Critical Pedagogy Research Librarian (CPRL), Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA

Posted December 4, 2020

Description:

The Critical Pedagogy Research Librarian (CPRL) is responsible for providing critical research and curriculum support for the diverse community of learners at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). With the aim to build more inclusive and equitable HGSE learning environments, the CPRL encourages the integration of critical information literacy philosophies within Gutman Library’s instruction and research services. Reporting to HGSE Gutman Library’s Associate Director for Student Academic Services, the CPRL uses critical pedagogy to guide colleagues to rethink the expectations and goals commonly instilled within library instruction, research services, assessment, program design, and collection development.

The Critical Pedagogy Research Librarian serves as an active member of Gutman Library’s Research Services Team and the larger Research, Teaching, and Learning (RTL) Team. The position leverages critical pedagogies to interpret the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education and the RUSA Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Specific areas of responsibilities include:

Critical Pedagogy Duties

Understand the historical dimensions of civil rights, disability rights, human rights, and Indigenous rights to support students, faculty, staff, and alumni in their library-based research.
Apply knowledge of critical race theory, feminist theory, postcolonial theory, postmodern theory, and queer theory to a wide array of responsibilities, including but not limited to collection development, digital scholarship curation, library instruction, research assistance, and scholarly communication support.
Work in conjunction with all Gutman Library team members to continuously improve learning and adoption of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across all facets of the organization.
Provide expertise and research support for HGSE, Gutman Library, Harvard Library, and university-wide initiatives that deconstruct the problems of white supremacy, structural racism, global economic inequality, and gender-based oppression.

Research Services Duties

Serve as the liaison to the Human Development and Education Ed.M. program and to the equity and opportunity courses.
Consult with and instruct library users in devising research strategies.
Identify appropriate research materials to use within consultations and instruction.
Provide library instruction via research consultations, reference queries, and curriculum-integrated classes.
Develop instructional materials, including LibGuides, online learning objects, and other forms of curricular content.
Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to improve library services and programs through data-driven and research-based assessment methodologies.
Promote research services across the HGSE community.
Participate in programs and initiatives to support user outreach.

Other Duties

Represent Gutman Library on HGSE and Harvard Library committees.
Work closely with the Gutman Library Learning Design team to lead projects related to user research, needs analysis, and instructional design.
Participate in the design, development, and implementation of program and service assessment activities.
Share in the management of teaching research data discovery, interpretation, and visualization.

The Critical Pedagogy and Research Librarian should possess:

An active awareness and broad understanding of current issues in education-focused reference, instruction, and scholarly communication.
Ability to effectively communicate these issues to HGSE faculty, staff, students, and other members of the University community.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral skills, including presentation and teaching skills.
Careful attention to detail and rigor in documentation.
Proficiency in citation management tools (e.g. Zotero, EndNote, etc.)
A professional service trajectory related to the position’s duties and responsibilities.

Basic Qualifications:

Master’s degree in library or information science, or an equivalent graduate degree from an ALA-accredited program.
Minimum two years’ reference and instruction experience in an academic or research library environment.
Experience working with a diverse community and commitment to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within the curriculum and across the community.

Preferred Qualifications:

Second graduate degree or an undergraduate degree closely related to adolescent studies, child development, counselor education, critical race theory, educational psychology, ethnic studies, human development, or sociology.
Knowledge of education, psychology, or other social science information resources.
Demonstrated skill and comfort in preparing and conducting library instruction.
Knowledge of altmetrics, bibliometrics, digital literacy, and information literacy.
Ability to create and maintain a scholarly research agenda related to the position’s duties and responsibilities.

Working Conditions:

The work associated with this position is currently being performed remotely in response to COVID-19. Work in the longer-term is expected to be conducted through a combination of both remote and on campus presence. Harvard University is a Massachusetts employer and the selected candidate will be expected to relocate to the Massachusetts area.

Additional Information:

We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide visa sponsorship. About the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community which values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.

How to Apply:

The original job posting with full description can be found here. Apply using the job portal found there. Applicants wishing to be considered must submit a cover letter in addition to their CV.