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Volunteer, Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education Task Force, American Association for Research Libraries

Are you seeking a meaningful opportunity to make a contribution to the profession and higher education? As ACRL President Steven Bell indicated in his recent post, an ACRL task force (the Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education Task Force) is in the process of extensively revising the Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education, which were adopted in 2000. Because these Standards are cited thousands of times, within the profession and in higher education more broadly, the effect of these revisions will be significant.

We are seeking an individual to create a comprehensive and detailed external communications plan which ACRL will implement once the revised Standards are adopted next summer. This plan would include items such as communication outside the library profession, outreach to higher education associations and accreditors, awareness/education opportunities for non-librarians, and comparing and contrasting the key underpinnings of the 2000 Standards with the revised 2014 materials. As part of the work, this person would draft ancillary materials such as letters to other associations, abstracts for presentation proposals, template presentations, and newsletter articles. We invite applications from individuals who can begin work starting in September 2013, in parallel to the revision process, so we are ready to implement the plan once the new standards are adopted (expected June 2014).

This “uber” volunteer could be an academic librarian on sabbatical, a practitioner with release time, or an experienced and motivated student undertaking the project as part of a practicum or independent study. The person selected for this role will serve ex officio on the task force to better understand what is influencing the shape of the revised standards, the sources of inspiration the task force is drawing upon, and the organizations ACRL seeks to influence upon their release.

Most of the work involved will take place virtually; however, the selected applicant must be able to attend an in person meeting of the task force at the ALA Midwinter Meeting 2014 at his/her own expense. We expect the selected visiting program officer will work on this project no more than 5 hours per week, on average, from September 1, 2013-June 30, 2014, with the possibility of extension as the plan develops.

Qualifications

  • Knowledge of the higher education environment and organizations.
  • Project management skills.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
  • Understanding of information literacy issues.
  • Familiarity with the current Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education.
  • Awareness of other ACRL standards and guidelines.

Apply
To apply, please prepare the following materials. Applications must be submitted electronically as a single PDF document that includes:

  1. A letter addressing the following questions (two pages maximum).
    • Why do you want to help support ACRL’s forthcoming revised Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education?
    • What actions would you undertake to fulfill this role? How would you identify higher education stakeholders and determine the best way to reach each one? Please list examples of specific tasks you would undertake as part of your proposed work plan.
    • Briefly describe your project management experience.
    • Are there relevant experiences or qualifications of which you would like us to be aware?
  2. Your resume.
  3. The names and contact information for two references who have direct knowledge of your qualifications for this role.

The single PDF application must submitted via email by 10 a.m. Central on Monday, July 15, 2013, to ACRL Program Coordinator Allison Payne at [email protected]. If you have questions about the position, please contact ACRL Senior Strategist for Special Initiatives Kara Malenfant at 800-545-2433, ext 2510.

ACRL has formed a small review team, which includes member leaders and staff, to consider applications. The process includes checking references and a telephone interview. The group will make selections and notify all applicants of their status by August 15, 2013.