Southeastern Oklahoma State University Henry G. Bennett Library invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor/ Student Success Librarian.
SUMMARY
The Student Success Librarian will work closely with librarians, faculty, and university partners to lead and develop library services that support student success, recruitment, and retention. At the heart of this new position is a chance to harness evidence from a growing body of research that suggests academic libraries have a positive impact on student outcomes. This position will support student-centered learning, focusing on building library research skills and engaging students with the tools of scholarship as well as collaborating with stakeholders across the university to create a supportive learning environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Core responsibilities of the Student Success Librarian are information literacy instruction, outreach, and reference services to promote student success and retention.
- Collaborate, coordinate, promote, and assess the library's information literacy instruction program with an emphasis on first year students.
- Provides online and in-person information literacy instruction to classes and individuals.
- Provides reference assistance to SE students, faculty, and staff at service points, online and in-person as needed with an emphasis on student success initiatives.
- Develops library research guides, instructional materials and online resources that support information literacy instruction.
- Assess and evaluate information literacy initiative goals for teaching critical thinking skills and improving retention.
- Provide library orientation and outreach opportunities (student-led Library tours, Library Fair, citation workshops, in-house events, etc.).
- Keep abreast of trends in information literacy pedagogy, learning theory, and educational technology and design.
- The Student Success Librarian will build relationships with both academic and non-academic units across campus to raise awareness about the various ways that the library can serve as an essential partner in facilitating the success of undergraduate students.
- Serve as the primary library liaison for the Center for Student Success, Student Support Services, and Academic Advising and Outreach Center.
- Coordinates outreach strategies using the library's social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
- Demonstrated dedication to student learning and success.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to identify, organize, and prioritize tasks.
- Ability to effectively collaborate in a team environment.
- Maintains professional growth and development through participation in professional organizations, reading literature, and attending workshops.
- Participates in the general planning and decision-making processes of the library and assists with public relations.
- Serves on Library and University Faculty committees as appointed, elected and/ or requested.
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES (FUNCTIONS, DUTIES)
- Attendance and Dependability: The employee can be depended upon to report to the assigned duty station at the scheduled time. Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious, about assignments.
- Communication and Contact: The employee communicates effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the University.
- Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the University. The employee exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working environment.
- Safety: Employee works safely, attends safety training offered/required, and follows appropriate safety rules and regulations. In relation to level of NIMs training completed, participates in incident management preparation and performs incident duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
Required Education: ALA Accredited Master's Degree of Library and/or Information Studies.
New MLS/MLIS graduates considered.
Required Experience: Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Reference experience in a university or college environment via face to face, email, phone or chat.
- Demonstrated ability to instruct face-to-face and online university students in the use of library resources, both electronic and print.
- Strong commitment to information literacy, customer service, and support of the academic and research needs of students, faculty, and staff.
- Knowledge of online databases, electronic resources, and integrated library systems (ILS) as applied to the academic library setting.
- Proficiency with modern information technology
- Experience with a library management system and/or discovery tool
Preferred Experience:
- 1-3 years of professional reference experience in an academic library
- Experience with creating instructional materials for students or patrons in a university or college environment.
- Experience or commitment to the use of technology in support of information literacy instruction.
- Experience with non-traditional and/or first-generation college students
Preferred Skill sets:
- Springshare products: LibGuides, LibInsights, LibWizard or LibAnswers
- Canvas LMS or equivalent system
- OCLCs WorldShare Management System (WMS) and/or WorldCat Discovery
- WordPress
- Social media skills: Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Founded in 1909 as a teacher college, Southeastern Oklahoma State University continues the strong tradition of producing outstanding educators for southeast Oklahoma and north Texas. Student enrolls approximately 6,000 students and the campus is situated in rural Oklahoma. The main campus is located in Durant, Oklahoma, which is 80 miles north of Dallas, Texas, and 150 miles southeast of Oklahoma City. The community is close to Lake Texoma and the Choctaw Casino Resort. Southeastern Oklahoma State University continues to be among the nation's most affordable universities according to the U. S. News & World Report's America's Best colleges.
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The preferred start date is August 17, 2025 or until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled.
Southeastern offers a comprehensive benefits package including university paid health, vision, life insurance, long term disability, retirement contributions to Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System, as well as a tuition waiver for employees and spouse/dependents who wish to enroll at Southeastern. Southeastern offers 25 paid holidays per fiscal year and has a generous leave package including annual/vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, and birthday leave. In addition to the SE paid benefits, there are many voluntary products available to employees such as 403(b), Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, dental, short term disability, dependent life insurance and a variety of ancillary benefits.
Employment is contingent upon the results of a national criminal and sex offender background check. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. SE participates in E-Verify.
SE is an AA/EEO employer committed to multicultural diversity.
Notice to applicants:
If selected, official transcripts from each degree-granting institution will be required upon date of hire.
It is Southeastern Oklahoma State University's policy that all newly hired employees must provide an original social security card during the hiring process. Failure to provide an original social security card will delay the hiring process and ability to begin employment.