Weekly Working Hours: 37 hours
Contract Type: Fixed Term (10 months from the start date)
Change your career, change lives
The Open University (OU) is the largest university in the UK and a world leader in flexible, part-time higher education. With a mission to widen access to higher education and a commitment to research excellence, we transform lives through learning. Learn more about our journey and impact by watching this [short video (YouTube link)].
About the Role
As a Learning & Teaching Librarian, you will be instrumental in supporting learning and teaching through library services, working with various faculties and teams at the OU to contribute to student success and lifelong learning.
The role has three primary objectives:
- Supporting learning and teaching activities by providing guidance on using Library Services, content, and resources tailored to the needs of the OU community.
- Collaborating across the Learner and Discovery Services (LDS) team and with faculty colleagues to promote digital capabilities and embed library resources into the curriculum.
- Ensuring fair and consistent support for students, adhering to University policies.
Key Responsibilities
Depending on the full-time nature of the role, your responsibilities will typically centre on three specialist areas from the list below:
1. Enquiry Services
- Offer expert virtual assistance (via email, webchat, and telephone) to students, staff, associate lecturers (off-campus tutors), and researchers.
2. Academic Liaison
- Build strong working relationships across departments, ensuring that digital library content and capabilities are well embedded into modules to support students’ success.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of digital and library content, proposing realistic improvements for inclusion in the curriculum.
3. Accessibility
- Collaborate with colleagues to ensure third-party content meets accessibility standards.
- Work with teams to make library content accessible, fostering inclusivity for all users.
- Champion the role of the library in accessibility services across the University.
4. Authoring
- Ensure the integration of digital and information literacy skills into teaching materials in collaboration with the Academic Liaison and Live Engagement teams.
- Create, reuse, and sustain accessible multimedia materials in alignment with modern best practices in technology-enhanced learning.
- Maintain and update digital and information literacy skills content and support the university’s 2022 framework.
5. E-resources Troubleshooting
- Collaborate with others to resolve access issues with digital resources and improve the overall user experience.
- Contribute to the growth of the team’s knowledge base and support cross-library processes to enhance workflows.
6. Live Engagement
- Design and deliver live training for staff and students, tailored to the curriculum and learners’ needs.
- Collaborate closely with relevant teams to explore effective methods of delivering practical digital capabilities training.
In addition to the core areas above, you will also:
- Develop efficient processes to support the wider team and stakeholders.
- Maintain professional relationships, championing the library’s contribution to the student experience.
- Stay abreast of trends in higher education and learning technologies, working towards continuous professional development and strategic improvements.
About You
We are looking for someone with the skills and passion to contribute to the transformational work carried out by OU Library Services.
Essential Criteria:
- A degree or professional qualification in librarianship/information science (or equivalent professional experience).
- Proficiency in digital tools, including Office 365, databases, and library management systems.
- An understanding of creating accessible, effective learning experiences designed to achieve learning outcomes.
- Previous experience working with electronic resources.
- Knowledge of how learning technologies are implemented.
- Experience in creating and writing content for educational or web-based platforms.
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
- Strong planning and organisation skills; capable of managing competing deadlines.
- Proactive problem-solving skills, with sound judgment in managing risks or escalating issues when necessary.
- Collaborative mindset with a demonstrated ability to work across organisational boundaries.
- Commitment to continuous professional growth and enthusiasm to learn and adapt.
- Understanding and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity in line with University policies.
Desirable Criteria:
- Commitment to further professional development (e.g., Chartered Librarian, Fellowship of Advance HE, or equivalent qualifications).
- Experience in collection development.
- A background in teaching or facilitating online learning.
- Ability to interpret, manipulate, and analyse data.
- Awareness of challenges in distance education, access, and participation.
- Subject-specific expertise to support one or more OU faculties (e.g., Business & Law, Arts & Social Sciences, STEM, Wellbeing, Education & Language Studies).
Working Arrangements
We provide flexibility for the successful candidate to adopt hybrid working arrangements, balancing work-from-home with in-office attendance at our Milton Keynes site. On average, attendance will be required six times a year, including two mandatory development days. While some occasional UK travel is expected and reimbursed, other routine travel to Milton Keynes will not be covered.
Support with Your Application
If you need assistance or adjustments to the application process or role due to individual circumstances, please contact us at 01908 541111 or email [email protected], quoting the advert reference number.
Benefits of Working at The Open University
We strive to provide a positive and inclusive working culture along with flexible working options. Discover more about our [staff benefits here (link)].
How to Apply
Submit the following:
- Your CV
- A supporting statement of up to 1000 words outlining your interest in the role and examples demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria.
Applications will close early if sufficient applications are received, so apply promptly!
Interviews are planned for Monday, 20th April.
The Open University is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, reflecting our mission to be open to all. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups and offer support for all candidates through our inclusive hiring process