"Reference and Instruction Librarian"

Job Description

The University of Texas Permian Basin welcomes applications for the position of Reference and Instruction Librarian.

Hiring Department

The University of Texas Permian Basin.

Salary Range

$58,140.00 depending on qualifications.

Essential Functions

Reporting directly to the Director of Library Services, this is an exciting opportunity to join a highly collaborative and supportive team at The University of Texas Permian Basin, a part of the prestigious 14 institution University of Texas System. The Reference and Instruction Librarian provides high-quality research assistance and library instruction while collaboratively leading and supporting the university's open education resources (OER) initiatives. This position is key player in promoting information literacy, collaborating with faculty and students to discover, adopt, adapt and create OER materials. The Librarian serves as an expert on OER, copyright, and open licensing, and plays a vital role in advancing the library's mission of equitable access to information. The ideal candidate will have combined traditional library expertise with specialized knowledge in open education to support student success and affordability.

• Reference and Research Services:
  • Provides in-person and virtual reference assistance to students, faculty, and staff, helping them with research questions and information needs.
  • Assists patrons in effectively using library resources, including online databases, the library catalog, and digital collections.
  • Conducts one-on-one research consultations and guides users in developing research strategies and evaluating information sources.
  • Maintains a strong understanding of emerging information delivery systems and technologies to enhance reference services.
• Library Instruction and Information Literacy:
  • Designs, develops, and delivers engaging and effective library instruction sessions, workshops, and tutorials, both in-person and online.
  • Integrates information literacy concepts and skills into the curriculum, working closely with faculty to align instruction with course learning outcomes.
  • Creates and maintains online learning objects, research guides (e.g., Libguides) and other instructional materials to support student learning.
  • Assesses the effectiveness of library instruction programs and contributes to continuous improvement.
• Open Educational Resources (OER) Program Leadership and Support:
  • Serves as the primary advocate and subject matter expert for OER and other affordable course content initiatives on campus.
  • Collaborates with faculty and academic departments to identify, adopt, and integrate OER into their courses.
  • Provides guidance and training on OER discovery, copyright, open licensing (e.g., Creative Commons), and accessibility best practices.
  • Develops and promotes workshops, events, and other outreach activities to raise awareness of OER and their benefits for students and faculty.
  • Maintains updates OER-related resources, such as toolkits, for the campus community.
  • Stays current with trends and developments in the field of open education, scholarly communication, and intellectual property.
• Outreach and Collaboration:
  • Builds and maintains effective working relationships with faculty, staff and other campus stakeholders to support and promote library services.
  • Acts as a liaison to College of Engineering and Sciences, College of Education, and College of Business, providing specialized support for their teaching and research needs.
  • Participates in campus-wide initiatives related to instruction, collections, and outreach.
• The job description is not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS).
• Three (3) years' experience providing reference services and library instruction in an academic library.
• Knowledge and experience with Open Educational Resources (OER) in an academic setting, including an understanding of copyright, Creative Commons licensing, and open pedagogy.
• Experience in designing and delivering workshops, presentations, or training sessions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, faculty, and students.
• Proficiency with library systems, online databases, and learning management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with creating and managing online learning objects using multimedia software.
• Familiarity with web accessibility standards for digital resources.
• Knowledge of scholarly communication, open access, and related issues.
• Experience using a research guide platform like Libguides.

Additional Information

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of References
• Transcripts (Preferred)
• Letters of Recommendation (Preferred)

Conditions of Employment

• The job description is not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor.
• Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance.
• Once hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of the hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Applicants must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire. UTPB participates in e-Verify.
• Employees must be able and willing to travel and perform duties away from campus as necessary and must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver's license. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver's record.
• Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
• UT Permian Basin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Schedule

Generally, the normal work hours for the university are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 - 5:30 pm; Friday, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm with a one-hour lunch. The individual holding this position may need to be available early morning, evening, and on weekends to meet the needs of the department. Hours worked may differ with some departments.

Standard Working Conditions

• Able to lift various materials up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Able to bend, crouch, and reach continuously.
• Physically able remain seated, frequently to continuously.
• Able to remain standing up to 15% of the time.
• Possesses dexterity abilities required to perform job duties including extensive keyboard work, operating office equipment, performing filing, and other job-related responsibilities that include extensive wrist and hand movement.
• Standard working conditions may differ depending on department and occupation.

University Benefits

• UT Permian Basin offers an excellent compensation package including heath, retirement, & fringe benefits for eligible employees.
• Coverage includes medical, prescriptions, life insurance, AD&D, and matching retirement provided by UTPB.
• You may also be eligible to add dental, vision, family coverage, & flex-spending accounts, additional retirement, and a few other coverages as options too.
• Fringe benefits include tuition reimbursement (after one year of service), wellness breaks, employee assistant program (EAP), and meal deals, among other perks and discounts!
• Our benefits package, along with an ample leave policy, make for a great total compensation package.

About the University

The University of Texas Permian Basin is located in Odessa, Texas. It was authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1969 and founded in 1973. The Permian Basin is one of the fastest-growing, culturally vibrant, economically invigorated regions of the country - full of industry, culture, and wide-open spaces. At the academic heart of this area sits The University of Texas Permian Basin - which every year, delivers smart, savvy leaders across the U.S.

As a regional, comprehensive institution, The University of Texas Permian Basin serves a diverse community of students from the region, the state, and beyond. Through excellence in student-centered teaching, learning, research, and public service, the University cultivates engaged citizens and impacts lives while advancing the technology and public interests of West Texas.

Our vision is that the University of Texas Permian Basin will be an innovative, responsive university that thinks large and lives local. We will lead in advancing education, research, economic competitiveness, and cultural enrichment.