Humanities and Social Sciences Librarian

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries invite applications and nominations for the Humanities and Social Science Librarian (Assistant/Associate Librarian) at its University Park campus. We seek a proactive and creative candidate for a faculty librarian position to serve as one of the liaisons for the Humanities and Social Sciences Department.

The candidate will liaise specifically with the Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, the Department of African American Studies, African Studies Program, and the Africana Research Center.  Successful candidates will benefit from the strong mentoring program developed by the University Libraries to support new faculty in tenure-line ​appointments in fulfilling expectations in the areas of librarianship, research, and service. Early career librarians are encouraged to apply.  

Responsibilities:  

• Serve as a liaison to and lead outreach activities to the College of Liberal Arts and the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; and the Department of African American Studies, African Studies Program, and Africana Research Center;  

• Initiate and conduct course-related and general information literacy instruction;  

• Develop content, including course guides, subject guides, and other instructional and outreach materials in assigned areas;   

• Provide reference assistance and research consulting at all levels, both onsite, face-to-face and online. Serve as the subject expert for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and African and African American Studies;  

• Acquire and maintain resources in multiple formats, including monographs, electronic resources, and databases. Work with librarians in related subject areas and libraries including Commonwealth Campus Libraries and Big Ten Academic Alliance peers to develop collaborative collections;  

• Contribute to the advancement of Penn State Libraries’ programs for scholarly communication, open access (OA) initiatives, and open educational resources (OER);  

• Participate in the Ask-a-Librarian online reference service and provide reference and research support to students, faculty members, staff, and visiting scholars;  

• Engage in research, scholarly publication, and professional service activities in areas appropriate to academic librarianship and the disciplines served;  

• Perform other duties as assigned.  

Required qualifications:  

• Master’s degree from an ALA accredited library school and/or advance degree in relevant academic disciplines.  

• Academic background, professional experience, or other contributions demonstrating expertise in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; or African Studies; or African American Studies, or another related field.   

• Commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace.       

Preferred qualifications:  

• Experience working in an academic library. 

• Knowledge of collection development and methods for increasing diversity and equity in library collections and services. 

• Experience designing and delivering outreach and information literacy instruction in person and online.  

• Experience working with multicultural and/or international student groups.  

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.  

Academic Rank: Candidates for the rank of Assistant Librarian should possess a graduate degree in library or information studies or other appropriate degree; must have demonstrated potential ability as a librarian; and must have shown promise of growth in research and service. Candidate for the rank of Associate Librarian should possess the same qualifications as the Assistant Librarian, demonstrate excellence in librarianship, show evidence of an established reputation in research, and have a strong record of service to the University and the profession. More information can be found in the Guideline for Promotion and Tenure Criteria https://libraries.psu.edu/policies/ul-acg07 .   

Application: Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted via Workday. Interested candidates are expected to upload a letter of application and a resume or CV. A candidate’s application materials are expected to provide clear evidence of their commitment to, and the impact of, the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility throughout their librarianship, teaching, research, and/or service.  

Candidates also must provide three professional references, indicating their professional relationship to each reference. References will be contacted once the candidate advances to the next stage in the search process. Furnished references must include a current/previous direct supervisor, a colleague, and one at the candidate’s discretion. 

Environment: The Penn State University Libraries are a strategic asset to Penn State, advancing intellectual discovery, information literacy, and lifelong learning, all in support of the University’s strategic goals in teaching, research, service, and outreach. The University Libraries is ranked among the top 10 research libraries in North America, according to the Association of Research Libraries’ investment rankings, and provides services at University Park and 22 other campus locations throughout Pennsylvania as well as online. More information about Penn State’s faculty, students, and research can be found on the University’s Data Dashboards. More than 120 faculty librarians in the University Libraries benefit from extensive technological resources and research support services. Penn State is a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the Association of American Universities, and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. The University Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), Digital Preservation Network, Academic Preservation Trust, Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC), Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), the ACRL Diversity Alliance, and a number of other organizations.

The University Park campus is set in the State College metropolitan area, a university town located in central Pennsylvania. State College offers a vibrant community with outstanding recreational facilities, a low crime rate, and excellent public schools. The campus is within a half-day's drive to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Pittsburgh. The State College Regional Airport provides regular flights to Philadelphia, Chicago, and Newark. For more information, please visit http://www.libraries.psu.edu and http://www.cbicc.org .   

Compensation and Rank: Tenure-line faculty position, with rank and salary dependent upon qualifications and experience. For more information visit the Libraries Salaries and Benefits https://libraries.psu.edu/about/jobs/salary-and-benefits .  Information about the University’s Total Compensation Structure can be found at:  Total Compensation Calculator (psu.edu).    

The University Libraries values diversity of thought, perspective, experience and people, and is actively committed to a culture of inclusion and respect. We encourage applicants who want to contribute to a welcoming multicultural environment. More information on Penn State’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence can be found by visiting Penn State Statement on Belonging — Educational Equity (psu.edu) . Information about the University Libraries’ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility efforts can be found by visiting https://libraries.psu.edu/about/diversity . Information about the University Libraries’ employment opportunities, processes, and culture can be found at https://libraries.psu.edu/about/jobs .  

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Penn State offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to tuition discounts (75% discount for spouse and children), and paid holidays. Please visit https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/benefits for more detailed information.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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