Library & Engagement Specialist

This position is responsible for a complex range of duties to meet the University's educational, research, and outreach goals by providing excellent instruction and customer service to students in K-12, 2-year institutions, early college, and 4-H and other programs including: providing user instruction in the use of research databases and tools; providing access to library services; instructing users in their use of materials and immersive technologies and supporting patrons' use of technology and enforcing and explaining policy.

This position contributes to the development, implementation, and assessment of community engagement programming making use of STEM technologies and research tools. This includes a high level of decision-making related to the implementation and interpretation of library policies and procedures, including security and student safety, as well as addressing any emergency that may arise. This individual must communicate effectively with UT faculty, staff, students, and the public, as well as with UT Libraries and campus partners. This position is accountable for providing work direction to students and those from other departments staffing the community learning and engagement events to ensure accurate and excellent customer service and learning experiences.

Hodges Library serves faculty, staff, students, and community members from all disciplines on a 24-hour basis. This position must be aware of all the options for retrieval of information in both traditional and digital format. This involves complex searches of databases to find the correct research information or materials. This requires expertise with several complex computer systems including the Alma integrated library system and campus systems for the delivery of online instruction and the management of outreach and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and delivers online and in-person instruction using STEM technologies for research and learning to community audiences
• Prepares and delivers online and in-person instruction in conducting library research using complex library databases and research tools
• Provides in-person and online research assistance to all patrons, including faculty, staff, graduate students, undergraduate students, and members of the general public by analyzing users' information needs, determining appropriate library resources to use, and designing research strategies to meet those needs
• Performs technology support and specialized assistance with using makerspace and STEM technologies such as virtual reality, 3D printing, crafting tools, robotics, and more
• Develops instructional plans and materials for helping users in K-12, 2-year institutions, and early college students perform research.
• Provides direction to students, staff, and volunteers including training, scheduling, and oversight of projects involving 3D printing, makerspace, and other STEM technologies
• Creates and adapts learning materials to meet the needs of diverse audiences such as K-12, early college students, and the community
• Fosters effective partnerships from various disciplines to achieve interdisciplinary collaboration
• Contributes to Libraries' engagement events including Destress for Success, in collaboration with UT Libraries colleagues
• Trains and monitors the work of student library assistants and volunteers, ensuring tasks are completed accurately, policies and practices are followed, and service expectations are met.
• Interprets library and university policies, procedures, and regulations to staff and patrons, using judgment to create exceptions as appropriate; mediates and resolves conflicts
• Creates and maintains content for Libraries Community Learning and Engagement web presence
• Pursues growth, engagement, and library improvement in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibilityQualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • High school diploma or GED
• Experience:
  • Library experience of 2 years' work with the public
  • Demonstrated experience with a variety of technologies (VR, 3D printing, other STEM technologies)
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a collaborative team environment
• Effective applied customer service skills
• Instructional skills
• Knowledge of various STEM disciplines and principles
• Proficiency in navigating various online platforms to provide outreach programs
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to make sound decisions and solve problems with creativity and flexibility
• Ability to balance multiple tasks and set priorities
• Ability and willingness to learn new technologies, tasks, and procedures
• Knowledge of Windows and Mac operating systems and familiarity with MS Office applications
• Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and ability to work effectively to complete assignments as scheduled and assigned
• Ability to adjust work schedule for special eventsPreferred Qualifications
• Education
  • Bachelor's degree
• Experience
  • 1+ year of Library experience
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of integrated library systems and databases
  • Technology use and support SkillsWork Location
• Knoxville, TN On-siteCompensation and Benefits
• UT market range: MR07
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits hereApplication Instructions

For best consideration, applicants should submit materials by January 27, 2025. Applications must include a completed candidate profile, cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

About The College/Department/Division

The University of Tennessee Libraries serves as the flagship campus of Tennessee's premier public research university. The University of Tennessee holds the Carnegie Foundation Research 1 designation, granted to doctoral universities with very high research activity. You can learn more about UT Libraries at https://www.lib.utk.edu/about/.

The UT Libraries champions diversity in collections and staffing. The University of Tennessee is committed to creating a welcoming environment. More information about how we put our principles of civility and community into action is available at https://www.lib.utk.edu/belonging/.

About Us

With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state's flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!

Ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates", "One of America's Best Large Employers", "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Job Info

• Job Identification 841
• Job Category Library & Museum
• Posting Date 01/17/2025, 04:43 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 1015 Volunteer Boulevard, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)

The University of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status in provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to the University. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or disability in its education programs and activities pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)of 1990. Inquiries and charges of violation concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, ADA or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or any of the other above referenced policies should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the UTK Office of Human Resources, 600 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN37996-4125.