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Undergraduate Services Librarian

Undergraduate Services Librarian

University of Oklahoma Job Location: Oklahoma Date Created: 06-17-2014

The University of Oklahoma Libraries seeks applications and nominations for the position of Undergraduate Services Librarian.   

 As the major research university in Oklahoma and one of the nation’s leading public universities, the University of Oklahoma is located in Norman on a beautiful campus that features sculptures, fountains, and colorful gardens and is home to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (ranked in the top 5 university art museums in the nation) and the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2014). Known for its academic excellence and strong sense of community, OU is number one in the United States in the number of National Merit Scholars enrolled among public universities. Conveniently located approximately 20 miles south of Oklahoma City, Norman provides a friendly, small-town atmosphere that offers affordable living coupled with a vibrant array of on-campus cultural and athletic events.   As the largest research library in the state, the OU Libraries contain more than 5 million volumes, 75,000 print and electronic serial subscriptions, and 300 databases. Ranked 52th out of 125 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) in the 2011 – 2012 ARL Index, OU Libraries reported an overall budget of $24.3 million, which included the materials budget of $14.4 million, and 148 staff members for all campuses (Norman, Law, Health Sciences, and Tulsa). The library has been a depository for federal government documents since 1893. Home to more than 17,000 linear feet of manuscripts and archives, 1.6 million photographs, more than 1.5 million maps, and more than 70 incunabula (books printed before 1501), the OU Libraries special collections include notable collections related to the History of Science, Galileo, and Western History. The History of Science Collection, located in Bizzell Memorial Library, features one of the three largest history of science collections in the world, and is the only place in the United States where you can hold a book with Galileo's handwriting in your own hands. The OU Libraries is a member of ARL, the Coalition of Networked Information (CNI), the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), the Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA), AMIGOS Library Services, and the Oklahoma Library Technology Network. Since July 2012, OU has partnered with Oklahoma State University to launch a joint DSpace-based institutional repository – www.shareok.org  – in addition to launching Primo, the discovery product from ExLibris, debuting the Open Journal System (OJS), and opening a new state-of-the art digitization lab. The implementation of Alma from ExLibris as the new library service platform is in progress. A new 18,000-square foot Collaborative Learning Center is set to open in the fall and will feature new public and teaching spaces as well as a Digital Scholarship Lab.  

Position Duties  

Reporting to the Head of Undergraduate Services & Learning Initiatives, the Undergraduate Services (UGS) Librarian oversees services, operations, and staffing for a centralized service point in the main library and supervises student employees. This position will oversee provision of services focused on undergraduates in the Electronic Information Center (EIC), a traditional learning commons environment, and at the Library Research Help Desk located within Bizzell Memorial Library. This learning commons and research help desk serve as a central service point within the main library for students using the services, collections, and resources of the University Libraries. The UGS Librarian will provide one-on-one service to faculty, students and staff; develop instructional content; teach a variety of classes and workshops; develop resource guides and open educational resources; and coordinate special projects. Working as a key member of the Undergraduate Services & Learning Initiatives team, the incumbent participates in programs and provides services designed to deliver the best possible educational experiences for OU students.   Based in the main library, the Undergraduate Services & Learning Initiatives Department is a department in the newly reorganized public services division. This department focuses on undergraduate research support, library instruction, information and data literacy, web-based instruction, faculty development, outreach services and managing the Email-a-Librarian service and the Librarian on Location program as well as coordinating some divisional events and special projects. The Undergraduate Services team will play a key role in leading the library’s information and data literacy efforts and in developing programs that support campus programs and initiatives and enable the integration of information and data literacy into the undergraduate curriculum.   The ideal candidate will be inspired by the prospect of working in an environment that values collaboration, active learning, the integration of technology, and the importance of community. The candidate selected will have the opportunity to join OU Libraries during an exciting period of growth and development. Multiple library renovations are in progress and will enhance the library’s public and teaching spaces; in addition, a master planning process is underway to plan for additional renovations. OU is set to celebrate its 125th anniversary during the 2015 – 2016 academic year, and the OU Libraries will be involved in the campus-wide celebration. The central library event will be Galileo’s World, a major exhibition that will showcase our stellar collections related to Galileo’s works and the noteworthy History of Science special collections. Public programming will enhance the exhibition and engage the academic community.     

Required Education & Experience  

Bachelor’s degree in library science or a related field or equivalent experience in technology and operations management.  

Required Skills & Proficiencies  

Experience providing service in an academic or public library or comparable setting. Demonstrated commitment to service excellence. Ability to establish and sustain positive working relationships with all levels of staff – administrators, faculty, staff, and student employees – within the library and university. Ability to supervise student workers effectively and provide clear directions and coordinate scheduling. Flexibility, creativity, and innovation coupled with an ability to take initiative and be self-directed. Strong organizational, project, and time management skills to lead and/or coordinate multiple projects. Ability to set priorities for self and others, to meet deadlines, and complete tasks and projects on time and within budget, and work with minimal supervision. Ability to perform detail-oriented tasks, analyze needs and develop action plans, and coordinate with appropriate personnel as required.  Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.  Ability to communicate effectively via email and telephone.  Demonstrated technology proficiency and capabilities working with personal computers and software, the Web, social media, and library-relevant information technology applications.  

Preferences  

Graduate degree from an ALA-accredited degree program in library or information science. Experience in providing instruction to undergraduates in face to face and online environments, with an emphasis on teaching students about library resources and services and information and data literacy in one-on-one and in group settings.  Demonstrated knowledge of trends in library instruction and information and data literacy and instructional technology concepts, trends, pedagogies, and assessment. Experience developing online subject guides to library resources and/or web content for users. Understanding of the academic library’s role in teaching, learning, and research and knowledge of current and emerging trends in higher education, undergraduate education, academic librarianship, scholarly communication, library services trends, and undergraduate services.  

Application Procedures  

Applications may be addressed to Pat Hawthorne, Associate Dean, and require: 1) a cover letter; 2) a current resume/vita detailing education and relevant experience; and 3) the names and addresses for at least three professional references, including a current or previous supervisor. Applicant screening to begin immediately; search will remain open until filled.  For complete information and to apply, go to jobs.ou.edu and search for Requisition Number 19769.

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