Foundational Learning and Engagement Librarian

Under the direction of the Associate Dean for Academic Services, the Foundational Learning and Engagement Librarian leads and develops programming, both instructional and co-curricular, to support the development of information literacy and related competencies that are the underpinning of a successful comprehensive polytechnic education. In coordinating the library’s information literacy program for General Education courses in both physical and virtual learning environments, this librarian contributes to student success by promoting open and informed inquiry and fostering collaboration and innovation. Working closely with library colleagues and campus partners, such as Student Affairs and University Advising, this librarian leads and develops library-related engagement and outreach programming, both virtually and face-to-face, for prospective and first year students, transfer students, and international students. The Foundational Learning and Engagement Librarian also aligns foundational learning and engagement experiences with the library’s and university’s commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Librarians at Cal Poly hold faculty status and are expected to demonstrate outstanding professional performance; engage in professional development, research, scholarship, and creative activities; participate in service to the library, the university, the California State University system, and/or the community; and contribute to a collegial and productive work environment.

At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly’s values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly’s commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Required qualifications

  • MLS from an ALA accredited program or comparable experience with a relevant advanced degree
  • Three or more years of relevant experience
  • A strong commitment to advancing the library’s role in supporting equitable learning and student success
  • Demonstrated experience in teaching, instruction, and/or pedagogy in both in-person and virtual environments
  • Experience coordinating an instructional program in a library or related service environment
  • Knowledge of approaches and trends in information literacy instruction
  • Knowledge of approaches and trends in information literacy assessment and evaluation
  • Knowledge of course management systems used in the delivery of higher education (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard)
  • Demonstrated commitment to advancing the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a collegial, team-based environment
  • Demonstrated outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills
  • Demonstrated initiative and flexibility and the ability to manage competing priorities
  • A strong service ethic and ability to collaborate effectively with students and instructional faculty
  • Capacity to engage in the research, scholarship, and creative activities required to achieve promotion and tenure
  • Capacity to provide service to the library, university, and/or community

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design, plan, and coordinate the library’s instructional programs and services for Area A General Education courses and other foundational experiences (e.g., Summer Institute).
  • Collaborate with library and General Education faculty to design and develop in-person and online instructional strategies centered on foundational literacies and research skills.
  • Provide leadership, training, and direction to the peer-to-peer learning student assistants (LibRATs), who facilitate library-related workshops and sessions for lower-division General Education courses.
  • Develop and coordinate a user engagement and outreach program targeted to prospective students, first year students, transfer students, and international students that includes strategies and methods for communications with students and the campus community about library resources, programs, and services.
  • Develop creative content and library promotions to drive user engagement with the library, with specific attention to new students and those from underrepresented groups.
  • Develop and maintain multi-literacy learning modules and tutorials for foundational literacies, incorporating information, visual, media, data, and quantitative literacies, ensuring accessible and inclusive design, and evaluating effectiveness using appropriate assessment measures; collaborates with colleagues on foundational, discipline-specific information literacy modules and tutorials.
  • Plan for and engage in information literacy assessment in Area A: English Language Communication and Critical Thinking General Education courses, aligning with institutional assessment strategies and priorities.
  • Serve as the library’s liaison to Cal Poly’s General Education program.
  • Align foundational library programs and services with the library’s and university’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Prioritize and operationalize the library’s DEI Action Plan in the design and delivery of foundational learning and engagement programs and services.
  • Participate in and contribute to Cal Poly’s strategic engagement in CSU-wide programs and initiatives in which the library can support student success (e.g., Graduation Initiative 2025).
  • Contribute to Academic Services’ programs and services as needed, including live chat reference and research help.
  • Participate in professional development and training through in-person and/or virtual conferences, workshops, and seminars.
  • Participate in regional and national professional organizations and societies (e.g., California Association of Research Libraries, Association of College and Research Libraries).
  • Engage in research and scholarship, including externally validated presentations and publications.
  • Contribute to the knowledge base of the profession, especially in the areas of expertise.
  • Participate in and serve on library- and university-wide committees and working groups, contributing to special initiatives and projects.
  • Contributes to shared governance as a member of the library and campus faculties.
  • As needed, participate in CSU-wide and extra-institutional committees related to professional expertise.

Preferred qualifications

  • Experience working in an academic library
  • Experience using digital platforms for library instruction
  • Knowledge of principles of library instructional design
  • Knowledge of issues and trends in critical librarianship
  • Experience developing library instruction programs
  • Experience working with peer-to-peer programs to promote student success
  • Experience providing library services to support General Education programs

How to apply

To view the position description or apply, please visit: https://jobs.calpoly.edu/en-us/job/519588/foundational-learning-and-engagement-librarian

Interested candidates must attach (1) a cover letter, (2) resume/curriculum vitae, and (3) diversity statement.  The diversity statement should address a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in teaching, scholarship and/or service describing past experience, contributions to diversity and inclusion efforts, the impact on students, faculty, staff and/or your field and a description of how you will demonstrate a commitment in these areas in teaching, research, and/or service at Cal Poly. This document may be uploaded under ‘other’.

Please be prepared to also provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Review of applications will begin December 5, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $78,000-85,000 annually

Cal Poly Offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees’ Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.

Kennedy Library recognizes that candidates may have acquired relevant experience in a variety of ways. We expect candidates to be stronger in some required qualifications than others. We are committed to helping future colleagues expand their skills as well as learning from their areas of strength. 

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

The CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so.  Any candidates advanced in a search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement The systemwide policy can be found at CSU Vaccination Policy and any questions you have may be submitted to academicpersonnel@calpoly.edu.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.

About Kennedy Library

Kennedy Library is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing campus-wide information resources and related services. Integrating traditional library resources and services with digital tools, the Robert E. Kennedy Library continuously adapts its services, programs, and spaces to meet the evolving academic programs, research interests, and needs of the university community. Providing access to information resources, classrooms, computer labs, an expansive 24-hour space, and an array of group and individual study spaces, Kennedy Library is a magnet for students and faculty alike. Annual visitors exceed 1.5 million.

About Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally ranked comprehensive public university located in San Luis Obispo, California. With more than 18,000 undergraduates and approximately 1000 graduate students, Cal Poly fosters teaching, scholarship, and service in a learn-by-doing environment where students and faculty are partners in discovery. As a polytechnic university, Cal Poly promotes the application of theory to practice. As a comprehensive institution, Cal Poly provides a balanced education in the arts, sciences, and technology, while encouraging cross-disciplinary and co-curricular experiences. As an academic community, Cal Poly values free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

For more information, see: https://afd.calpoly.edu/hr/job-opportunities/prospective

About SLO

Cal Poly’s location in San Luis Obispo makes it one of the best places to visit. It is a quintessential coastal California town with some 43,000 residents. Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles and just minutes from beaches, state parks, landmarks, and premium wine regions, it is also a popular vacation spot. Sunset Magazine has called it the most Californian place in all of California.

The city of San Luis Obispo offers a historic, restored downtown full of restaurants, theatres, art galleries and shops centered around San Luis Obispo Creek, Mission San Luis Obispo, and Mission Plaza. San Luis Obispo’s Thursday night Farmer’s Market on Higuera Street has become a model for cities around the state. It’s a mix of fresh produce and flowers, baked goods, restaurant fare, and free music all within strolling distance.

San Luis Obispo is just minutes from some of California’s best beaches and original beach cities: Avila Beach (10 miles), Pismo Beach (12 miles), Morro Bay (17 miles), Montaña de Oro State Park (18 miles), Cayucos (18 miles), the Pismo Dunes (28 miles), and world-famous Hearst Castle (45 miles).