The Special Collections division of LSU Libraries is excited to invite qualified candidates to apply for our Special Collections Outreach and Instruction Librarian. Located in Hill Memorial Library, the department provides access to historical, cultural, and artistic treasures and research materials in fields ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences, agriculture, aquaculture, the fine arts, and design. Special Collections includes the Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley Collections (LLMVC), the Rare Book Collection, and the E.A. McIlhenny Natural History Collection, in addition to more than a dozen smaller specialized collections. To learn more about LSU Libraries please visit our website. 

Salary range: $53,000 - $55,000

About the position:

Reporting to the Head of Public and Research Services, at the rank of Assistant Librarian, the Outreach and Instruction Librarian serves as a key member of both the public services team and the teaching team in LSU Libraries Special Collections, with responsibilities in outreach, reference, instruction, social media, and assessment. The Librarian will develop, lead, or collaborate on outreach activities on campus and in the community to support returning visitors and reach new audiences. The Librarian will deliver instruction sessions and develop instructional content under the direction of the Special Collections Head of Instruction. The Outreach and Instruction Librarian will also be responsible for assessment of outreach and instruction functions in alignment with the SAA/RBMS Standardized Statistical Measures and Metrics for Public Services. This position includes weekly shifts at public services points and assistance with in-person and remote reference and duplication inquiries. 

Job Responsibilities: 

35% Outreach: Develop and assess outreach programs for new and returning users of Special Collections (e.g. tours, special events, open houses, presentations). Collaborate with library staff, archivists and curators, as well as other university departments to plan and oversee programming and outreach activities that promote Special Collections materials and services. Provide support for special event planning and exhibition preparation in Special Collections. Assist  in managing Special Collections’ social media platforms (Twitter/Facebook). Serve on related library committees. 

30% Instruction: Contribute to instruction efforts in Special Collections, including undergraduate and graduate-level courses at LSU and instructional outreach to teachers and students. Develop instructional materials such as research guides, tutorials, and videos in order to both highlight Special Collections' materials and services, and help users access the library's materials. Collaborate with subject liaison librarians in the Research and Instruction Services (RIS) unit of Libraries.

20% Reference and Public Services: Participate in regular public services shifts, including some weekends and evenings. Respond to reference and duplication inquiries 

15% Promotion and Tenure: Fulfill scholarship and service responsibilities necessary to achieve faculty promotion and tenure. Participate in professional organizations and represent the department at conference and events as appropriate. Keep abreast of current trends and standards relevant to outreach and instruction.  

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's in Library and Information Science from ALA-accredited institution.

A related advanced degree plus 2 years’ experience working in a college or university library or archive may substitute for an MLIS.

Coursework or training in archives, rare books, and/or special collections librarianship. Two years of experience in archives and special collections. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Additional related Master's degree

Experience with public services, outreach, or instruction in a library or archives setting. Familiarity with information literacy, primary source literacy, and active learning pedagogy. Knowledge of best practices for teaching with primary sources (TPS) within the special collections community. Experience managing or contributing to a social media account. Commitment to planning, implementing, and assessing user-centered services. Familiarity with the SpringShare platform and/or Aeon request management software. Subject knowledge in one or more of the LSU Libraries' Special Collections Library's primary collecting areas.