Information Specialist
Start date estimated for fall of 2009 and is contingent upon available funding.
DEPARTMENT
Information Systems & Services
SALARY ($US) AND BENEFITS
Hiring Range: $49,300 – $58,350
BASIC FUNCTION
The Information Specialists work in a team environment and have individual responsibilities for managing library and instruction services. Under the coordination of the Assistant Library Director, this information specialist position will (1) lead collection development activities for print and digital resources, (2) participate in the University’s program review process and serve as a liaison with the sciences, (3) provide expert instruction in information literacy, (3) offer project specific research consultation and general reference service, (5) supervise student workers, and (6) manage the CLU archive.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
• Develop strategic plan to enhance the quality of the overall collection over time and to effectively manage limited physical space in the Pearson Library.
• Lead collection development activities including collection analysis, manage material de-selection, draft budgets, update collection development policy and subject collection policies.
• Effectively collaborate with the manager of cataloging and acquisitions to allocate library materials budget to print resource acquisitions that support the curriculum.
• Work collaboratively with fellow Information Specialists in analyzing trends in collection use and distribution of funds across academic disciplines.
• Effectively select materials in the assigned subject area to support of the curriculum. Must apply professional level practices in material selection.
• Serve on and lead ISS relational work groups and university committees as assigned by the management team.
• Contribute to the development of the University’s information resources by acting as a liaison with respective academic departments, evaluating the collection with respect to the curriculum, and making decisions for purchase or provision of access in assigned subject areas.
• Plan, organize and perform the work of University Archivist.
• Coordinate with ISS senior administration the maintenance of the University Archives in order to provide quality service to the University community.
• Drawing upon expertise as a subject specialist, write and maintain Internet subject resource guides in support of the curriculum.
• Guide clients in using information resources, including computerized information resource systems and key reference materials. Provide expert consultation in identifying and using the appropriate resources. Assess users’ information literacy skills as part of the reference interview and provide point of service remedial instruction as appropriate.
• Receive and respond to requests for information in person and by phone or e-mail; provide expert technical support related to bibliographic/information services, Internet, and the library on-line public access catalog.
• Provide information literacy instruction that is customized to the needs of a particular class or group.
• Create detailed user guides in support of library collections or electronic resources.
• Promote the university’s vision of integrated information systems through presentations at professional conferences, service on national or regional professional committees, or contributions to the professional literature.
• Participate in departmental budgeting and planning activities.
KNOWLEDGE OF
Reference practices in academic libraries
Information literacy theory and practices in higher education
Library technical services processes and procedures
Collection development theory and practice in a higher education setting
OCLC and automated library systems
Print and electronic research resources
At least one academic specialty at the level of a subject expert
Relational database theory, word processing, Netscape, Web design and publishing, UNIX, Windows 2000, and other systems.
Library on-line public access catalogs
Oral and written communication skills
Operation of a computer and assigned library and office equipment
Library and Information Science theory, policies and procedures
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
ABILITY TO
Provide assistance to students, faculty and staff with their information, reference and research needs using the resources of the library (including all electronic resources)
Work collaboratively with other Information Specialists to collectively determine effective methods to achieve team goals
Evaluate and select between various resources
Cultivate a peer relationship with faculty liaisons
Creatively manage a budget to maximize added value to the library’s collection
Strategically plan long-term collection management and qualitative improvement to the collection in a way that is consistent with the objectives of CLU
Teach theoretical concepts such as critical thinking/research skills at a college level.
Apply expert knowledge to describe and explain the use of available resources
Direct users to the appropriate resources
Communicate complex concepts effectively both orally and in writing
Perform qualitative and quantitative research
Write for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and speak publicly as a subject expert
Speak publicly as a subject expert
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others both within ISS and the university at large
Operate a computer and applicable software
Develop and revise web pages for Pearson Library and ISS
Set effective schedules and time lines for one’s own work, and adapt practices to conform to external time lines
Work effectively with constant interruptions
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
REQUIRED:
Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited school
Specialized training in or experience with bibliographic instruction or information literacy in an academic library
Specialized training in or experience with collection development practices in an academic library
A thorough understanding of information technology, networked information resources, and web development
PREFERRED (some combination of the following):
A second master’s degree in an academic discipline
Collection development experience in specific subject areas
Supervisory experience
Leadership or management experience with a workgroup, team or initiative
Knowledge of information architecture
Knowledge of information organization
Experience or interest in the application of metadata to informational resources
Experience with library systems or cataloging
Formal classroom teaching experience
Technology training experience
Two years of experience in a college/university library environment which emphasized the use of electronic resources.
ENVIRONMENT:
Office environment.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Seeing to read a variety of materials.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.
Climbing ladders to install equipment.
Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling moderately heavy objects.
Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Employment application must be submitted in full, additionally, send resume with cover letter and names and phone numbers of three professional references to:
California Lutheran University
Human Resources, MC1100
60 W. Olsen Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Fax resume to (805) 493-3655 or
E-mail lamiller@callutheran.edu
Cal Lutheran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The university encourages candidates who will contribute to the cultural diversity of CLU to apply.
