GIS Librarian for Instruction & Engagement

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GIS Librarian for Instruction & Engagement

University of Miami Libraries

The University of Miami Libraries seeks nominations and applications for a collaborative, innovative, service-oriented professional to serve as GIS Librarian for Instruction & Engagement. The GIS Librarian for Instruction & Engagement, reporting to the Director of Research Data & Open Scholarship, within the Data & Visualization Services unit, is responsible for providing GIS-oriented pedagogical services, including workshops, course support, and small group/one-on-one instruction for a range of disciplines across the natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.

Areas of support include: GIS-specific technology consultations (e.g., GIS software training, license administration); geospatial data management; geospatial data processing; and data discovery requests. The GIS Research Services Librarian serves as a key member of the Data & Visualization Services team and assists in providing a coordinated cross-campus data services and data management infrastructure to students, faculty, and staff. This position manages the Digital Scholars’ Lab and student employees.

This position is responsible for GIS-related departmental outreach across UM campuses (e.g., building connections, maintaining relationships, and promoting events and services) and the production, coordination, and facilitation of academic engagement initiatives (e.g., workshop series, GIS Day). The GIS Research Services Librarian works directly with liaison librarians in the Richter Library Learning & Research Services Department and the UM subject specialty libraries (architecture, business, marine and atmospheric sciences, and medical) to address GIS-related queries. In addition, the GIS Librarian for Instruction & Engagement assists in library and data collection development, and participates in Data & Visualization Services’ and UM Libraries’ strategic initiatives, faculty service, and other projects as needed.

The GIS Librarian for Instruction & Engagement facilitates GIS-related data literacy, data-driven storytelling (e.g., StoryMaps), and develops “collections as data” initiatives through liaising with library and campus partners (e.g., Special Collections, the Cuban Heritage Collection, and University Archives). A critical aspect of the position is acting as a liaison between Data & Visualization Services and library partners, such as the STEM & Interdisciplinary Research Librarian, UML Learning & Research Services, the Calder Medical Library, the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science Library, the Marta & Austin Weeks Music Library, Geospatial Data Special Collections (GDSC), UML Special Collections, the Kislak Center, University Archives, the Graduate School, and the Learning Commons, as well as additional university partners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Estimated percentages for responsibilities: 40% teaching and consultations, 15% training, 10% building and supporting initiatives, 15% ESRI license administration, 10% research and professional development, 10% service.

Performance

• In collaboration with Data & Visualization Services faculty and staff, provide instructional and consultative services for students, faculty, and staff in geospatial software and methodologies, license administration, and related patron questions;
• Coordinate interdepartmental activities and strategic relationships with campus stakeholders (e.g., the Calder Medical Library, the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science Library, and the Marta & Austin Weeks Music Library) that promote Data & Visualization Services, such as GIS Day and the Data Analytics for You Workshop Series.
• Manage the Digital Scholars’ Lab and student employees;
• Develop, assess, and revise UML GIS-related web pages, online resource guides, discovery tools, training resources, and promoted events;
• Collaborate with the Data Curation & Visualization Librarian to ensure efficient patron services across the research lifecycle;
• Keep abreast of relevant literature for current awareness of trends, developments, and best practices in GIS librarianship, and effectively communicate their implications to library and campus stakeholders;
• Liaise with departments such as Distinctive Collections to promote, showcase, and amplify use cases of historical maps and materials of use to data visualization and/or digital storytelling;
• In collaboration with colleagues, lead efforts to track, analyze, and interpret assessment data to make recommendations to improve and/or update Data & Visualization Services faculty and staff consultations, events, and workshops;
• In collaboration with the Data Scientist, Metadata & Discovery Services, Data & Visualization Services, and other stakeholders, engage in collection development for UML’s data and GIS-oriented monographic collection materials;
• In collaboration with library partners, assist with efforts to showcase relevant student and faculty work;
• Use Library-approved project management tools to track requests, consultations, and GIS research support services; and
• In pursuit of UML and University strategic objectives, model the University’s “DIRECCT” values (diversity, integrity, responsibility, excellence, compassion, creativity, and teamwork). 

