Assistant Librarian (Open Education Librarian)

Overview

The Utah State University Libraries seeks a collaborative, innovative, and user-centered candidate for the position of Open Education Librarian to join a team supporting our communities in discovering, creating, and sharing knowledge. The Open Education Librarian will support open education across the institution and provide expertise and guidance for open practices and for creating, adapting, and adopting open educational resources (OER). Collaborating with library colleagues and stakeholders across the university and the state, this position will help develop strategic initiatives and partnerships to promote open, affordable, and inclusive learning, including contributing to outreach and training on topics such as OER and open pedagogy, copyright, and impact. This position also engages with students and faculty as a member of a broadly defined disciplinary library team.

 

We view open education as a vital component of USU’s land- and space-grant mission and the university’s continued success as a Carnegie R1 Research Institution. The Open Education Librarian will be a critical position to the libraries’ strategic growth and help envision exciting new initiatives at USU Libraries.

 

Reporting to the unit head of Research Publishing and Impact, the position is a 12-month, tenure-track faculty appointment. Support and mentorship are built into the tenure process. The estimated start date for the position is Summer 2024. Early career librarians are encouraged to apply.

 

USU Libraries provides generous support for professional development and travel. The Libraries support a flexible work environment with opportunities for hybrid positions. Relocation assistance is available.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership, vision, and support for USU Libraries’ open education initiatives in collaboration with university stakeholders to advance teaching and learning with open-aligned instructional practices at USU
• Collaborates with library colleagues to develop robust, sustainable, targeted, and accessible open education and affordable course materials services, including the OER Grant Program, for the USU community
• Collaborates with colleagues and stakeholders to assess, implement, and maintain platforms and tools that support the creation and use of OER
• Contributes to team-based consulting support for USU researchers, instructors, and students on copyright, fair use, and open licensing issues
• Monitors, reports, and educates stakeholders on developments in open education and publication and related trends, legislation, public policy, and best practices
• Oversees the planning, delivery, and evaluation of open education and outreach events, workshops, and training opportunities
• Provide research services through consultations and instruction as part of a team

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited MLS or international equivalent by August 2024
• Knowledge of or interest in the challenges and opportunities surrounding open education, publishing, and affordable course materials
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Commitment to responding flexibly and effectively to the shifting needs and priorities of the Libraries’ and University’s constituents

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in academic libraries
• Experience supporting open initiatives

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

CV/Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

Cover Letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Minimum of $55,000, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.  

 

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washingt