About the Role
Change your career, change lives
The Open University’s (OU) Library Service has an exciting new job opportunity available, working within the Learner and Discovery Services (LDS) Team. Our Library service connects the OU Community with world-class information, technology, and award-winning expertise to facilitate knowledge creation through learning, teaching, scholarship, and research.
We are searching for suitably qualified individuals who relate to our mission and vision. You will support learning and teaching activities, including the development of students as independent learners. You will work in collaboration across the OU’s Learner and Discovery Services portfolio to support the growing digital capabilities agenda and integrate Library content systematically into the curriculum.
Key Responsibilities
The role of Learning & Teaching Librarian has three main responsibilities:
- To support learning and teaching activities, including the development of students as independent learners, by providing advice and guidance on the access to and use of Library Services content, resources and services to meet the needs of students, learners and University staff.
- To work in partnership across the OU’s Learner and Discovery Services (LDS) unit and with faculty colleagues to support the growing digital capabilities agenda and integrate library content systematically into the curriculum using new and innovative approaches as appropriate.
- To promote and embody the OU’s behaviours and values.
The Full Job Description can be found here
Skills and Experience
• Educated to degree level in librarianship or information science (or equivalent professional qualification or experience)
• Have digital capabilities, especially in Office 365 applications, databases and library management systems
• Understanding of how to design effective accessible learning experiences, and ability to identify the best teaching approach to deliver the required learning outcome
• Experience of working with electronic resources
• Knowledge of learning technologies and their application
• Experience of writing for the web and creating educational content
• Communicates information effectively with a variety of audiences; negotiates effectively; appropriately manages conflict
• Plans, schedules, prioritises and allocates work effectively; delivers to multiple deadlines
• Uses initiative to identify and solve problems proactively; uses good judgement to refer issues upwards as necessary; identifies and manages risk
• Builds proactive working relationships; works collaboratively across organisational boundaries to achieve common goals
• Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement; shows commitment to own professional development; demonstrates enthusiasm, willingness and ability to learn new skills
• An awareness of, and a commitment to, equality, diversity and inclusion
Essential Requirements
The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.
As part of the application process, you will be expected to submit your CV and a Supporting Statement (maximum of 1000 words) that demonstrates how you meet the criteria listed above.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview (Virtually) and there will be short job-related tasks (written and group) to complete as part of that process.
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
*Early Close: We reserve the right to close adverts sooner than the closing date.
It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We anticipate this being six times per year on average.
