Experiential Learning Librarian

Description

This position is a tenure-track, twelve-month faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian / Assistant Professor or Associate Librarian / Associate Professor.

The Experiential Learning Librarian will join our newly created Experiential Learning (EL) department and be responsible for the creation, implementation, and coordination of the department’s instructional program. The Experiential Learning department oversees the Libraries’ new makerspace, XR studios, visualization lab, audio/visual studios, and digital media lab and looks to provide dynamic services, spaces, and technologies to enable learning, discovery, and research through workshops, programs, and activities for students and faculty. EL also works with other library departments to provide support to immersive experiential learning initiatives and programs. The librarian will act as a liaison to campus for these new spaces and actively seek out opportunities for new partnerships and collaborations while working with faculty, students, library departments, and other stakeholders to develop and deliver programming in support of academic and creative endeavors.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and deliver engaging instruction sessions, both in-person and online, using creative and emerging technologies, including but not limited to, 3D fabrication/printing, audio/video production, augmented and virtual reality, etc. Provide project-based and experiential learning curriculum development support to faculty.
• In coordination with the Director of Experiential Learning, develop and implement program goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with library departments as well as partners across campus to develop experiential learning curricula and programming that positively impact current and future faculty and students' academic and professional success through ideation, experimentation, and creation.
• Develop programming on creative technologies and innovation, including regularly scheduled workshops and instruction for courses, in coordination and collaboration with EL departmental personnel and other library departments.
• Coordinate the creation of instructional materials, outcomes, and activities, including asynchronous teaching materials to facilitate awareness of library services, equipment, experiential learning concepts, and maker literacies.
• Assessment of program effectiveness and making recommendations for program changes.
• Identify, recommend, and implement new services that support creativity and innovation in support of academic and creative endeavors.
• In collaboration with others, develop and participate in outreach activities on campus and in the community to demonstrate experiential learning space capabilities and introduce tools, technologies, and services.
• Support fellow library personnel related to pedagogy that includes experiential and project-based learning, especially using creative technologies.
• Keep abreast of current and emerging creative technologies and make recommendations for implementation as appropriate to grow these programs in the library.
• Supervision of a Graduate Assistant. Position may supervise additional employees in the future.
• Serve as the primary liaison to UARK faculty, students, community groups, and other stakeholders to increase the impact of experiential learning spaces in the libraries.

Along with performance, the responsibilities of this position include research and creative work, and service in keeping with the faculty requirements of the University of Arkansas. This position reports to the Director of Experiential Learning & Physics Library.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent institution by the time of appointment/position start
• Demonstrated experience working in a library setting
• Demonstrated teaching experience
• Experience with creative and maker technologies (including, but not limited to: virtual and augmented reality, 3D printing, media production, data visualization, digital humanities, etc.) as they contribute to the needs of students and researchers

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to plan, design, implement, and manage new and ongoing services and programs
• Demonstrated knowledge of or a willingness to learn experiential learning theory and practice
• Experience teaching or knowledge of pedagogical methodologies to design and deliver effective training and instruction for varied groups of users (differing backgrounds, academic disciplines, ages, experience levels, etc.)
• Experience with developing effective outreach activities to promote a program or service

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to embrace ambiguity in a changing environment and engage in intelligent risk-taking
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative and welcoming environment
• Willingness to learn innovative technologies and associated processes quickly without formal training
• Ability to supervise others effectively and foster a respectful, positive environment for direct reports
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to foster an environment of well-being and belonging
• Demonstrated initiative, optimism, flexibility, and follow through
• Ability to communicate effectively, including excellent interpersonal skills as well as verbal and written skills

 Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, phone number, business title)

 Optional Documents:

Other (See special instructions to applicants); Proof of Veteran Status

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicants are encouraged to think broadly about and communicate how their skills and experiences transfer to the qualifications listed in ways that may not be obvious, including how non-library-specific skills and experiences speak to the position’s qualifications and needs. We welcome applicants with a range of experiences, backgrounds, and interests to apply for this position, including those new to the profession.

When completing your application, please upload the following: letter of application highlighting education and experience related to the position qualifications, curriculum vitae, and a list of three current references (names, addresses, emails, and telephone numbers). Candidates who received international degrees in library and information science not accredited by ALA will need to submit the foreign credential evaluation determination with their application materials.

Salary Information:

Minimum salary: $60,000, commensurate with education and experience

Appointment Percent: 100%

Additional Information:

University Libraries:

The University Libraries share in the stewardship of the University’s goals and take responsibility for the health of the research and teaching collections and programs that further support the academic and land grant missions. The University Libraries are comprised of Mullins Library and three branch libraries: Chemistry & Biochemistry, Fine Arts, and Physics, as well as two off-site facilities. For more information, visit the Libraries’ website: https://libraries.uark.edu

The University of Arkansas Libraries aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the variety of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values. We can strengthen our organization and institution by approaching each other and our work with intentional goodwill, honesty, and trust as we encourage others to hold themselves and each other accountable to do the same.

 Website:

https://libraries.uark.edu/