Assistant Professor - Head Librarian, Browne Popular Culture Library

Bowling Green State University (BGSU) invites applications for a Head Librarian of the Browne Popular Culture Library with faculty rank of Assistant Professor. This position reports to the Chair of the Department of Special Collections (SC) within the University Libraries (UL) and is a full time, twelve-month, tenure track faculty rank appointment. The SC Department is looking for collaborative candidates with a passion for cultural studies and archives. As Head Librarian for the Browne Popular Culture Library (BPCL), this person supervises, develops, administers, and participates in all operations of the BPCL and represents BPCL in various venues.
Bowling Green State University Libraries are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. In support of an open and welcoming environment, we believe that it is critical for every member of the library community to share the responsibility for equity and diversity. For more information on the UL diversity and inclusion efforts, visit https://www.bgsu.edu/library/about/diversity.html
Bowling Green State University is a nationally ranked public university committed to redefining student success in a high-achieving, innovative environment. In 2021, Forbes ranked BGSU as the No. 3 midsize employer in the United States, highlighting the University’s commitment to its faculty and staff. Serving as the core of the University’s academic community, more than 800 full-time faculty members are engaged in teaching/librarian effectiveness, scholarly/creative activity, and service, with over 2,000 full-time staff members to support the operations and education of over 20,000 students.
Information about Program and College
Bowling Green State University Libraries is a founding and active member of OhioLINK, a consortium of 117 libraries at 88 institutions plus the State Library of Ohio. The University Libraries (UL) comprises general collections (housed within the William T. Jerome Library) in social sciences, humanities, and sciences; government documents; the Curriculum Resource Center; and is home to three nationally prominent special collections: the Browne Popular Culture Library, the Center for Archival Collections, which includes the Historical Collections of the Great Lakes, and the Music Library and Bill Schurk Sound Archives. Additionally, the Northwest Ohio Regional Book Depository, which serves BGSU and the University of Toledo, is managed by the University Libraries.

• Supervises and evaluates two administrative staff members and graduate research assistants.
• Establishes unit goals and objectives and long-range plans in concert with UL’s strategic plan with assistance from the BPCL staff.
• Creates and monitors budgets for student personnel, equipment, and materials allocations.
• Prepares annual reports and other assessments and evaluations of the unit operations, programs, and services as requested.
• Working with BPCL staff, establishes and maintains unit policies and standards for processing and cataloging materials.
• Working with BPCL staff, approves the unit’s web pages and social media productions and identifies and sets priorities for digital projects.
• Works with faculty in the School of Cultural and Critical Studies and other relevant departments to ensure that BPCL collections and services meet the instructional and research needs of students and faculty.
• May teach graduate or undergraduate courses in cultural studies or related field.
• Identifies, selects, acquires, and evaluates materials to maintain the relevance of the BPCL collections.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with donors.
• Participates in the day-to-day work of BPCL, including circulation services and functional student supervision, reference assistance and instruction as necessary.
• Represents the BPCL with other UL units and collaborates with others in areas of collection development, cataloging, acquisitions, systems, reference, instruction, serials, circulation, and document delivery.
• Engages in scholarly activities and service to the profession as required of library faculty members.

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in a library or archive
• Demonstrated experience processing and describing archival collections
Preferred Qualifications:
• Graduate degree in cultural studies or related field
• Demonstrated subject knowledge relating to cultural studies or related field
• Demonstrated supervisory experience
• Experience with strategic planning and assessment of services and programs
• Experience with fundraising, donor relations and outreach
• Experience with collection management and effective stewardship of collections
• Experience teaching at a university level
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with tools for managing and providing access to digital assets and collections (e.g. CONTENTdm, Omeka, Digital Commons, ArchivesSpace, Mukurtu)

Application Materials Required 
•  Cover letter
•  Curriculum vitae
•  Names and contact information of three professional references
Unofficial transcripts of highest degree earned are required for candidates invited for in-person interviews.
Finalist will be required to submit official transcripts.
BGSU policy requires finalist to authorize and pass a background check prior to receiving an offer of employment.
Application Deadline 
Screening of applicants will begin September 14, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.
Salary & Benefits 
Competitive and commensurate with peer institution levels for rank and position in keeping with candidate’s experience and credentials. Full benefits package available.
Bowling Green State University offers a comprehensive benefits package including 24 vacation days per fiscal year, health/dental insurance options, retirement plans, parental leave, and tuition fee waivers. For more information, visit https://www.bgsu.edu/human-resources/benefits.html
Effective Date of Employment 
January 2, 2024 or before

Bowling Green State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer . We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Bowling Green State University, please call 419-372-8421 or email [email protected] .