POSITION: Distance Learning Instruction Librarian

[John T. Butler]

       Distance Learning Instruction Librarian and Faculty Liaison
                    University of Minnesota Libraries
                         http://www.lib.umn.edu/


Position Description

The Distance Learning Instruction Librarian and Faculty Liaison is a key
contributor to the Libraries' three-year Bush Foundation grant project to
implement a comprehensive program of library services for the University's
growing population of distance and distributed learners (for more
information, see http://www.lib.umn.edu/pubs/LibLine/LLvol8no4.html).  

As a principal member of the grant project team, the Instruction Librarian
and Faculty Liaison provides leadership in developing and delivering
instructional products and services, both print-based and electronic, to
distance and distributed learners of the University of Minnesota-Twin
Cities campus.  In addition, he or she works to integrate library
instruction into distance learning courses and curricula; and is
responsible for general library communications to and public relations with
distance learning faculty.


Primary Responsibilities

· Promotes the integration of library instruction into distance learning
courses and programs, in close consultation with faculty, academic
administrators, course development teams, and library user education and
subject specialists; and contributes to the Libraries' overall efforts to
integrate library instruction components into courses and curricula in
development or undergoing redesign.

· Provides leadership in developing library instruction curricula and
resources for delivery via electronic networks and traditional modes to
distance and distributed learners.

· Collaborates with the University's Digital Media Center
(http://www.umn.edu/dmc/home.shtml), which supports faculty's use of the
Internet and multimedia to enhance teaching and learning through
initiatives such as Internet Learning Alternatives, the development of web
authoring and course management tools, and faculty support and training.

· Establishes and maintains systematic, as well as personal communications
with distance learning faculty on library information and issues.

· Participates in the planning and evaluation of the grant project's
overall programming.

· Publicly represents and promotes the grant project, especially its
instructional program development activities.


Required Qualifications

· ALA-accredited Master's degree in library science or foreign equivalent

· A minimum of two year's professional experience in an academic library
planning and delivering instruction, and working with faculty or instructors 

· Experience with multimedia or networked-based authoring applications for
the development of instructional materials

· Demonstrated leadership skills, creativity, initiative, and self-direction

· Ability to collaborate productively with and relate well to a culturally
diverse community of faculty, students, and library colleagues

· Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong interpersonal skills

· A willingness to travel on a limited basis.


Preferred Qualifications

· Knowledge of, or experience in providing library services to distance or
distributed learners

· Creation of multimedia library instruction modules

· Familiarity with asynchronous learning approaches

· Project management experience with multidisciplinary design processes

· Academic background or professional training in instructional design


Type of Appointment and Salary

This is a full-time, 12-month academic/professional position at the
Assistant or Associate Librarian rank.  The position is annually renewable
for up to three years.  Minimum salary $33,000, depending on experience and
qualifications.  Generous benefits.

To apply, send a letter of application discussing how your background and
experience fulfill each required qualification of the position (also
address preferred qualifications as appropriate), a current resume, and the
names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three
references to: Linda DeBeau-Melting, Libraries Human Resources Officer,
University Libraries, 499 Wilson Library, 309 19th Avenue South,
Minneapolis, MN, 55455. Application must be postmarked by November 7, 1997.
Please identify application with the number UL 73.

Questions about the position may be directed to the chair of the search
committee: John Butler, mailto:j-butl at tc.umn.edu, or 612-624-4362.

The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons
shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without
regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital
status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual
orientation.