Towson University Position Description Form

Serves as a research and instruction librarian serving the liaison needs of the library and the College of Education.
Prepares and provides user education to support the programs in liaison area and other disciplines, utilizing accepted
principles of information literacy. Serves as liaison and subject specialist for the College of Education and other
assigned disciplines. Evaluates and selects resources for the collection; creates instructional materials; Provides
research assistance and reference services to students, faculty and members of the university community and to the
community at large.
User Education
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Teach students, faculty, staff, and other members of the university community how to
select, locate, access, use, and analyze resources utilizing accepted principles of
information literacy.
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Plan, develop, provide, and assess course integrated and stand-alone library
instruction sessions for individuals and for university classes in liaison areas and other
disciplines as needed.
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Provide library research support to faculty, staff, students and members of the
community.
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Provide information literacy education to students and participate in the development
and assessment of a comprehensive information literacy program as part of the
Towson curriculum.
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Design create and update bibliographical materials, instructional materials, learning
modules and tutorials using a variety of formats including print, digital, web-based, and
emerging technologies.
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Apply learning theory and pedagogy to Information literacy instruction; share expertise
with library faculty.
Liaison Responsibilities
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Serve as library faculty liaison and subject specialist for the College of Education and
other disciplines as assigned.
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Select library materials to support the programs in the assigned disciplines: manage
designated collection funds, formulate a collection development plan for assigned
disciplines, and evaluate and manage the collection.
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Work with faculty to plan, develop and integrate library and information literacy
components into courses.
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Prepare and provide information to faculty; bibliographies, reports, and materials
related to instruction, research, resources, and services in liaison areas.
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Communicate with faculty about the library’s resources, services, policies, and
procedures.
Research and References Services
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Assist individuals and groups in selecting, locating, accessing, using and analyzing
information in print and digital library resources.
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Answer questions requiring specific information from library sources
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Provide referrals to other services, facilities, organizations or information sources
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Identify and contribute to development of new services to meet user needs
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Evaluate, select and deselect reference materials in all formats for liaison areas and
for the general reference collection.
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Participate in review, revision and implementation of the reference collection
development policy.
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Share in person and virtual reference responsibilities with other professionals,
including evening and weekend rotations as needed.
Scholarly Research, Publications, and Presentations
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Conduct relevant scholarly research and disseminate findings through writing and
other avenues.
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Develop and deliver presentations related to academic libraries, higher education, and
topics relevant to areas of responsibility.
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Participate in the work of and serve in leadership positions for relevant professional
associations.
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Contribute to local, state, and regional library initiatives.
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Demonstrate commitment to continual professional development.
Library and University Service
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Participate in and contribute to outreach, marketing, assessment, diversity, curricular,
and other library and university initiatives.
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Participate in and contribute to department, library and university activities.
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Serve on library, university, and University System of Maryland committees related to
areas of responsibilities.
Other Related Duties as Assigned
publication software,
online databases; integrated library systems
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Select materials to be purchased for library collection.
Provide research advice to students, faculty, staff and other library users.
When only professional in the library, make decision related to staff deployment and emergencies
Determine scope of library instruction, develop lesson plans, and create educational materials.
Utilize triage approach in assisting multiple users
Poor performance in the areas of user education and reference/research assistance could affect student outcomes.
Poor decision-making in the area of collection development will affect the quality of the library collection.
TU administrators, faculty, students, staff, alumni and members of the community.
Librarians from USMAI system and professional library organizations such as Maryland Library Association,
Association of College and Research Libraries, and American Library Association.
Light work. Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling,
lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motions. Close visual acuity. Subject to inside
environmental conditions
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Demonstrated skill in library instruction and information literacy.
Strong commitment to public service and to supporting the academic and research needs of students, faculty
and staff.
Knowledge of and ability to apply learning theory, pedagogy and instructional technology to information
literacy instruction.
Demonstrated ability to provide reference and research assistance in a variety of disciplines
Ability to provide virtual reference service
Experience with web page authoring tools and using social networking applications
Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently on a variety of projects simultaneously; excellent
organizational, analytical, time management and project management skills.
Strong, positive interpersonal skills; ability to work in a team environment and in collaboration with faculty and
staff.
Proficiency in the use of electronic databases, research and reference materials; experience with automated
library systems.
Knowledge of emerging information technologies; flexibility in a changing technological environment
Demonstrated competencies as outlined in “Professional Competencies for Reference and User Services
Librarians” http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/resources/guidelines/professional.cfm
Bachelor’s degree in education desirable.
Additional Master’s degree in education desirable.
This position is a 12 month faculty status position. Librarians are expected to progress successfully along the
promotion and permanent status track and participate fully as members of the library faculty.
Rank is determined by qualifications at time of appointment.
k/forms/Position Description Form.doc
09/23/08