A happy return

I’m happy to share I’ll be returning to The University of Alabama Libraries later this month, where I’ll hold the position of Academic Technologies Instruction Librarian.

In this role (a new one for the Libraries), my primary responsibility will be providing instruction on academic software and technologies- ArcGIS, SketchUp Pro, data visualization, etc.- in support of coursework and research. In addition to providing instruction in the classroom and online, I’ll also develop guides and tutorials.

In addition to the primary responsibility of technology instruction, I find two things particularly appealing about this position. First, it’s a great fit for my professional goals and values. Second, I will work closely with colleagues throughout the Libraries and, ideally, other campus units. I’m excited about the opportunities and challenges presented by the scope of the instructional activity and the possibilities for collaboration.

Needless to say, I’m thrilled. Everyone in HR has been a delight to work with, I have a fantastic supervisor, and I do enjoy much of my work here. Since I joined the department last May, I have further developed my instructional design skills, gained valuable project management experience, built great relationships with other learning and technology professionals on campus, and benefited from excellent support for professional development. However, I have missed the UA Libraries and my colleagues there. I have missed teaching and working with students and instructors and am so happy to resume that work in a library about which I care a great deal.

I’m sharing my interview presentation here, as I feel it gives a good sense of what my new role is about and some of the ways I intend to approach it.

I start August 11.