POSITION: Learning Commons Reference/Instruction Librarian

DEPARTMENT: Reference/Student Learning Center

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

The Learning Commons Reference/Instruction Librarian is responsible to the Head, Reference Department for assisting students, faculty, and staff in making effective use of electronic library resources through library instruction sessions and one-on-one in-depth consultations in all curriculum subjects. To achieve this goal, the Reference/Instruction Librarian teaches the use of databases, the Internet, and applications software. The Reference/Instruction Librarian also develops web pages and other guides for faculty who wish to incorporate bibliographies of electronic resources into their electronic curriculum modules. The position has a strong emphasis on teaching with emerging technologies. Librarians typically teach approximately 30 instruction sessions in all subject areas each semester, as well as providing individual reference conferences to students and faculty.

The Reference Department currently covers three in-person service points, one in the University's Student Learning Center, one in the Main Library, and a third in the Science Library. This position will be based in the Student Learning Center, a learning commons, incorporating reference and computing services, 26 general classrooms, 500 individual workstations and a Digital Media Lab which affords students the opportunity to create and edit a wide range of media, including film projects and digital projects. The Learning Commons Librarian will also provide reference services at one of the other libraries to foster regular exchange of ideas within the Reference Department. The Department also provides remote assistance through telephone, e-mail and chat reference. Night and weekend work is required.

The Student Learning Center Learning Commons staff is comprised of 6 librarians, 4 staff, and partners closely with managers from Classroom Support with 2 managers from the campus Computing Center who supervise approximately 30 student consultants who provide computing help at the SLC reference/help desks. Close association with the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Writing Center and various tutoring services provides another avenue in which to promote library services and resources to teaching faculty.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaches students and faculty to make effective use of resources through general and subject specific library instruction classes; develops innovative teaching techniques and technology to promote information literacy.

Promotes use of electronic resources by providing a variety of reference and instruction services to the university community and the general public, including both general and in-depth one-on-one and virtual reference assistance.

Actively cultivates and maintains dynamic relationships with individual faculty and the UGA instructional community at-large by promoting collaboration and marketing the Libraries’ resources and services.

Contributes to the mission of the Reference Department and the Student Learning Center by participating in the development and evaluation of policies and services, assessing user needs and satisfaction with learning outcomes, implementing appropriate Web 2.0 applications, serving on committees, and maintaining an awareness of changes in allied departments, including the computer center and the instruction support unit.

Develops and maintains professional skills by participating in continuing education and professional development activities such as conferences, workshops, and committee work; by conducting research or writing for publication; or by engaging in other creative and learning activities.

Participates in library-wide communication by reading, responding to, and initiating information transmitted via the Libraries’ listserv and other communication tools and appropriate library-wide or departmental meetings and asking questions, seeking clarification, or initiating discussion on library issues.

Maintains awareness and acts upon changes and needs in the organization by assuming similar duties and responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

ALA-accredited MLS or Georgia Board of Regents approved MLS; Demonstrated experience with digital resources and their information retrieval applications; Knowledge of Web 2.0 technologies; Experience developing instruction sessions and to instruct users effectively both individually and in the classroom setting; Working knowledge of applications in current and emerging instructional technologies and experience creating classroom resources using Internet and multimedia authoring tools; Knowledge of issues associated with working in a learning commons; Experience initiating and managing multiple projects and priorities; Effective oral and written communication skills; Ability to establish and maintain productive, long-term, effective working relationships.

AREA INFORMATION

Information about Athens, Georgia and the community is located at http://www.libs.uga.edu/athens/index.html.