Open Education and Affordable Content Librarian (UL435)
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Libraries seeks a dynamic, collaborative individual for the position of Open Education and Affordable Content Librarian. The Open Education and Affordable Content Librarian will help lead and shape the Libraries efforts in developing strategies and services that facilitate the discovery, adoption, creation, and adaptation of open educational resources (OERs), open textbooks, and affordable content. With the Director of Course Material Services, the Open Education and Affordable Content Librarian will help lead the planning, implementation, and assessment of the University of Minnesota Libraries open education and affordable content program. This position will collaborate with faculty, students, staff, and administrators across the university to promote the adoption and creation of open and affordable course content, and assist faculty and instructors in identifying appropriate OER, affordable content, and support materials for their courses.
The Open Education and Affordable Content Librarian position is located within the Course Materials Services department at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Libraries. This new department coordinates an overall strategy for integrated course content, expansion of the use of affordable and open course materials by instructors and students, and the Libraries role with learning analytics. This includes managing course reserves, coordinating outreach about affordable content options, developing open textbooks and OER, and encouraging use of Libraries licensed and acquired content for courses.
Responsibilities
● Develop and implement strategies and services for an open education program at the University of Minnesota that promotes the use and creation of OER and affordable course materials.
● Build strategic partnerships with various campus units, community stakeholders, and external groups in order to advocate for and extend the use and creation of OER and affordable materials.
● Establish methods for assessing and communicating usage, impact, benefits, effectiveness, and relevance of OER and affordable content adoptions.
● Through training programs, workshops, guides, and consultations work with faculty and instructors to assist them in finding, using, creating, and evaluating OER, openly licensed content, library licensed materials, and other affordable content options and integrating those options into course curriculum.
● Create internal and external communications related to open education, utilizing a variety of communication methods in coordination with other Student Success service area departments and the Libraries Communications team.
● Develop and keep up-to-date web pages and LibGuides describing University Libraries OER and affordable content initiatives and projects.
● Provide guidance to faculty and instructors on open licensing and copyright.
● Pursue professional development and keep current on trends and developments in open education and affordable content.
● Develop expertise in open education technologies and repositories and make recommendations regarding new technologies.
● Collaborate as appropriate with Student Success service area staff, Copyright and Scholarly Communications staff, Libraries Publishing, the Minitex OER Librarian, library liaisons, and other relevant groups on the creation and publication of OER and open textbooks.
● Collaborate with other members of the Course Material Services team to discover, select, create, and integrate OER, course reserves, and affordable content into courses. ● Provide support for course reserve operations at key times during the academic year in the creation of course reading lists and integration of materials into courses through the Leganto course reading list application in the Canvas LMS.
● Create documentation regarding open education and affordable content practices and processes.
Salary and Benefits
This is a full-time, 12-month, continuous appointment track academic professional position with probationary appointment at the Assistant Librarian rank with the potential for appointment at the Associate Librarian rank. The annual salary minimum for this position is $57,500. The Libraries offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits and substantial moving allowance.
Qualifications
Required:
● Masters’ degree from an American Library Association accredited library school OR a combination of an advanced degree and relevant experience.
● Familiarity with issues in open education, open textbooks, affordable course content, open licensing, and copyright.
● Commitment to diversity, equity, respect and inclusion.
● Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred:
● Experience with learning management systems.
● Demonstrated creativity, initiative, self-direction, and innovative thinking. ● Ability to respond effectively to changing needs and priorities.
● Interest in problem-solving and analytical solutions.
● Demonstrated ability to take initiative and actively engage with faculty and students. ● Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people in a research intensive environment.
● Basic HTML, CSS, and XML knowledge.
Institutional Context
The University Libraries is an integral part of campus life. Recognized in 2017 with the IMLS National Medal, the Libraries is a significant contributor of resources and programs within the metropolitan area, the state, and beyond. The Libraries provides a highly collaborative environment, distinguished by new models for teaching/learning, research support, and scholarly communication.
The Libraries is known for its advanced web services, significant collaborative digital library development, and a record of innovative partnerships. Its archives, special collections, and rare resources are among the largest in the U.S. Outreach is strengthened by unparalleled infrastructure for resource sharing and information access within the state and region provided by the University Libraries-based Minitex program. The Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the Center for Research Libraries, the Digital Library Federation, and the Coalition for Networked Information, and is a founding partner in the HathiTrust.
The University of Minnesota is located in the center of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Twin Cities are known for offering vibrant cultural programming through numerous arts venues, an extensive park and recreational systems, and an engaged and diverse community.
To Apply
Position available immediately. Applications will be accepted until filled. Submit a letter of application; a cv/resume at http://z.umn.edu/ulib435 . Click on External Applicants. Enter 347329 in the “Search Jobs” box. Please identify the cover letter with UL435. Three professional references (names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) will be requested at the time of final interview. [Note: candidates will be notified before contacting references].
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.