Research and Learning Librarian & Assistant Professor

POSITION: Research and Learning Librarian & Assistant Professor, two open positions

Stetson University seeks to fill two 12-month, tenure-track librarian positions with an anticipated start date of summer 2025. The two Research and Learning Librarians will be part of a collaborative, user-focused, and approachable team providing research services and information literacy instruction in a liberal arts setting. Stetson’s duPont-Ball Library is newly under the leadership of Dean Katy Webb, who is bringing a fresh eye to spaces, services, and stewardship of library resources. It is an exciting time to join the Stetson faculty and the duPont-Ball Library, with the opportunity to collaborate with other tenure-track librarians on research and important initiatives like the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan on Information Literacy. Each Research and Learning Librarian will collaborate with others to provide research services and will actively participate in an information literacy instruction program that includes teaching course-related information literacy workshops and creating online self-guided learning objects. The librarian will also participate in the library’s outreach and engagement initiatives and will serve on one or more library committees (e.g. Systems, Social Media, Library Building, and Library Inclusive Excellence). In addition to the specific job functions described below, the librarian in this position will participate in the professional activities and University service required of a tenure-track faculty member. Additional information is included in the University’s Policies and Procedures and in the Library’s Promotion and Tenure Guidelines. 

Interested candidates may attend a confidential Zoom info-session to learn more about Stetson, the library, and this position. Zoom sessions will be posted at this link, https://stetso.nu/2C0q5. A first review of applications will happen on March 3, 2025.

QUALIFICATIONS: Master of Library & Information Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution required. Second Master’s degree preferred. Desire to work with a small, collaborative team to provide information literacy instruction and research services. The successful candidate should have demonstrated ability or potential to engage in publication and professional service to meet University tenure and promotion requirements. 

The ideal candidate will have experience providing reference services in an academic library; knowledge of trends in information literacy teaching and learning and the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy; demonstrated teaching or presentation experience; the ability to contribute to a growing and changing library; demonstrated skill with a variety of online tools such as Springshare’s LibGuides or content management systems; effective communication, interpersonal, organizational, and analytical and assessment skills; ability to manage projects and meet deadlines; and the ability to work flexibly and creatively in a changing environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES: This position reports to the Director of Public Services. Duties include on-call research assistance shifts, with some evening shifts, and teaching information literacy and research skills workshops. This is an onsite position. The Research and Learning Librarian will be expected to give special attention to the following:

• With librarians, classroom faculty, and appropriate University committees, engage in ongoing development of information literacy across the curriculum
• Develop and maintain currency in the theory and practice in the field of library instruction and information literacy 
• Collaborate with librarians to create and update online information literacy learning objects including online LibGuides, videos, and tutorials
• Provide research assistance in person, via chat, telephone, text, and email and by appointment in an on-call setting, up to 15 hours, including one evening shift per week; assist patrons in locating, using, and evaluating print and online resources 
• Participates in library outreach and engagement initiatives, promoting library services, spaces, resources, and technology
• Maintains active participation in academic librarianship including, but not limited to, attending relevant conferences and engaging in professional research activities. Participates in Stetson University faculty activities, including attending University faculty meetings and committee meetings. Participates in library, University, and professional service.

For more information on our expectations in teaching and scholarship, our tenure policies, and our support for faculty development, please see the Academic Affairs website.

THE LIBRARY:

Nestled in the center of Stetson University’s historic campus and on the picturesque Palm Court, duPont-Ball Library (https://library.stetson.edu) has provided research support for students and faculty for the last 60 years. In recent years, the duPont-Ball Library has transformed from a repository of physical books and other materials to a community center for the university, supporting active learning and innovation through in-house collaborations with the Writing Center, the Hollis Family Student Success Center, and the tremendously successful Innovation Lab. The building offers a wide array of seating and study spaces, including study rooms, study pods, quiet and collaborative areas, and a sensory garden. The library is open seven days / 94 hours per week, with additional hours during final exams.

The duPont-Ball library staff includes 8 library faculty members, one professional archivist, and 14 support staff. The library is a member of LYRASIS and uses OCLC’s WMS system. The ongoing library fundraising program has resulted in library endowments totaling approximately $5M.

THE UNIVERSITY:

Founded in 1883, Stetson University (https://www.stetson.edu) is a private, selective university comprised of a rich array of liberal arts and professional academic programs. Collectively, Stetson’s faculty works with approximately 3,700 students in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The University’s historic main campus, located in DeLand, enrolls approximately 2,400 students in undergraduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business Administration, and the School of Music. Stetson University College of Law, Florida’s first law school, moved from the main campus to Gulfport in 1945, and, with the addition of the Tampa Law Center, serves approximately 1,000 students working full-time or part-time toward J.D. or LL.M. degrees. Graduate programs based at the main campus in DeLand include Business, Accounting, Education, Counseling, and Creative Writing, with Educational Leadership cohorts also offered at the Gulfport campus. Florida’s oldest private institution of higher learning, Stetson has regularly been ranked among the best regional universities in the Southeast. Under the leadership of President Chris Roellke, Stetson is in year one of the university’s strategic plan entitled Forward Together. Stetson’s focus on a relationship-rich environment is fostered within our residential community by a dedicated community of faculty and staff.

Stetson University provides an inspiring education that engages students with rigorous academic and creative study grounded in liberal learning and promotes civic values of personal and social responsibility. Working closely with faculty and with one another, students cultivate abilities to explore issues deeply, think critically, reason empirically, speak persuasively, and connect ideas creatively. Firmly committed to inclusive excellence, our vibrant community of teacher-scholars nurtures the potential of individual students to lead lives of significance and prepares each to meet the challenges of shaping the future—locally, nationally, and globally.

THE COMMUNITY:

DeLand is a picturesque residential community of 41,000 located 20 miles west of Daytona Beach and 35 miles northeast of Orlando. The city of DeLand is a thriving college town with unique retail shops, award-winning eateries, a vibrant arts community, and a broad collection of live music venues. Recognized as one of the top small towns in America by Parade Magazine and CNN, DeLand is the ideal college town—just minutes from amazing beaches and the excitement of Orlando, not to mention the incredible Florida weather enjoyed year-round. The university’s proximity to a metropolitan hub increases opportunities for faculty and students to engage in athletic competitions, international experiences, internships, and other activities that deepen our engagement with events and communities off campus. Orlando International Airport is approximately one hour from DeLand, and the Orlando Sanford International Airport is 40 minutes from campus.

SALARY: Salary is competitive.

STARTING DATE: Chosen candidates should be ready to start in summer of 2025 in order for the library team to provide training and support before fall teaching.

APPLICATION:

Applicants should supply a cover letter and curriculum vitae. In the cover letter, candidates are encouraged to highlight skills and experiences that demonstrate a commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion.

All information may be submitted electronically with attention to Katy Webb, Dean of the Library, at [email protected].

Review of applications will begin March 3, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Initial Zoom interviews may be expected around the week of March 10, with a first round of onsite interviews occurring mid-March.

Stetson University is an Equal Opportunity Employer that affirms cultural diversity and inclusion as a core value of academic excellence at Stetson University. We are committed to achieving equal access in education, employment, and participation through the recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds, and to meaningful academic and intellectual transformation in curriculum, research and service. We are dedicated to actions and policies that foster a community in which individuals with various identities, cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints work together to create opportunities for engagement through rewarding and fulfilling careers and personal experiences in a culturally and racially diverse society and a globalized world. We strongly encourage members of historically under-represented and economically disadvantaged groups and women to apply for employment. Stetson University is an EEO, ADA, ADEA, and GINA employer.