Promotion Guidelines for External Reviewers

Malka Schyndel (Chair)
Ken Frankel
Larry Mello
Kristy Padron

Adopted: April 2018
Revised: June 7, 2018 

Table of Contents

I.   Introduction  

II.  Criteria for Promotion Specific to Rank  

III. Criteria for Promotion Specific to Areas of Achievement 

I. Introduction 

This document is intended to serve as a guide for external reviewers only charged with the responsibility of evaluating those candidates who are eligible for promotion in rank. See this link for detailed Florida Atlantic University Libraries Promotion Guidelines.   
The Florida Atlantic University Libraries Promotion Guidelines are to be used in conjunction with the current "Promotion and Tenure" memorandum from the Office of the Provost. 
 

II. Criteria for Promotion Specific to Rank 

Ranks of library faculty parallel those of other members of the faculty: assistant, associate, and university librarian.   

A. Promotion from Assistant to Associate University Librarian
1.  Associate university librarians are expected to have achieved a high level of expertise and have a demonstrated record of accomplishments to advance the goals of the FAU Libraries, the University, and the profession. Librarians at this rank are expected to exercise significant professional judgment and provide evidence of a substantial degree of leadership.   
 
2.  Provide evidence of distinction and commitment significantly beyond the degree expected of an assistant university librarian in scholarship, research, and/or creative endeavors, with notable contributions to the advancement of librarianship and increasing service to the University, and community. 
 
B. Promotion from Associate to University Librarian 
Promotion to this rank is predicated upon mastery of the qualities described for an associate university librarian at Florida Atlantic University. University librarians’ careers show evidence of superior performance at the highest levels of professional responsibility.    

1. University librarians are expected to have achieved a superior level of expertise and have a demonstrated record of accomplishments to advance the goals of the FAU Libraries, the University, and the profession. Librarians at this rank are expected to exercise the highest level of professional judgment and provide evidence of longstanding leadership.    

2. Provide evidence of distinction and commitment in scholarship, research, and/or creative endeavors, with notable contributions to the advancement of librarianship and service to the University, and community.   

3. Provide evidence of recognized distinction in at least one of the categories of librarianship, scholarship, or service.
 

III.     Criteria for Promotion Specific to Areas of Achievement 

The areas of achievement to be considered in the promotion process are as follows: Librarianship, Scholarship, Research, and/or Creative Endeavor, and Service.   

A. Librarianship 
Librarianship is the most important criterion for faculty in the FAU Libraries and is given the most weight in promotion decisions. General characteristics expected of all library faculty regardless of job assignment include but are not limited to:

• Consistency in professional performance and effectiveness
• Complex problem solving and attention to detail
• Ability to organize work, produce results and improve services
• Strong communication and decision making skills
• Awareness of current developments in the library profession and appropriate subject fields
• Ability to apply professional principles and standards to local situations
• Comprehensive understanding of the departments', Libraries', and Universities' goals
• Flexibility to adapt to new technologies, acquire new skills and innovate
• Ability to work successfully in a team environment and in a variety of library areas
• Leadership and supervision (if assigned)
• Active participation in self-studies in all areas of the FAU libraries' operations
• Obtaining grants and other funding, such as fellowships, internships or study leaves, which benefit the FAU Libraries or librarianship
• Perform training/instruction as assigned   
   

B.  Scholarship, Research, and/or Creative Endeavor 
Scholarship of Discovery:  

• Obtaining grants and other funding, such as fellowships, internships or study leaves, which benefit the FAU Libraries or librarianship
• Assessment Studies
• Developing original computer software or successful adaptations of software for the FAU Libraries’ operations  
   

Scholarship of Integration: 

• Individual and panel presentations, poster sessions, and exhibitions that have been invited, accepted, or otherwise solicited by professional or scholarly organizations
• Recruitment and marketing  

 
Scholarship of Application: 

• Scholarship published in peer reviewed journals and significant non-refereed journals, book chapters, books
• Editorship or editorial contributions for scholarly publications
• Completion of a dissertation or a thesis
• Advanced study, such as for credit courses, additional degrees, or certification in a specialization
• Self-education toward a specific goal agreed upon with the individual's supervisor; these contracted goals should develop proficiencies that enhance library services
• Obtaining Internships, fellowships, or sabbaticals
• Special projects (above and beyond one’s annual assignment) 

 
Scholarship of Teaching: 

• The research and development of courses or classes in librarianship or a scholarly topic where the individual has expertise, such as teaching a semesterlong for credit course(s)
• Development and teaching of continuing education workshops or courses for library colleagues
• Advising and mentoring of Directed Independent Study students, interns, etc. 

  
 C. Service  
 Examples of Service include but are not limited to:  

•  Participation in committees and/or task forces at all levels (FAU Libraries, University, state, regional, national, and international) with emphasis on leadership
• Mentorship and advising both internally and externally
• Contributions to the University’s programs to enhance equal opportunity and cultural diversity
• Assistance to student organizations
• Consultation on professional topics
• Participation in promotion and academic governance processes, University activities and scholarly events
• Outreach service or presentations to professional associations, learned societies, civic organizations, and community agencies with emphasis on leadership
• Collaboration with regional cultural organizations and other extracurricular involvement in the community