Research and Learning
University Library System
University of Pittsburgh
The Learning Design Coordinator (LDC) is a full-time faculty librarian appointment reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Research and Learning. This position works collaboratively with subject and functional specialists to lead the design, development, implementation, and assessment of a learning and curricular integration strategy that advances research education and information literacy across the Pitt Libraries. This position serves as a resource for colleagues in the areas of instructional design and inclusive, learner-centered pedagogy. In addition, the incumbent is responsible for the creation of digital learning objects (such as videos, tutorials, OER content, and infographics) for use in-person, online, and in blended environments, as well as for providing support to colleagues in the creation and implementation of these objects. The LDC also leads a committee responsible for coordinating the development, lifecycle, and curricular integration of research guides and other digital learning resources into appropriate platforms such as the Libraries’ website and the University’s learning management system (Canvas). This position develops, coordinates, and assesses the library’s role in the Academic Foundations first-year experience course for incoming students on the Oakland campus.
The LDC is expected to communicate effectively and work collaboratively and consultatively with colleagues across the University Library System (ULS) who are engaged in structured research and learning opportunities with students and faculty, as well as with the library’s Assessment and Quality Assurance division and other ULS stakeholders. In addition, the LDC will engage with strategic university partners, such as the Center for Learning and Teaching, to integrate library learning and research services into the curriculum.
As part of the Research and Learning Team, this position may provide instruction, outreach, and research services to assigned liaison areas and to students, faculty, and staff as needed.
Librarians at the University of Pittsburgh are members of the faculty and are expected to demonstrate continuous professional development in addition to performing their specific responsibilities. This expectation includes such activities as:
Librarians at the University of Pittsburgh are members of the faculty and are expected to demonstrate continuous professional development in addition to performing their specific responsibilities. This expectation includes such activities as participating in and contributing to departmental, library and campus-wide committees or working groups as well as the profession at a regional, national, and/or international level, maintaining a broad awareness of current and emerging issues that affect their particular areas of expertise, participating in relevant publishing and presentation opportunities, and pursuing knowledge of professional trends and developments that can be applied to evolving research, services and collections. Approximately 10% of the librarian’s time should be directed toward such activities and will be included as part of the annual evaluation.
Specifically, the incumbent in this position is expected to:
The University of Pittsburgh's University Library System is a member of the Association of Research Libraries and contains over 4.7 million print and electronic volumes, including access to over 300,000 journals and 570 databases. The University Library System (ULS) consists of 14 libraries and employs 75 faculty librarians and 103 staff. In addition to the ULS, the University of Pittsburgh includes libraries for the health sciences and law school.
The ULS stands at the center of intellectual life at the University of Pittsburgh, fostering connections and knowledge creation and dissemination that help faculty, students, and researchers from around the world to excel in research, scholarship and creative expression. It supports and enhances faculty and student productivity through its extensive collections, innovative Open Access publishing, and user-centered focus.
The ULS has recently enacted a major organizational realignment and is currently aggressively hiring in many areas of strategic priority, including research support, digital scholarship and creation, entrepreneurship and innovation, as we are repositioning our services to respond to and anticipate changes in research, teaching, and learning. We are also in the midst of a top-to-bottom renovation of Hillman Library, the central library of the University of Pittsburgh campus which saw 1.9 million visitors in FY17. The reinvented Hillman will be a light-filled home to spaces, from vibrant to serene, for digital making and exploration, showcasing unique collections, advancing academic study, and fostering energetic, collaborative exchange.
This is an exciting time to join the Pitt library system and contribute to envisioning the library of the future.
Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. Today Pitt is an internationally recognized center of learning and research, strong in the arts and sciences and the professions. Pitt serves approximately 32,000 students, including more than 9,000 graduate students, in the 16 schools at the Pittsburgh campus and the four regional campuses. Pitt attracts, on average, more than $700 million in research funding every year. It is also one of the nation’s top producers of Fulbright students and scholars for the 2017-18 academic year (according to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs), and is among only 16 institutions in the country to be named a top producer in both the Fulbright U.S. Student and Scholar programs. In 2018, for the second consecutive year, the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings named Pitt as the best public university in the Northeastern United States.
The city of Pittsburgh is located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the United States, Pittsburgh is recognized for its natural beauty and unique blend of cultural, education, and technological resources. Additional information on the city of Pittsburgh can be found at the Visit Pittsburgh Web site
Commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including one month vacation per year; excellent medical plans; TIAA/ Vanguard; and tuition assistance.
Successful candidate will meet the criteria for appointment at the rank of Librarian II, and will be hired within the Non-Expectation Stream on an initial 3-year renewable contract. For further information, please see the Guidelines for Faculty Librarians: Appointment, Review, Promotion, and Appeal.
Please apply through the University of Pittsburgh’s Talent Center, requisition number 20001341. In addition to creating a Talent Center account, please upload/attach a cover letter, CV, and three professional references with contact information. Any questions regarding the application process should be directed to Sharon McMasters (sam989@pitt.edu)
Visa sponsorship is not offered with this position.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled; primary consideration will be given to those received by March 23, 2020.
The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and diversity. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled
