[LIBJOBS] Open Position: Learning Design Librarian, Penn State University

Learning Design Librarian
The Pennsylvania State University Libraries

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries (PSUL) seeks a collaborative librarian/teacher/scholar to work alongside the Libraries’ faculty dedicated to student learning in a highly collegial, interdisciplinary environment.  The Learning Design Librarian will explore the intersection of library instruction, instructional design, and learning technologies in collaboration with other librarians who are developing instructional content. The Learning Design Librarian will provide leadership in coordinating technology applications and implementation of Libraries’ initiatives to incorporate undergraduate-focused library resources, tools, and services into online and physical learning environments across all Penn State campuses and in conjunction with the PSUL Knowledge Commons. Candidates with expertise in learning theory, effective teaching pedagogies, and assessment of student learning outcomes in support of information literacy-focused teaching initiatives will be given highest consideration.  This is a tenure-track position reporting to the Head of Library Learning Services.

The successful candidate will:

• Identify the need for and facilitate the creation of new library initiatives to support online learning
• Oversee the creation and continued development of information literacy and critical thinking-focused multimedia learning objects
• Track, identify, evaluate, integrate, and teach new technologies in an effort to support the strategic goal of providing a technologically rich educational environment
• Collaborate extensively with a variety of learning partners, including subject librarians, instructional design librarians at the 22 Penn State campuses, and information technology specialists at University Park and throughout the Penn State system in facilitating the continued development of librarians as instructional partners in the student learning process
• Lead the development of the Library's presence in Penn State’s online course management system
• Develop and share best practices for teaching digital literacies in the Libraries’ Knowledge Commons environment
• Develop assessment methods to analyze the effectiveness of online learning tools
• Teach faculty workshops on instructional uses of emerging technologies relevant to student learning
• In collaboration with other Libraries faculty, represent the library on campus learning technology-related committees

The Learning Design Librarian will also provide library instruction, reference service, participate in library outreach initiatives, and work collaboratively to develop and provide course integrated instruction, workshops and other learning initiatives for the Penn State community. 

The Learning Design Librarian is a member of the University Libraries faculty and the Library Learning Services Department. The unit’s instructional mission is to design and create programs promoting information literacy among Penn State students. It is centrally located in Pattee and Paterno Library and provides in-person, telephone, and electronic reference assistance; offers tours and instructional sessions for community groups; conducts outreach programs for first year students, adult learners, international students, fraternities and sororities, and other cross-disciplinary groups; and offers an individually tailored mentoring program to guide students through the research process.

Required Qualifications: Requires a Master’s of Library Science degree from an ALA-accredited program (or equivalent); academic background, coursework or relevant experience in bibliographic instruction, information literacy or teaching; excellent oral and written communication skills as well as excellent interpersonal skills; ability in the use of a variety of technological applications; and the ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated experience using various communication/instruction tools (Web 2.0, social networking, video/screen capture technology, etc.) to design tutorials and guides for users of varying skill levels; strong service orientation with excellent organizational, communication, and presentation skills;  significant experience in providing reference assistance and classroom instruction in an academic, special, or public library in face-to-face and/or online environment; evidence of potential for tenure and promotion; evidence of a commitment to service; knowledge or experience using and troubleshooting software and hardware utilized in a student-centered library environment.

Penn State, a land-grant institution, is a member of the CIC (Big 10) academic consortium.  In its special "Paths to Professions" section on September 13, 2010, the Wall Street Journal published results of a survey of industry recruiting executives, with Penn State named the No. 1 overall institution in the nation for producing the best prepared, most well-rounded graduates who are most able to succeed once hired.  Based on current Association for Research Libraries investment rankings, Penn State is now ranked 7th out of 114 of the largest research libraries in North America.  A Penn State student survey completed in 2010 found overall student satisfaction with the Libraries to be at the top of its category.  The Libraries hold membership in ARL, OCLC, and CRL. Collections exceed 5.4 million volumes, including more than 109,000 current serial subscriptions. The University Libraries are located at University Park and 22 other locations throughout Pennsylvania, and they serve approximately 6,000 faculty and 44,000 students at University Park, and more than 92,000 students system wide.

The University Park campus is set in the State College metropolitan area, a university town located in the heart of central Pennsylvania. State College offers a vibrant community with outstanding recreational facilities, a low crime rate, and excellent public schools. The campus is within a half-day drive to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Pittsburgh. The University Park Airport is served by three major carriers with flights to Washington, Philadelphia, and Detroit. For more information, please visit www.libraries.psu.edu and www.cbicc.org.

Salary and Benefits: Potential for promotion and tenure will be considered based upon University standards in librarianship, research, service, and outreach.  Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits include liberal vacation, excellent insurance and health care coverage, state or TIAA/CREF retirement options, and educational privileges.
 
To apply:  Send a letter of application, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references (including email addresses) to: Search Committee, Box LDL-LIBJ, The Pennsylvania State University, 511 Paterno Library, University Park, PA 16802.  Applications and nominations may be sent to the search committee at the above address or to lap225@psu.edu. Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
 
Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.