Open Educational Resources (OER) Librarian – Grade VI
Vacancy ID 016859
Contract Type Specific Purpose Self-Financed Contract (expected two years)
Reporting to Deputy Librarian/Open Education Librarian
Location Midlands Campus, Athlone
This post will be primarily based at the location specified above, but from time to time may require attendance at any of the TUS campuses.
Expected start date Jan 2023
Competition Type
Open Competition in line with Circular Letters 0007/2017 & 0045/2017.
A panel may be formed from this competition
Introduction
Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest is Ireland’s third technological university and home to 14,000 students and a staff complement of approximately 2,000, full-time and part-time, across six campuses in Athlone, Limerick, Thurles, Clonmel, and Ennis.
Established on October 1, 2021, TUS has a strong regional focus and will be a key driver of development and investment across the Midlands and Midwest. The new networked university, linked by the River Shannon, borders on almost half of Ireland’s 26 counties and will provide unprecedented levels of access to higher education.
We are committed to developing a contemporary and vibrant technological university – a higher education institute that reflects the educational and economic needs of our region and communities we serve. The new technological university will connect knowledge creation with industry partnerships to grow and support collaboration. The technological university will be the home of academic leaders, knowledge creators and cutting-edge researchers who will positively affect people’s lives now and in the future.
The Role
The successful candidate will be the first Open Educational Resources (OER) Librarian for TUS and will leverage a flexible, dynamic working environment to develop an innovative programme that aligns with the goals of the University for OER and OEP (Open Educational Practices). In line with the UN 4th Sustainable Development Goal “to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” and current trends in the Technological University sector in Ireland, the OER librarian will also closely collaborate with other Irish HEIs to promote awareness of OER and Open licensing trends and encourage adoption, adaptation and creation of OER for the curriculum.
This role is supported through the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development (CPID) by the National Forum SATLE funding allocation to TUS and is aligned with the National Forum’s themes of:
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Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
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Digital Transformation in the Tertiary Sector
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Best practice in upholding and cultivating academic integrity
Reporting to the Deputy Librarian/Open Education Librarian and working with stakeholders, including faculty, students and CIPD, the role will support the assessment of the current state of knowledge and use of OER as well as assist in the discovery, creation, dissemination, identification, adoption and assessment of high-quality open resources.
Qualifications/Experience
Essential Qualifications/Experience
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A recognised postgraduate qualification in library and information studies
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At least two years’ experience in library instruction/training/programme development for information/library skills/teaching & learning librarianship
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Excellent IT skills and software application skills for content creation & delivery
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Knowledge of or experience with best practices regarding the adoption, adaptation and creation of OER
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Knowledge of major OER repositories and open training materials, specifically for higher education
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Familiarity with open licensing, copyright and fair dealing
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The requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role
Desirable Qualifications/Experience
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At least 3 years post qualification experience preferably in an Academic library
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Member of the Library Association of Ireland or equivalent
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Experience using virtual learning environments and online learning
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Experience or coursework related to OER and open-enabled pedagogy
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Demonstrated ability to learn new tools and skills to support open education (OER repositories, search, and publishing tools)
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Working knowledge of creating open materials using Pressbooks
- Understanding and experience of using data to plan, evaluate and iterate for continuous improvement
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Highly developed analytical, problem solving and organisational skills
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Ability to work on own initiative and to apply independent professional judgement
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Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners
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Strong communicator with excellent presentation skills
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A self-motivated, resourceful approach to work and a willingness to accept and adapt to change
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Ability to perform work with accuracy and attention to detail
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A willingness and commitment to develop new skills to support this role
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An innovative and imaginative approach to continuous improvement of operations and service delivery.
Competencies Required
- People Management
- Analysis and Decision Making
- Delivery of Results
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development
- Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values
Competencies will be informed by best practice Public Appointment Service competency frameworks for the Irish Public Service available here.
Duties
The successful candidate will demonstrate an enthusiasm for the evolving nature of Open Educational Practices, for collaborative work in the domain of Open Educational Resources and the ongoing development of library learning programmes, including alignment with the wider organisation. This position offers an ambitious and motivated individual the opportunity to shape and evolve all stakeholder skills in Open Education and how it relates to equity and access to Higher Education and wide, varied and high-quality resources. There will be opportunities for training specific to this post and also in related areas to support the overall work of the Library.
The appointee will carry out such duties as are assigned including but not limited to the following:
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Support and contribute to the current library OER project including maintenance of the OER index, Open textbooks libguide and open courses index
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Provide leadership, vision, support and assessment of OER services for TUS
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Work collaboratively to guide faculty in the discovery, creation, dissemination, identification, adoption and assessment of high quality open and affordable course content
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Advocate for and promote OER to all stakeholders (faculty, students, PMSS, administrators)
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Advocate for open (Creative Commons) licensing of locally created works
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Assess current state of institutional OER use and knowledge, to identify necessary steps to encourage OER use and develop appropriate support
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Create OER-related instructional resources, including webpages, tutorials, and workshops on open and affordable course content
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Lead a collaborative OER project with partner HEIs
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Provide faculty with the necessary training and support
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Provide OER research consultations with subject-discipline faculty
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Develop and coordinate initiatives and services designed to support finding, assessing, using and creating OER
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Develop strategic partnerships with various campus stakeholders and work closely with them to both promote the use of OER and to support their integration into the curriculum
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Engage in OER related planning and outreach efforts, including leading workshops, webinars and related events focused on OER and related topics such as OEP and open pedagogy
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Develop methods and documentation for assessing and reporting progress in adopting OER and the library’s role in supporting and promoting their use.
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Increase the number of programmes that utilize OER in lieu of commercial textbooks
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Keep abreast of the current trends, latest developments and best practices related to OER including open licensing
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Participate in relevant internal and external committees
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Work closely with the Deputy librarian/Open Education librarian for the selection of OER for addition to the library collections and ensuring access to materials
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Develop and maintain relationships with peers in similar institutions and roles
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Make a positive contribution to all aspects of the library service and advocate for the range of skills, services and expertise of the library team.
- Any other duties that may be identified by the Deputy Librarian/Open Education Librarian/Head Librarian.
Annual Leave 27 days per annum. CL 0009/2014 will apply.
Salary Scale Remuneration will be based on the Grade VI salary scale €51,528 to €62,951 currently (7 points). Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.
Contact Details
The Human Resources Department
Technological University of the Shannon:
Midlands Midwest
Email: hr@ait.ie (Midlands)
Only on-line e-recruitment application forms will be accepted.
Closing date 5th Jan 2023
Additional Information
In addition to the minimum qualifications, it may be necessary to introduce further shortlisting criteria. Therefore, candidates may be shortlisted based on qualifications and suitable experience, based on details given on the application form.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, or membership of the traveller community.
TUS is an equal opportunities employer, working towards creating and sustaining an inclusive environment which promotes equality, embraces diversity and is committed to a work-life balance for all.
Canvassing will disqualify.
Personal Data
All personal data provided will be handled in accordance with the Data Protection Policy and Privacy Statements.
