Learning & Research Services Librarian

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship and practice. 

At Pacific University we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Eugene, and Woodburn. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, acquire and share knowledge.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

The Learning & Research Services Librarian provides collaborative leadership for, and actively participates in, the Libraries’ instruction program. Leadership responsibilities include promoting alignment of Libraries’ instructional activities with the Libraries’ instruction plan and student learning outcomes, as well as academic program learning outcomes; facilitating communication and shared development for library faculty and staff engaged in instruction activities; and leading assessment and reporting activities related to instruction. In addition to these leadership activities, this position is responsible for providing workshops, orientation, information literacy instruction, and research consultation services for students and faculty, primarily for programs in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education (with support provided in other colleges as needed). This position reports to the Dean of University Libraries, is a member of the Library Faculty, and works as a library team member in a rapidly changing, technology-rich environment. Library faculty members are required to engage in university and professional service, as well as relevant scholarly activities that advance personal and institutional practice. This is an 11-month annual contract on an extended-term track appointment.

Applications received by May 12, 2023 will receive priority consideration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership for the ongoing implementation and updating of the Libraries’ instruction plan; promote alignment across Libraries’ instruction activities with library-wide and university student learning outcomes.
• Convene and facilitate regular opportunities for Libraries faculty and staff engaged in instruction activities to share best practices for teaching and assessment as well as to review and update the Libraries’ instruction plan.
• Develop, deliver, and assess workshops, orientations, and information literacy instruction in multiple modalities for students and faculty in assigned departments/programs (primarily for Forest Grove undergraduate programs, as well as for limited graduate/professional programs). 
• Participate in the Libraries’ outreach and instructional activities in the undergraduate First-Year Seminar.
• Contribute to the continued development of existing, and the creation of new, library instruction programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Develop print and online guides, instructional materials, and other resources (e.g., Moodle) to support information literacy instruction and student learning.
• Encourage, support, and empower Libraries faculty and staff engaged in instruction with their teaching-related professional development.
• Collaborate with the Dean of University Libraries to gather assessment data and prepare reports on library-wide instruction.
• Provide research services and in-depth research consultations for faculty, students, staff, and affiliated researchers, in-person and virtually.
• Serve as the liaison for designated departments/programs to facilitate communication about library services, programs, policies and procedures, and resources to students and academic faculty.
• Fulfill the responsibilities of a library faculty member by participating in shared governance; in libraries, university, and professional service, organizations, and activities; and in scholarly/creative activities that inform the duties of this position.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Collaborate with other Libraries’ departments/librarians (e.g., Systems and Applications Librarian or Electronic Resources Librarian) to enhance the user experience with the Libraries’ discovery system.
• Participate in Libraries committees and cross-departmental projects and standing groups.
• Perform other, relevant duties as needed/required.

JOB SCOPE:

This position provides leadership for the Libraries’ instruction program by collaboratively maintaining the Libraries’ instruction plan; facilitating communication and shared development across Libraries employees engaged in instruction activities; and leading assessment and reporting activities related to instruction. This position is responsible for providing instruction & research services, primarily in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education (with support provided in other colleges as needed).

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY:

This position may supervise student employees; if so, independent training and evaluation of student employee work performance will be necessary.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS—EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in library science or information science/studies from an accredited program or master’s degree in education from an accredited program (terminal degree will be required for promotion in faculty rank).
• Demonstrated teaching experience, preferably in a higher education or academic library setting.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS:

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and operating with an equity lens.
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends in information literacy instruction and assessment.
• Demonstrated ability to apply relevant learning theory and pedagogical methods to teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to teach effectively in a variety of settings and modalities (e.g. in-person, online, individual instruction, group instruction, et al.).
• Knowledge of a variety of information resources (across disciplines and formats) relevant to primarily undergraduate teaching, learning, and research.
• Demonstrated aptitude for learning new technology and information tools in a rapidly changing environment.
• Experience with, or demonstrated knowledge of, providing research services, preferably in an academic environment.
• Experience with, or demonstrated knowledge of, best practices for instruction and/or program assessment; program assessment experience preferred
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening, that display consideration for students and colleagues of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and communication styles.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in team environments, including but not limited to, being flexible, adaptable, and responsive to differing needs and voices.
• Critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision-making.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Academic library environment, working in public areas and in a normal office environment. Primarily sedentary work that requires sitting and using a computer. This job is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions. Faculty, exempt, non-tenure-track, full-time, year-round (11-month contract).  Faculty rank (assistant professor, associate professor, or professor) negotiable. Position-holders will be required to meet the Libraries’ and University’s criteria for extended-term faculty within six years of appointment.

At Pacific University we are dedicated to providing experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity minded, and responsive. We continue to develop our equity practices with a particular focus on racial equity.

For qualifying employees, our benefits include generous paid time off for vacation, holidays (including winter break) and sick leave. We offer medical coverage with alternative care (in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction), comprehensive dental, vision plans, 9% contribution to retirement after one year of service with no match required, free mental health appointments, and tuition remission for employees and their dependents. We cover employer paid life, short term disability, and long term disability insurance. On campus benefits include free access to our sports facility and library, with discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and gear rentals through our outdoor program (kayaks, snow shoes, bikes and more).

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  Studies have shown that candidates that are female and/or BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications they find in the job description. We are seeking the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be a person who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every minimum qualification described or are unsure if your experience could be considered related experience.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of Pacific University not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military, veteran or Vietnam Era status, or any other protected classification recognized by applicable law, in admission, access to, or treatment in employment, educational programs or activities as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or any other applicable state or federal law, or city ordinance. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116, provost@pacificu.edu.

Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by telephone.  The hiring process normally consists of several interviews and can last several weeks depending on the position.  All applicants will be notified once the position is filled.  Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.