Online Learning Librarian, Western Kentucky University, (Bowling Green, KY)

Posted March 12, 2026

Description

The Online Learning Librarian serves as the strategic leader for the library’s digital instruction ecosystem, overseeing the design, implementation, and assessment of scalable online learning programs that support undergraduate and graduate student success. This position coordinates with the Chair of Library Public Services to advance innovative approaches to information literacy instruction through the ACRL Framework, ensuring all digital learning environments meet accessibility standards and evidence-based pedagogical best practices.

Key responsibilities include creating engaging multimedia learning objects, maintaining expertise in user experience (UX) principles and learner experience design in online environments, providing professional development for library faculty on instructional design and educational technology, conducting data-driven assessment of learning outcomes, and cultivating partnerships with campus stakeholders including WKU Online and the Center for Instructional Technology and Learning to expand the library’s reach and impact in online and distance education.

Responsibilities

Principal Responsibilities. The following duties are customary for this position, but additional responsibilities may be assigned based on institutional needs:

• Provide strategic leadership for the library’s virtual teaching and learning environments, ensuring alignment with best practices in usability, digital pedagogy, accessibility, and instructional effectiveness.
• Administer the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of an online instruction program that supports undergraduate and graduate curricula.
• Collaborate with teaching faculty and library colleagues to identify needs; design, integrate, and enhance instructional materials; support and sustain effective teaching and student learning.
• Design, produce, and maintain multimedia instructional content, including video tutorials, interactive modules, infographics, and other digital learning objects.
• Assess the effectiveness of platforms, online learning initiatives, and instructional materials using qualitative and quantitative measures and apply findings to guide continuous improvement.
• Provide professional development, training, and consultation related to instructional design, educational technologies, online pedagogy, and accessibility best practices.
• Serve as a resource on emerging trends, tools, and practices in instructional design, educational technology, and online learning relevant to library instruction.
• Provide reference and research assistance through in-person and virtual service models.
• Engage in teaching, research/creative activity, and university, professional, and public service in accordance with departmental criteria for faculty rank and promotion.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• Demonstrated experience successfully implementing a systematic instructional design strategy in an academic or library context, or an advanced degree in Instructional Design.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and web accessibility standards (WCAG) in educational contexts.
• Demonstrated experience with modern e-Learning authoring and multimedia production tools such as Articulate Storyline, Rise, Adobe Captivate, H5P, Camtasia, Adobe Creative Cloud, Vyond, or equivalent tools.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to maintain effective relationships with faculty, staff, students, administrators, and other key stakeholders.

Hours and Compensation

This is an open-rank, tenure-track faculty position. Appointment will be at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, depending upon the candidate’s qualifications, including professional experience, scholarly productivity, and record of institutional and professional service consistent with expectations for faculty at Western Kentucky University.

How to Apply

Visit the following address to see the full listing and apply: https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=197984

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by April 19, 2026, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

• Letter of Intent
• Curriculum Vita
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Evidence of at least one learning object created in support of online learning

Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.