Assistant Librarian - TTU Online & Open Educational Resources

Description

Position Description

Performs complex professional and administrative functions in the operation of a specialized section in the library; must cooperate and function as part of a team to provide services to all library users.  This is an entry-level rank assigned to those beginning their professional careers or those, who upon their appointment, do not meet the criteria of Associate Librarian. Work is performed under general supervision with latitude for individual initiative and judgment. Evaluation is based upon accomplishment of defined objectives. May supervise various technical and clerical library employees.

The User Centered Services unit in the University Libraries at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track, Assistant Librarian to begin May 2025.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock: Referred to as the “Hub City” because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock’s Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the College

Texas Tech University Libraries serve as a vital partner with students and faculty in their learning endeavors. The University Libraries' system comprises: (1) University Library, (2) Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library,(3) Architecture Library, and (4) Peters Family Legacy Library within the Student Enrichment Center. The University Library is a patent and trademark depository and is one of two regional depositories for U.S. government documents in Texas. The central focus of the Texas Tech University Libraries is to make available 3.72 million physical volumes, electronic resources, special collections and archives, and to offer services to students and faculty that enable academic and research success.

About the Department/School/Area

The Texas Tech University Libraries recognizes the importance of user-centered concepts, experiences, and spaces. User-centered libraries emphasize cooperative, collaborative, meaningful, and adaptive use of the library collections and library spaces. As a unit within the TTU Libraries, User Centered Services facilitates access to services that extend beyond the traditional sources of information. These services expand and revolutionize how users understand the role of libraries in supporting modes of learning that complement what is experienced on campus and beyond. User Centered Services is committed to providing innovative services and evolving TTU Libraries' spaces.

Requirements

Major/Essential Functions

The TTU Online/OER Librarian provides non discipline specific support for Texas Tech Online and campus open education initiatives. This position, reporting to the Associate Dean for User Centered Services, will work with instructional designers, TTU Online faculty and other departments across the university to facilitate the inclusion of library content and open educational resources as part of the online instructional presence for the Texas Tech University Libraries. The TTU Online/OER Librarian will serve as a resource for providing guidance to faculty and staff on the availability and accessibility of Library resources for use in course design and presentation. Additionally, the TTU Online/OER Librarian will provide open educational resource leadership and support for faculty, staff, and other areas across Texas Tech University.

In line with TTU’s strategic priorities to engage and empower a diverse student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with diverse student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.
As a faculty member in the User Centered Services unit, you will be expected to:

• Supervise 1 FTE personnel.
• Lead the Libraries’ digital learning and OER outreach and education efforts.
• Serve the TTU community on all matters pertaining to open education.
• Lead the library's efforts in facilitating the utilization of the OER and other library resources in online courses.
• Create and collaborate to make online tutorials for the library services.
• Ensure library services meet standards for providing services to distance learning students.   
• Utilize campus course management software to integrate library instruction and resources, including OER, into course modules.
• Demonstrate a commitment to student success and empowering faculty in the utilization of OER and other affordable course materials.
• Provide academic and copyright support to instructional designers in Texas Tech Online.
• Contribute to digital accessibility efforts for the Texas Tech online presence.
• Work with Texas Tech Online offices supporting instruction, learning initiatives, and accessibility.
• Participate in the evaluation and assessment of programs and services, including compiling and analyzing statistical data.
• Develop and maintain current knowledge of advances in digital and distance learning, OER, research services, instruction, and other areas related to this position.
• Increase the knowledge of the TTU community regarding open digital publishing, open educational resources, copyright of open materials, intellectual property
• rights, and digital learning needs.
• Represent TTU Libraries on open education related committees, task forces, etc for the Texas Digital Library.
• Contribute to the mission of the Texas Tech University Libraries
• Engage in scholarly pursuit and other professional activities in accordance with Texas Tech Library’s standards for promotion and tenure:
  
  • Develop a record of scholarly publications.
  • Serve on university and library committees.
  • Actively participate in professional networks and associations for open educational resources and distance learning. Represent Texas Tech University Libraries at professional conferences and regional committees to stay informed.

Faculty Qualifications

ALA-accredited MLS, or equivalent degree.
Ability to collaborate, maintaining collegial working relationships with administrators, staff, and faculty.
Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills with a willingness to be flexible and experiment with new methods and technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of open educational resources as evidenced by work in creating, editing, and/or the advocating for the use of OER on a university campus.
Knowledge of the learning management software platforms as demonstrated using Blackboard, Canvas or other LMS to deliver information to University stakeholders.
Strong public service orientation as evidenced by time spent working or as a student in a university public service.
Excellent communication & interpersonal skills as evidenced by leadership activities and team-oriented practices, and clear verbal, written, and non-verbal communication.
Knowledge of current trends and issues in pedagogy for e-learning and distance education.
Knowledge of instructional technologies to support classroom and remote or asynchronous instruction.

Pay Statement
Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

EEO Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Applications must be received by: 03/01/2025