population through inclusive course materials and teaching strategies.
Use accessibility guidelines and principles, best practices in inclusive and equitable pedagogy, and relevant library and higher education standards when developing and delivering instruction and reference services.
Promotes research and instruction services to the WPI community that support a wide array of information needs.
Participates in reporting and assessment of research and instruction services.
Supports and provides input to collection development and maintenance.
Collaborates with Access Services & Outreach to disseminate and amplify frontline services.

Teaches information literacy classes and workshops:

Designs, develops, facilitates, and delivers foundational, advanced level, and course-specific/curriculum-integrated instruction sessions and information literacy classes and workshops that incorporate active-learning methods and information and data literacy concepts – both in-person and online.
Develops online resources using a variety of online learning platforms, to support research and learning needs of students.
Initiates and fosters congenial and collaborative working relationships with students and teaching faculty to ensure ongoing dialogue about the evolving learning and research needs of the WPI community.
Maintains familiarity with current and emerging approaches in undergraduate education.

Provides reference, research, and outreach services:

Provides accurate, timely, relevant reference and research services on a variety of subjects to faculty, students, and staff, through email, in person, phone, or remote communications.
Monitors research and reference requests received by the Research & Instruction librarians as a group or individually to the librarian.
Responds accurately, promptly, and helpfully to research and reference requests.
Develops online guides including answers to frequently asked questions to support self-guided and supported reference and research services.
Participates in undergraduate and graduate engagement and orientation initiatives.
Supports faculty scholarship and research in collaboration with other library departments and services.

Contributes to library, professional, and community engagement:

Maintains awareness of best practices, trends, emerging technologies, and issues in academic libraries, particularly in research and instruction.
Participates in collaborative library programs and activities including library committees and task forces, professional development and learning activities, outreach events and digital outreach, strategic and annual planning, and collaborations with university community offices and student groups.
Participates in and contributes to WPI initiatives and to achieving goals set to accomplish WPI and library strategic initiatives.
Engages in and contributes to the profession through continuing learning, service, research, presentations, or professional communications.

Requirements:

MLIS/MLS, or equivalent graduate degree.
2-4 years relevant experience.
Strong analytical and critical thinking and written and oral communications.
Demonstrated knowledge of key issues, emerging pedagogy trends, best practices, and concepts used in information literacy.
Strong service orientation and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to create online research guides for subjects and classes using Springshare or similar software.

Preferred experience:

Academic background in a STEM field or completion of information science coursework on scientific and engineering literature or experience supporting STEM students in an academic library.
Experience teaching information literacy skills and/or providing reference services in an academic library.

Please include a cover letter along with your resume for consideration.
Expected salary minimum of $65,000; offered salary based on experience and qualifications.

To apply, please go to: WPI Careers Site

For more information about Gordon Library, see: https://www.wpi.edu/library

For more information about WPI, see: https://www.wpi.edu/about