Posted 1/25/2013: Three Gateway Services Librarian Positions, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia

The George Mason University Libraries seeks three highly motivated and creative individuals to form a new library team focused on providing reference, instructional, and outreach services for undergraduate and other novice users of the University Libraries. This new Gateway Service, located in the Johnson Center on the Fairfax campus, will place particular emphasis upon providing programs and services that foster the development of sound, context-related information fluency skills in freshmen, sophomore, and transfer students as a basis for success in their academic careers and as lifelong users of research and information.

The three open positions are: Head Of Gateway Services; Instructional Design Librarian; and Learning Technologies Librarian.

The Head of Gateway Services (FA169z) is responsible for the overall development of the reference, instructional, and outreach programs. The Head of Gateway Services leads the reference services at the Johnson Center; cultivates positive, interactive relationships with other departments within the Libraries; provides advice, instructional design, and assessment support for the academic discipline librarians; engages in partnerships with academic support units and departments; and uses these partnerships to support the development of a comprehensive array of instructional offerings to provide library instruction that is relevant to the curriculum and educational programs at George Mason University. Incumbent reports to the Director, Johnson Center Library.

The successful candidate will have an ALA-accredited MLS or ALA-recognized foreign equivalent; 5-7 years of experience planning and deploying reference and instructional services to undergraduates; 2-3 years of experience managing professional staff in a research library setting; experience with instructional principles and assessment; demonstrated instructional ability; and evidence of professional activity and accomplishment that would enable reappointment and promotion. Preferred qualifications: A second advanced degree in a discipline related to the duties of the position.

As a member of the Libraries’ Gateway Services, the Instructional Design Librarian (FA669z) combines the pedagogical knowledge of an experienced instruction librarian with instructional design skills. Reporting to the head of Gateway Services, the Instructional Design Librarian plans and creates learning objects, tutorials, learning modules, and other technologically enhanced instructional materials for access through the Libraries’ website; participates in the assessment of instructional technologies and methods; collaborates and serves as a resource to liaison librarians; serves on university-wide groups, committees, and projects focused on information fluency; participates in the design, planning, and delivery of information fluency instruction to undergraduate community at Mason, as well as participating in reference and other instruction services at the Johnson Center Library.

The successful candidate will have an ALA-accredited MLS degree, or ALA-recognized foreign equivalent; a minimum of 2-3 years of professional-level experience in reference and instruction in an academic library; demonstrated knowledge of instructional design principles, theories, and information literacy concepts; experience with one or more learning management systems and the ability to meet expectations for professional growth consistent with standards for re-appointment and promotion. Preferred qualifications: A second advanced degree in Instruction Technology or Education academic degree; 3-5 years of professional experience in an academic library.

As a member of the Libraries’ Gateway Services, the Learning Technologies Librarian (FA73Bz) combines the pedagogical knowledge of an experienced reference and instruction librarian with skill and creativity in applying educational technologies to the provision of reference, instruction and public services in an academic library. While participating fully in the reference and instruction mission of the Gateway Services unit and working closely with other library and University support groups, the Learning Technologies Librarian explores and evaluates technologies such as apps, widgets, social media tools, and other emerging trends and promotes those which will improve the Libraries’ virtual presence and usability, particularly for reference/research and instruction. This position also serves as a resource to academic discipline librarians to improve and advance their practice through the use of educational outreach tools and technologies. This position reports to the Head of Gateway Services.

The successful candidate will have an ALA-accredited MLS degree, or ALA-recognized foreign equivalent; a minimum of 2-3 years of professional level experience in reference and instruction in an academic library; experience with web tools, learning management systems and mobile technologies and systems in use within research libraries; excellent verbal and written communication skills; and evidence of professional activity and accomplishment that would enable reappointment and promotion. Preferred qualifications: 3-5 years of professional reference and instruction experience in an academic library.

Appointment/Benefits: 12-month professional faculty appointment with rank dependent on qualifications and experience. Health plan options and paid life insurance; several retirement plans including TIAA-CREF; 24 vacation days and 12 paid holidays; and tuition waiver for self.

George Mason University, located in the greater metropolitan Washington, D.C. area, is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in a range of academic fields. Enrollment is over 33,000, with students studying in over 198 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William. Mason is a member of the Washington Research Library Consortium, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, the Center for Research Libraries, and serves as the administrative site for the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA). For more information please visit http://library.gmu.edu or http://www.gmu.edu/.

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minority candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Preferred qualifications and application instructions for all three positions are available at the Mason Web site http://jobs.gmu.edu. Search for each by its position number given above.

When applying, please mention that you saw this ad on LISjobs.com/Library Job Postings on the Internet.