Position Summary

Lead Institute of Higher Education (LIHE) is seeking a qualified and dynamic Academic Support Librarian (Higher Education ) to lead the development and delivery of both physical and digital library services, with a strong focus on student academic support. The Librarian is a key member of the academic support team, working in partnership with academic and professional staff to ensure students can confidently locate, evaluate, and use academic sources to succeed in their assessments.

The role plays a pivotal function in assisting students with understanding assessment requirements, locating appropriate resources, referencing correctly, and writing in accordance with academic expectations. The Librarian also supports staff in identifying and procuring learning resources and contributes to fostering a culture of academic integrity and excellence.

This position reports to the Dean and forms part of the Academic Support Team, which includes Course Directors, the Student Support Manager, and Academic Staff.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Skills and Assessment Support

Support students in developing core academic skills related to assessment tasks, including:

Locating scholarly sources

Understanding referencing styles (e.g., APA, Harvard)

Academic writing conventions and structure

Avoiding plagiarism and upholding academic integrity

Deliver workshops (in-person and online) on academic integrity, referencing, and research skills aligned with each term's assessment schedule.

Offer one-on-one or small-group consultations to assist students in preparing for and improving their assessments.

Library and Learning Resource Management

Source and maintain a curated collection of physical and digital resources aligned to the prescribed and recommended readings of each course.

Ensure access to relevant academic databases, eBooks, journals, and open-access resources.

Collaborate with academic staff to identify resources to support new and existing units.

Library Systems and Student Access

Implement and maintain user-friendly access to library resources via the Learning Management System (LMS) and/or a dedicated library portal.

Develop practical user guides and online help materials to improve student access and self-directed learning.

Track usage trends and student engagement to inform service improvements.

Academic Engagement and Collaboration

Work with teaching staff to integrate information literacy, research skills, and resource use into curricula and classroom activities.

Recommend and support the use of resources that enhance student learning and assessment performance.

Participate in academic team meetings and provide input on learning resource strategies and student support needs.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

Ensure library services and learning support align with TEQSA Higher Education Standards (particularly Standard 3.3: Learning Resources and Educational Support).

Maintain accurate records of student workshops, consultations, and library resource usage.

Contribute to internal quality assurance and academic board reporting on student support and resource access.

Selection Criteria

Essential

A relevant qualification in Library and Information Science, or equivalent, with eligibility for ALIA Associate Membership.

Demonstrated ability to engage with publishers and vendors to negotiate access to academic resources and manage licensing agreements

Demonstrated experience supporting higher education students with research skills, referencing, and academic writing.

Experience in developing and delivering engaging academic skills workshops or one-on-one learning support.

Strong knowledge of academic databases, open access tools, referencing systems, and plagiarism detection software.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a focus on building student confidence and autonomy.

Proven ability to collaborate with academic staff and integrate support services into curriculum delivery.

Desirable

Experience establishing a physical and digital library service from inception or within a new institution.

Familiarity with innovative edtech apps, both AI- and non-AI-based, to support students and promote the ethical use of emerging technologies.

Familiarity with TEQSA Higher Education Standards and student support frameworks.

Understanding of the academic support needs of international and first-in-family students.

Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion

LIHE is an inclusive and supportive workplace committed to ensuring a respectful environment for all staff and students. We value cultural safety, gender equity, and diversity in all forms. The Librarian will work in a culturally responsive manner to ensure services are accessible and empowering to students from diverse backgrounds, particularly international students.

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

A cover letter outlining suitability for the role

A statement addressing each selection criterion (maximum 2 pages)

A current CV including:

Full name and contact details

Education and qualifications

Employment history

Names and contact details of at least two referees

Submit applications to: [email protected]