We are at an exciting time in our Library! As part of Utah State University (USU) Libraries’ recent reorganization, we are opening multiple new positions, including our Digital Scholarship, Open Education, and Instructional Design Librarians. We welcome simultaneous submissions. Early career librarians are encouraged to apply.

Questions may be addressed to search committee chair—Kacy Lundstrom ([log in to unmask]); Katie Strand ([log in to unmask]); or Becky Thoms ([log in to unmask]).

Please feel free to share this message with anyone who may be interested in these positions.

Position Summary:

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.

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

Required 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

Review will begin on May 6^th, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

Salary is minimum of $55,000, plus excellent benefits including a 14.2% (starting at $7,810) annual retirement contribution. Utah State University offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical and dental, and 22 days/year vacation. 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.

Utah State University is a multi-campus land-grant institution serving a student population of 28,000. The main campus is situated in the beautiful Cache Valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City and offers an affordable cost of living. USU is just minutes from two mountain ranges and within a half-day’s drive of six national parks, providing a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The University benefits from the Merrill-Cazier Library, a beautiful, recently constructed building with an automatic retrieval system, allowing for creative and student-centered uses of space.

Applicants are invited to attend an informational webinar to learn more about the open positions, the campus, and the USU Libraries. Register for full details or to receive a recording of the webinar if you are not able to join at either scheduled time:

Monday, April 29^th, 2024, 6-7PM (MST): https://usu-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_H3IuSeJARES6FO3QT4scqg

Thursday, May 2^nd, 2024, 5-6PM (MST): https://usu-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IJgtyzs4THGHs8VOZKVu1Q

The attendee list will be hidden to ensure confidentiality. Attendance is not required to apply or be considered for this position. Live captioning will be provided via Zoom Live Transcript.

Inquiries and nominations may be directed to Britt Fagerheim, Associate Dean for Public Services ([log in to unmask]).