Service

• Network, collaborate, and actively participate in local, regional, national, and international organizations focused on GIS librarianship and GIS-related research software;
• Represent and promote the University of Miami Libraries in local, state-wide, regional, national, and international organizations as appropriate;
• Serve on/participate in University organizations, committees, task forces, and teams as appropriate; and
• Participate in and/or lead library-level committees, taskforces, and/or special projects.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program or relevant advanced degree;
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience;
• Thorough knowledge of GIS and ArcGIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, ArcGIS Online, Business Analyst, StoryMaps, and other ESRI Apps);
• Knowledge of free and licensed sources for geospatial and numeric datasets;
• Demonstrable experience with the research lifecycle (e.g., associated discovery, access, technology, and preservation challenges for data assets);
• Analytic, problem-solving and critical thinking skills;
• Ability to work cooperatively and productively with others;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; and
• Demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred

• Experience working in academic libraries;
• Demonstrable teaching experience;
• Experience with at least one commonly used data analysis software program (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS, Stata, and NVivo);
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary grant research;
• Knowledge of open access initiatives;
• Python programming and command-line experience;
• Experience with web design and web editing; and
• Experience producing technical documentation.

THE UNIVERSITY:  The University of Miami is considered among the top tier institutions of higher education in the U.S. for its academic excellence, superior medical care, and cutting-edge research. At the U, we are committed to attracting a talented workforce to support our common mission of transforming lives through teaching, research, and service. Through our values of Diversity, Integrity, Responsibility, Excellence, Compassion, Creativity and Teamwork (DIRECCT) we strive to create an environment where everyone contributes in making the University a great place to work. We are one of the largest private employers in Miami-Dade County; home to more than 16,000 faculty and staff from all over the world.

THE LIBRARY: The University of Miami Libraries (UML) rank among the top 50 research libraries in North America with a collection of over 4 million volumes and 123,652 current serial subscriptions. UML comprises six libraries across the University’s three campuses. UML locations on the Coral Gables campus include: the Otto G. Richter Library (the central, interdisciplinary library); the Paul Buisson Architecture Library; the Judi Prokop Newman Business Information Resource Center; and the Marta and Austin Weeks Music Library. The downtown Miami campus hosts the Louis Calder Memorial Library. The Virginia Key campus hosts the Rosenstiel Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science Library. Libraries at the School of Law and the Department of Ophthalmology in the Medical School are administered independently. The University of Miami Libraries provide support and services for 11,307 undergraduates, 6,504 graduate students, and 16,846 full and part time faculty and staff. UML employs 103 professionals (including 70 librarian faculty), 78 support staff and 90 student employees. UML is a member of and contributor to the Association of Research Libraries, Association of Southeast Research Libraries, Association of Academic Health Science Libraries, Council on Library and Information Resources, OCLC Research Library Partners, International Federation of Library Associations, Center for Research Libraries, International Association of University Libraries, Library Publishing Coalition, Digital Library Federation, Hathi Trust, Academic Preservation Trust, Consortium of Southern Biomedical Libraries, Florida Collaboration of Academic Libraries of Medicine and Southeast Florida Library and Information Network. UML licenses electronic resources through the Northeast Research Libraries and Lyrasis consortia. UML is a member of the Rosemont Shared Print Alliance, Scholars Trust and Florida Academic Repository (FLARE).

Salary and Benefits:

This is a non-tenure track faculty appointment. Compensation will be competitive and will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the person selected. Appointments at the Librarian Associate Professor rank and above are typically five-year, renewable contracts The University of Miami offers a comprehensive benefits package including: 403b retirement plan; medical, dental, and vision benefits; life, disability, and long-term care insurance available; tuition remission; thirteen paid holidays; and twenty-two days annual vacation. Additional employment benefits available include credit union; Employee Assistance Program; bookstore and sporting event discounts; and optional fee-based membership in a state-of-the-art wellness center. Moving allowance is available. No state or local income taxes.

Applications:

Review of applications will begin on August 1st, 2023.  Applications should be submitted here (link to position in Workday) and must include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae and the names of three references.  Materials should be combined in one .pdf file and uploaded when prompted for one’s Resume/CV (5MB max).

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Faculty