Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies

The Justice-Query Instructional Materials Center (IMC) seeks a detail-oriented and creative graduate assistant to support its work with teacher preparation programs, PK–12 curriculum materials, and youth literature programming. The IMC houses a 45,000-item PK–12 collection that supports the Reich College of Education and serves as a model curriculum materials center. The graduate assistant will contribute to instructional support, outreach, resource development, and collection projects that enhance
teaching, learning, and professional development across campus.

Responsibilities
The graduate assistant will support IMC faculty and staff through tasks such as:

• Assisting with planning and logistics for the Appalachian Children's Literature Symposium and IMC Institute professional development workshops.Updating and creating LibGuides, tutorials, and other instructional materials for education courses and library instruction.
• Supporting collection projects, including evaluation, weeding, diversity audit follow-up, and creation of curated resource lists.
• Developing promotional and instructional materials, including posters, infographics, wall displays, and author/illustrator highlights.
• Contributing to IMC social media content to promote services, events, and youth literature resources.
• Gathering education and literacy-related news and resources for faculty and student use.
• Compiling online lesson plans and OER resources into organized repositories.
• Assisting with research support tasks typical of graduate-level work in library science or education, such as literature searches, resource reviews, and data collection.

This position reports to the IMC Coordinator and works closely with IMC librarians and staff.

Required Qualifications

• Enrollment in a graduate program at Appalachian State University.
• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Interest in youth literature, PK–12 education, curriculum materials, instructional design, or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate work in Library Science (MLIS), Reading Education, Curriculum & Instruction, English, or related disciplines.Experience with PK–12 teaching materials or youth literature.
• Experience creating digital learning objects, educational content, or visual promotional materials.
• Familiarity Canva or similar media production tools.
• Interest in event planning, programming, or educator-facing outreach.

Professional Development Opportunities
This position offers hands-on experience in a model curriculum materials center and provides training and mentorship from IMC librarians. The graduate assistant will gain experience in instructional design, youth literature programming, collection assessment, event coordination, and educator-focused communication skills that support future careers in school librarianship, academic librarianship, education, instructional design, and related fields.

Hours and Compensation
20 hours per week
Compensation is set according to the Graduate School's assistantship guidelines.