Founded in 1889, as the State Normal School of Colorado and tucked between the Rocky Mountains and Colorado’s stunning high plains, the University of Northern Colorado has grown from its roots as a teacher’s college into an institution with international draw and status.
UNC is a public doctoral research university that strives to cultivate the unique potential of each of its approximately 9,000 students and is positioned to advance knowledge through discovery because of its just-right size, expert faculty and tradition of research and hands-on learning. By immersing students in innovative teaching and research methods in the classroom and in the field, UNC provides its students with an exceptional educational experience. UNC’s talented and dedicated faculty are housed in its five colleges: Education and Behavioral Sciences; Humanities and Social Sciences; Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business; Natural and Health Sciences; and Performing and Visual Arts.
Acclaimed for its expertise in a broad array of academic disciplines, UNC offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and 120 graduate programs on campus, off campus and online. Undergraduate students study in a liberal arts tradition that supports them in exploring broadly, making connections, thinking critically, and using what they learn to make a difference in the world around them. UNC also offers more than 60 extended campus programs throughout the state and online, meeting an increasing demand among adult learners and working students in industry-relevant disciplines. Of UNC’s 120 graduate programs, almost half are taught at satellite locations or online. Research, scholarship, and creative works are essential components of academic life for both faculty and students at UNC. Many undergraduate degree programs require a research experience and most graduate programs require a thesis, capstone project, or dissertation. UNC faculty purposefully connect research and teaching by bringing what they learn from their research into the courses they teach and by inviting students to join their work. Faculty and student work on research, scholarship, and creative works focuses on knowledge creation as well as the application of knowledge to solve real world problems. Surveys of current and former students show that they value these relationships and see them as one of the primary benefits of attending UNC.
There is no typical UNC student. UNC prides itself on being a university where students do not have to conform in order to belong. Whatever their unique talents may be, UNC helps students reach their fullest potential. The university prepares students not only to have successful careers, but also to lead fulfilling lives, engage in intelligent public discourse, participate in government, and thrive in a changing, global world. UNC has a long history of serving students who are often underrepresented at research universities. More than 40% of UNC undergraduates are the first in their family to go to college, one third are underrepresented minorities, and more than one-quarter are eligible for federal need-based financial aid.
There is no typical UNC student. UNC prides itself on being a university where students do not have to conform in order to belong. Whatever their unique talents may be, UNC helps students reach their fullest potential. The university prepares students not only to have successful careers, but also to lead fulfilling lives, engage in intelligent public discourse, participate in government, and thrive in a changing, global world. UNC has a long history of serving students who are often underrepresented at research universities. More than 40% of UNC undergraduates are the first in their family to go to college, one third are underrepresented minorities, and more than one-quarter are eligible for federal need-based financial aid.
Linked to our community since we were founded in 1889, UNC is an important part of the Greeley community and works to actively foster a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship with our city and its residents. Greeley is a warm and welcoming place and a location we are proud to call our home. Recently ranked as the fourth fastest growing Metropolitan Statistical Area in the United States, Greeley is a community on the move where a robust economy offers a number of enriching opportunities to residents of all ages.
Our Direction: Rowing, Not Drifting 2030
Our strategic plan, Rowing, Not Drifting 2030, brings to life our vision for the university which takes shape in the form of our vision statement, five vision elements, and outcomes that serve as the foundation in support of and in service to UNC students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community. It guides the work of our five phases over the next decade, as well as the implementation of our supporting key actions and tactics.
The five vision elements that serve as our foundation are:
- Students First: We exist to transform the lives of our students. We focus on all aspects of their success by making intentional decisions to meet their needs and the needs of our community.
- Empower Inclusivity: The diversity within our university and state is a distinct advantage that we celebrate and nurture. We ensure learning occurs through meaningful discussion of shared and different experiences, viewpoints, and ideas.
- Enhance & Invest: The success of students relies on a healthy and strong team. We provide our staff and faculty with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. We foster an environment where their individual well-being and sense of belonging are vital to our collective success.
- Innovate & Create: Learning occurs through critical inquiry, discovery, and creation. We leverage technology and capitalize on opportunities to innovate and improve instruction. We anticipate and address societal needs by transforming the campus into a creative laboratory that asks questions, solves problems, and shapes Colorado’s future.
