Subject: Library Faculty Teaching Activities

General: Library Faculty in the LSU Libraries are encouraged to participate fully in the instructional programs of the University by serving as guest lecturers, by teaching courses in areas of their expertise, and by directing independent studies, practica and field experiences. Library Faculty participation in such activities, however, do require time and energy and must not detract from their principal responsibilities in the LSU Libraries. In some cases, therefore, Library Faculty must request permission through channels to participate in such activities, and must schedule their participation to minimize the impact on Libraries operations.

This policy does not relate to Library Faculty participation in course of bibliographic instruction offered through the Libraries, nor to class-related bibliographic instruction that is a normal part of the faculty member's normal responsibilities.

Serving as a guest lecturer: Library Faculty are encouraged to accept invitations from an instructor of record to serve as a guest lecturer in areas of their individual expertise for a specific class period. No advance permission is required to accept such invitations unless it would require a change in the Faculty Member's regularly-scheduled work assignment, in which case permission to alter work schedules should be secured in the normal manner. Faculty are encouraged to report such participation though channels, and to keep a record of such activities to be included in their annual performance evaluation.

Serving as instructor of record: Library Faculty may be retained by a department or school to serve as the instructor of record for a course. In accordance with University Policy, the Chair of the Department or head of the program should request the permission of the Dean of Libraries to offer such an appointment in advance. Changes in work schedules to accommodate such activities must also be approved in advance through channels.

Directing independent studies: Library Faculty may be approached by faculty or students from other departments, schools or colleges to direct an independent study for a semester. Library Faculty need not secure permission in advance to agree to serve in such a capacity, but they are encouraged to report such participation though channels, and to keep a record of such activities to be included in their annual performance evaluation.

Directing practica or field experiences: Directing a practicum or field experience requires considerable investment of Faculty time and effort. Faculty must therefore request permission in advance before they may agree to serve in such a capacity. A memorandum briefly describing the nature of the program and course, the estimated time the faculty member anticipates investing in the project, and the impact it will have on the work of the department or unit, should be directed through channels to the appropriate Associate/Assistant Dean, who will confer as needed with the faculty member and the supervisor(s) and grant or deny permission. If permission is denied, the Associate/Assistant Dean must provide a written statement justifying the action. The Faculty may appeal to the Dean, who retains the final authority in such matters.