Academic engagement librarian

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Academic Engagement Librarian leads Musselman Library’s academic engagement efforts by advancing scholarly inquiry and information-skills instruction across the curriculum and by supporting student and faculty research. The librarian collaborates with faculty and campus partners to promote student success through effective instruction, innovative learning resources, and the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies that enhance teaching and research.

Librarians at Bluffton University have faculty status and participate in faculty governance through meetings and committee service but do not have teaching department affiliation or tenure.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Instruction & Curriculum Integration
  • Design, deliver, and assess information literacy instruction for general education courses (Bluffton Blueprint, competencies) and for discipline‑specific contexts.
  • Partner with faculty to embed information literacy concepts and research skills into assignments, programs, and curricular pathways.
  • Adapt instruction for diverse student levels and learning modalities (e.g. face‑to‑face, virtual, hybrid, a/synchronous environments).
  • Integrate information evaluation, ethical information use, and emerging/disruptive technologies (e.g. AI, recommender systems) into instructional programming.
• Research Support & Learning Resources
  • Serve as the primary point of expertise for research support services through in‑person and virtual consultations.
  • Design and develop learning resources (guides, videos, tutorials) to support information discovery and research.
• Outreach, Engagement & Library Programming
  • Plan, implement, and sustain engagement initiatives that strengthen library connections with students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
  • Collaborate with library colleagues and campus partners to advance events, services, and initiatives that align with library instruction, academic engagement, and information literacy goals.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support library operations as needed and where expertise aligns (e.g circulation desk coverage, assistance with collection review, offering input on potential acquisitions).
• Maintain current knowledge of developments in academic librarianship and in information literacy and library instruction.
• Fulfill faculty governance commitments of the position. Publishing and presenting in scholarly environments is encouraged but not required.

Qualifications:

Minimum:

• Master’s degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program.
• Knowledge of information literacy concepts and assessment practices, including familiarity with the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy.
• Demonstrated instructional experience with undergraduate and graduate students in course-integrated sessions, workshops, or other modalities (in-person, virtual, hybrid).
• Experience providing reference and research support in an academic library setting.

Preferred:

• Three or more years of experience in teaching and research support, or evidence of progressively responsible experience in these areas.
• Experience in a library consortium environment or in cross-institutional collaboration.

Skills/Abilities:

• Experience with integrated library systems. Ex Libris Alma/Primo VE preferred.
• Proficiency with popular library search platforms (e.g. EBSCOhost, ProQuest).
• Working knowledge of library service platforms, including Springshare (LibGuides, LibAnalytics), LibraryH3lp, and NICHE Academy.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 suite.
• Familiarity with learning management systems (Moodle preferred).
• Experience with video creation/editing tools (Camtasia, SnagIt) and online teaching tools (Zoom, Teams).
• Ability to evaluate and integrate emerging technologies (ChatGPT, Copilot).
• Excellent communications

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Multi-floor library building with limited elevator access and frequent stairway use
• Lifting and/or pushing 30+ pounds on a book truck
• Exposure to dust and other allergens
• Variable temperatures and humidity
• Travel across campus and occasional off-campus meetings

COMPENSATION:

Commensurate with education and experience.

DEADLINE:

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until an appointment is made.

APPLICATION MATERIALS:

Applications are considered complete when the following materials are received at the office indicated below:

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Completed Bluffton employment application

Send application materials to:
Human resources
Bluffton University
1 University Drive
Bluffton, OH 45817-2104

hr@bluffton.edu

Employment decisions are based on merit and university needs, and not on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status protected by law. As a religious institution, Bluffton University expressly reserves its rights to appoint faculty and staff who share a commitment to the Christian faith which is consistent with the Mennonite/Anabaptist beliefs of the university’s founding and supporting church. EOE.

Posted 03/27/26