enhances the quality of the classroom experience. Examples of notable professional vitality for library faculty can include, but are not limited to: • participation on a panel at professional conference • presenting at a professional meeting • serving as a committee member or committee chair in a professional organization • writing an article or book chapter for publication • receiving an honor or award from a professional association • writing or co-authoring a grant proposal • taking a significant role in the organization of a professional conference or meeting • acceptance in a competitive professional development program or institute • completion of an online course related to professional development for librarians • supervising/mentoring of graduate student interns from Library/Information Science Master’s programs The core value to be assessed here is sustained professional engagement beyond the campus setting, consistent with the norms of librarianship and the limitations of a teaching- centered institution. A professionally engaged library faculty member will show that she or he, as a threshold matter with regard to promotion, averages one significant activity every two years. The engaged librarian seeking promotion to Senior Librarian, in addition, will be able to document, via three letters from external evaluators, that she or he has achieved significant recognition of peer professionals beyond the campus setting. The standard for service to the University and community A faculty member who exhibits effective campus citizenship: • is collegial • demonstrates concerns for the aims and purposes of the University • assumes a fair share of assignments to general departmental and university- level committees and commission • takes part in admissions events, advancement, and co- curricular activities • participates, on a selected and rotating basis, service-learning initiatives and other collaborative programs • serves as a faculty advisor or consultant to student organizations A faculty member who participates in area civic, cultural, and religious organizations—as a speaker, lay leader, academic expert, and/or ordinary volunteer—builds vital connections between campus and community and, thus, contributes to the enrichment of both. An effective member of the library faculty is, above all, actively committed to the well-being of every student and, beyond the mechanics of class schedules and degrees, seeks to guide each advisee toward sound habits of action, mature judgment, and a meaningful life and career beyond Virginia Wesleyan University. An effective librarian is conversant with, and follows, the academic regulations of the University, knows how to access on-line advising information, attends academic workshops, renders sensitive guidance designed to help students succeed in the curriculum, and, as necessary, refers students to support services (such as the Learning and Counseling centers) within the University. The tangible evidence of service can include, but are not limited to, a listing of committee/task force participation, a description of particularly time-consuming and consequential assignments (e.g. strategic planning, search committees, etc.) testimonials to one’s service activities, service awards, and participation in academic workshops.
27