- Connect & Celebrate: Strong community connections provide authentic learning experiences and reciprocal partnerships and collaborations. We set the standard for how engaged universities enrich the lives of those on campus, throughout Colorado, and beyond.
Our Imperatives: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
UNC is dedicated to strengthening and advancing our collective work related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we aspire to become a Hispanic Serving Institution. As a diverse team, we develop and learn more together. We value the individuality of each person and recognize how diversity enhances our campus. When you join the UNC family, you can expect to be part of a growing inclusive, innovative, and equity-minded community that expects intentional collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and local partners.
Job Summary
The University of Northern Colorado Libraries seeks a collaborative and engaged librarian to further develop, lead, and support efforts around UNC’s Affordable and Open Education Resources ( AOER ) initiatives . This is a faculty contract renewable position that reports to the Head of Scholarly Communication. As a member of the Scholarly Communication Department, the Textbook Affordability Librarian works closely with their department, within the Libraries, and the campus to create and expand partnerships to promote open, free to students, and affordable course content throughout the University of Northern Colorado.
As a public university committed to its community and social justice, the UNC Textbook Affordability Librarian plays a key role in supporting students by helping to remove unnecessary financial barriers and promoting both the equity and culturally responsive aspects of AOER.
The Textbook Affordability Librarian must be ready to and/or interested in professional development to successfully engage in the following activities:
- Provide leadership in planning, implementing, and assessing the campus initiative by collaborating with campus partners and as a standing member of the AOER Committee.
- Collaborate with instructors in the identification, adoption, creation, and assessment of open and affordable course content, and work with campus partners to evaluate and report on the impact of affordable and open educational resources.
- Provide consultation services, workshops, online tools, and outreach related to OER, free to students, and affordable course materials.
- Coordinate OER state grant programs implemented at UNC and investigate additional funding opportunities to increase textbook affordability at UNC.
The successful candidate must have strong interpersonal skills, be able to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and prioritize, manage and complete multiple projects at one time. This position offers opportunities for innovation in the areas of AOER and leadership. The individual in this position contributes to department scholarly communication projects and provides some general information literacy instruction and research consultations for our campus.
This is a faculty-level contract renewable position with an expectation of scholarly activity and/or service. Information about the University Libraries and the Scholarly Communication department is available at https://www.library.unco.edu/ and https://www.unco.edu/library/services/schol-comm/
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must meet all minimum qualifications in order to advance in the search process.
- Earned master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library institution. If in progress, the master’s degree must be completed by 8/31/23
- A minimum of one year library work experience
- Evidence of oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of open education
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience facilitating work with open educational and free-to-students resources
- Experience with informal or formal leadership roles
- Experience working in an academic environment
- Experience with consulting, teaching, and outreach
- Record of scholarly presentation, published writing, or other related activity
- Experience writing grant proposals
- Experience managing grant funding
Desired Start Date
08/14/2023
Open Date
05/08/2023
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Screening of applications will begin on May 30, 2023. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants must complete an online application form and attach a letter of application, including:
- letter of application, highlighting suitability for the position
- curriculum vitae
- names of three references with their email addresses and telephone numbers
- diversity statement in response to the following prompt:
The University Libraries at UNC value a diverse and inclusive community, on- and off-campus, and strive to foster an open, welcoming, and equitable learning environment. Describe your commitment to inclusivity and how you hope to potentially participate in the Libraries work toward equity. This might include:
- Creating/fostering an equitable learning environment
- Commitment to and support of the marginalized
- Participation in past projects, scholarship, or service to promote equity
- Recognizing barriers to learners as a result of inequity
For more information, visit the Libraries DEI website.
The University of Northern Colorado is committed to enhancing the diversity of its faculty and staff and encourages applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and veterans. We are learning and growing together to create an inclusive campus community, particularly in the classroom and in the workplace. The University of Northern Colorado is an equal opportunity/affirmative action/Title IX employer.
For questions, contact Interim Dean of University Libraries, Jayne Blodgett, Jayne.blodgett@unco.edu
Salary and Benefits
Salary is$55,000 – $59,000 and is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans. Dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.
Additional Requirements and Information
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.
Required Notice: In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online (https://www.unco.edu/police/clery/security-report.aspx) and a paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.
AAEO Employer
Required Notice: In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online (https://www.unco.edu/police/clery/security-report.aspx) and a paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.
AAEO Employer
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Curriculum Vitae
- List of References
- Diversity Statement