Position Summary

The Institute of International Studies (TIIS) is seeking an enthusiastic and student-focused Academic Support Librarian (Higher Education) to lead the development and delivery of both physical and digital library services while providing academic skills support to students.

This role combines higher education library services with direct student learning support. The successful candidate will work closely with students, academic staff, and professional staff to enhance information literacy, research skills, academic writing, referencing practices, and academic integrity.

The Academic Support Librarian plays a key role in helping students locate, evaluate, and effectively use academic resources, interpret assessment requirements, develop academic writing skills, and apply appropriate referencing conventions. The position also supports academic staff in identifying and procuring learning resources that contribute to high-quality teaching and learning outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity to establish and enhance library and learning support services within a growing higher education institution committed to student success and academic excellence.

The position reports to the Academic Dean and works collaboratively with Program Directors, Academic Staff, and Student Support Services. This is a part-time (0.8 FTE), fixed-term position for an initial period of one year.

Key Responsibilities

1.       Academic Skills and Assessment Support

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

o    Locating and evaluating scholarly sources.

o    Understanding and applying referencing styles (e.g., Harvard, APA).

o    Developing academic writing and critical thinking skills.

o    Avoiding plagiarism and upholding academic integrity.

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

• Provide one-on-one and small-group consultations to support students in preparing for and improving their assessment outcomes.

• Assist students in interpreting assessment requirements and identifying appropriate academic resources to support their learning.

• Contribute to initiatives that promote student engagement, retention, and academic success.

2.       Library and Learning Resource Management

• Identify, procure, and manage access to academic databases, e-books, journals, and other learning resources through the Learning Management System (LMS) and/or library platforms.

• Develop and maintain user-friendly access to library resources and learning support materials.

• Create practical user guides, tutorials, and online help resources to support independent learning and information literacy.

• Monitor library resource usage, student engagement, and service effectiveness to inform continuous improvement initiatives.

• Liaise with publishers, database providers, and vendors regarding subscriptions, licences, and resource acquisitions.

3.       Academic Engagement and Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with academic staff to integrate information literacy, research skills, and resource utilisation into curricula and learning activities.

• Recommend and support the adoption of learning resources that enhance student learning outcomes and assessment performance.

• Participate in academic meetings and contribute to discussions relating to student support, learning resources, and academic success strategies.

• Provide advice to academic staff regarding the availability, suitability, and acquisition of teaching and learning resources.

4.       Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure library services and academic support activities align with the TEQSA Higher Education Standards Framework, particularly Standard 3.3 (Learning Resources and Educational Support).

• Maintain accurate records of workshops, consultations, resource usage, and student engagement activities.

• Contribute to institutional quality assurance processes, accreditation activities, and reporting to academic governance committees.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives relating to learning resources, academic support services, and student success outcomes.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• A degree in Library and Information Science, Information Management, or a related discipline, with eligibility for Associate Membership of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), or equivalent professional experience.

• Demonstrated experience engaging with publishers, database providers, and vendors to negotiate access to academic resources and manage licensing agreements.

• Demonstrated experience supporting higher education students in academic skills development, including individual consultations and the delivery of workshops on referencing, research skills, academic writing, and academic integrity.

• Strong knowledge of academic databases, scholarly information resources, open-access tools, referencing systems, and plagiarism detection software.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build student confidence and promote independent learning.

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

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic higher education environment.

Desirable

• Demonstrated understanding of the academic support needs of international students and students from diverse educational backgrounds.

• Familiarity with educational technologies, including AI-powered learning tools, and their ethical and effective application in higher education.

• Experience establishing or developing physical and digital library services within a higher education institution.

• Familiarity with the TEQSA Higher Education Standards Framework and quality assurance requirements for higher education providers.

• Experience using library management systems, learning management systems, and digital learning platforms.

Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion

TIIS is committed to attracting and retaining talented employees from diverse backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, vilification, and victimisation. All employment-related decisions are based on merit, qualifications, experience, and organisational requirements.

We value diversity and foster an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates people of all ages, cultures, ethnicities, genders, nationalities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We recognise that a diverse workforce enriches our workplace culture and enhances educational outcomes for our students.

As a higher education provider with a diverse student cohort, TIIS particularly values cultural responsiveness and inclusivity, and welcomes applicants who are committed to supporting students from a wide range of linguistic, cultural, and educational backgrounds.