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Position Title: Instructional Librarian

Department: University Library

Campus Location: Washburn University

Position Summary:

Washburn University's University Libraries invites applications for Instructional Librarian to begin October 1, 2026. This is a 12-month, benefit eligible, full-time position.
The Instructional Librarian provides general and virtual information, research, and reference services, plans, teaches and assesses information literacy instruction in collaboration with the Associate Dean of University Libraries and other appropriate staff. In addition, based upon disciplinary interest, expertise, and Unit needs, the Librarian will support other library initiatives, including but not limited to: faculty and student research, digital projects, First and Second-Year Student Success Initiatives, collection development, scholarly communication, Open Access and Open Educational Resources, Artificial Intelligence, outreach and assessment.
Each selected candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to pursuing teaching excellence at Washburn University, including a dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage all learners.

About Washburn University: 

Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of just over 7,000 students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For program.

Essential Functions:
Serve as liaison to academic departments. Locate and create digital content to support academic instruction.
Teach, integrate and assess Information Literacy programs across the curriculum.
Provide expert information and research services.
Explore, evaluate, and encourage the deployment of emergent technologies into library programs, information and instructional services.
Develop outreach strategies for students and faculty.
Participate in the building of physical and electronic collections that meet the needs of Washburn University.
Develop web and print-based materials.
Librarians are active members of internal library teams, Library and University Committees.
Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
ALA-accredited master's degree at the time of application or by the end of the semester of hire.
Experience providing reference or instruction services in archives, special collections, research libraries, museums, or cultural institutions.
Demonstrated understanding of issues and trends in reference and information literacy.
Proven effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Proven ability to work effectively independently and in teams.
Demonstrated experience providing accurate, proactive, and responsive information services.
Demonstrated dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage all learners.
Official educational transcripts required at the time of hire.

Physical Requirements:
Occasionally lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects weighing less than 20 pounds

Preferred Qualifications:
An additional master's degree in any subject taught at Washburn University.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently or as part of a team.
Two years of experience providing reference or instruction services in archives, special collections or a research library, museum, or cultural institution.
Experience in a higher education library.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Inquiries regarding this position may be directed to the Screening Committee Chair, Sean Stacey at sean.stacey@washburn.edu.
Application Deadline: Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can be assured of full consideration if submitted by September 15, 2026.

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