About Company
Illinois State University, established in 1857, holds the distinction of being the oldest public university in Illinois. As a comprehensive institution, ISU is deeply committed to fostering the highest quality education and scholarship across a wide array of disciplines. Nestled in the vibrant community of Normal, Illinois, our university serves a diverse student body of approximately 20,000, supported by dedicated faculty and staff. Milner Library stands as the intellectual cornerstone of the university, robustly supporting Illinois State University’s core mission of teaching, learning, and research. We achieve this through our extensive collections, innovative services, and collaborative partnerships. At Illinois State, we are profoundly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to cultivate an environment where every member of our community feels welcomed, respected, and supported. Join a prestigious institution where your contributions will directly impact student success and the advancement of knowledge.
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Job Description
We are seeking a dynamic, service-oriented, and innovative College Librarian specializing in Research & Instruction to join the esteemed team at Milner Library, Illinois State University. This pivotal role offers an exceptional opportunity to empower students, faculty, and staff with the essential information literacy skills vital for academic excellence and lifelong learning. The successful candidate will be instrumental in designing, delivering, and assessing engaging instructional sessions, providing expert-level research assistance, and actively contributing to the strategic development of our diverse library collections and resources.
We are looking for an enthusiastic advocate for information literacy who possesses strong pedagogical skills and a steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming learning environment for all users. You will have the unique opportunity to collaborate extensively with various academic departments, innovate new and improved library services, and remain at the forefront of emerging trends in library science and higher education. This position demands a forward-thinking professional dedicated to enriching the intellectual life of the university community. Join our supportive and collaborative team where your expertise will be valued and your professional growth encouraged.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, deliver, and assess impactful information literacy instruction sessions for a wide range of courses and academic disciplines, utilizing diverse pedagogical approaches.
- Provide expert and in-depth research consultation services to students, faculty, and staff through various modalities, including in-person, virtual, and asynchronous channels.
- Create and maintain high-quality, subject-specific research guides, online tutorials, and other digital learning objects to support independent learning and research.
- Actively participate in collection development activities, including the selection, evaluation, and deselection of library resources within assigned subject areas to ensure currency and relevance.
- Collaborate strategically with academic faculty to seamlessly integrate information literacy concepts and skills into course curricula and assignments.
- Serve on library and university-wide committees, contributing to strategic planning, policy development, and continuous improvement of services.
- Proactively stay current with best practices, emerging technologies, and evolving trends in academic librarianship, information literacy, and higher education.
- Contribute to the scholarship of librarianship through presentations, publications, and active professional service at local, regional, and national levels.
- Engage in proactive outreach activities to effectively promote library services, resources, and programs to the broader university community.
Required Skills
- Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited program.
- Demonstrated theoretical knowledge and practical application of information literacy theories, standards, and instructional design principles.
- At least two years of experience providing research assistance and information literacy instruction in an academic library setting.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex information clearly, concisely, and engagingly to diverse audiences.
- Superior interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.
- Proficiency with various library technologies, including integrated library systems, research databases, and learning management systems (e.g., Canvas).
- A strong commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment within the library and across the university.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with curriculum-integrated instruction and comprehensive assessment of learning outcomes.
- Knowledge of and experience with emerging technologies and trends relevant to academic libraries, such as open educational resources (OER), data literacy, and digital scholarship.
- Specific experience with collection development in particular academic disciplines or subject areas.
- A second Master's degree in a related academic field.
- A documented record of professional engagement, presentations, and/or scholarship in library and information science.
Perks & Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their families.
- Generous paid time off, including university holidays, vacation leave, and sick leave.
- Participation in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) for long-term financial security.
- Tuition waiver benefits for employees and eligible dependents, supporting continuous learning.
- Extensive professional development opportunities, including funding for conferences, workshops, and continuing education.
- Access to state-of-the-art university facilities, including fitness centers, cultural events, and athletic venues.
- A supportive, collaborative, and intellectually stimulating work environment.
- The profound opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a vibrant and evolving academic community.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply directly through the official Illinois State University Job Board. Please prepare and submit a compelling cover letter, a detailed resume or curriculum vitae, and the contact information for three professional references. Ensure your application clearly highlights your relevant experience in information literacy instruction and research support in an academic setting. Click the link below to submit your application and begin your journey with Illinois State University.
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