Engineering Librarian
University at Buffalo, State University of New York Job Location: New York Date Created: 12-23-2016
The University at Buffalo Libraries seek a dynamic, innovative, and service-oriented librarian to join a team of library professionals that provide services and collections to a diverse community of students and faculty in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. UB's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is the most comprehensive public school of engineering in New York State, with 164 faculty and a 2015-16 enrollment of 3,478 undergraduate and 1,769 graduate students. Engineering teaching and research areas include aerospace, biomedical, bioinformatics, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, engineering physics, environmental, industrial, materials, and mechanical engineering.
As a member of the Science and Engineering Information Team, the Engineering Librarian works collaboratively with other team members to develop and provide outreach, instruction, reference, and research services specifically in support of the curricular and research needs of students in engineering departments at UB. Additionally, this individual provides integrated support for undergraduate learning and research, from first-year seminars through upper-division capstone courses, and serves as an “embedded librarian” to provide just-in-time information and training for students engaged in research and design projects.
The successful candidate engages in active and sustained outreach to engineering students to ensure their awareness of Libraries’ resources and services and provides additional support for research by offering training in citation management software. The incumbent works to develop strong collaborative relationships with engineering faculty to foster the development of new services for undergraduate students and integrate library resources, information literacy and research competencies into courses, curricula, and programs. The Engineering Librarian provides reference and research consultation services in-person at service desks, through individual appointments, and via electronic communication (chat, email, text), including occasional evening and weekend hours.
Services and programs in data management, digital tools, e-research, data literacy, and other emerging areas are developed collaboratively by members of the Science and Engineering Information Team. The Engineering Librarian helps to develop, create, manage and integrate print and electronic collections, including databases, serials, books, and other formats, as appropriate, in science and engineering.
This is a two-year, renewable faculty appointment with rank leading to tenure in an academic research-oriented environment with expectations for research, publication and participation in professional associations. The Engineering Librarian will report to the Head of the Science & Engineering Information Team in the Office of the Associate University Librarian for Research, Education & Outreach and work with other librarians and staff across the University Libraries.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution;
- Understanding and knowledge of current and emerging trends in science and/or engineering disciplines;
- Understanding and knowledge of best practices in science and engineering librarianship;
- Demonstrated public service focus and a collegial leadership style;
- Demonstrated knowledge of best practices and trends in information literacy;
- Demonstrated knowledge or enthusiasm for integration of new technologies in the delivery of information and instructional services;
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to prioritize projects, work independently and collaborate with library colleagues;
- Ability to work effectively with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds within a complex academic environment;
- Evidence of professional scholarly interest and the ability to meet the University at Buffalo’s promotion and tenure standards in librarianship, research, service, and outreach.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree or coursework in engineering, science, or mathematics, or experience working in a science library or with the scientific research community;
- Previous experience in instruction, with some classroom teaching preferred;
- Knowledge of information and research literacy competencies in STEM disciplines;
- Understanding of current issues surrounding scholarly communication and data management;
- Experience in an academic or special library;
- Experience with collection development;
- Engagement in professional and/or subject discipline organizations, research, or publications.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Library faculty are members of United University Professions (UUP) and receive generous benefits including health care and prescription drug coverage, dental and vision benefits, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, paid holidays, and several choices of retirement plans including TIAA/CREF.
To Apply:
All applicants must apply using the UB Jobs website. Interested candidates should upload a CV and a separate cover letter that includes contact information for three professional references (including email addresses). The Search Committee Chair may contact you and ask for a statement of research and service interests. Candidates invited to interview for the position will be expected to give a short presentation to faculty and staff of the University Libraries. Nominations and/or questions may be addressed to Cherie Williams, Human Resources Officer at ublibjob@buffalol.edu. Review of applicants is currently underway. This position will be filled by July 1, 2017.
The University at Buffalo:
The University at Buffalo (UB) joined the public State University of New York in 1962 and has grown to become the largest and most comprehensive university in the SUNY system. Widely regarded as SUNY’s flagship and its primary center for professional education and training, the University at Buffalo was also the first of the two public universities in the state to earn membership in the pre-eminent Association of American Universities, one of only 59 research-intensive universities in the United States to hold that distinction. Located on an international border, the University at Buffalo is truly a global community of scholars, ranking first in the nation among comprehensive public research universities in terms of percentage of enrollment that is international.
The Buffalo-Niagara region is the state’s second largest major metropolitan area, exceeded only by New York City. The region includes a diverse blend of communities, each with its own distinct personality, yet commonly characterized by a distinctly neighborly way of life, an unpretentious nature and spirited loyalty among residents.
The University at Buffalo is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, disabled individuals, and other protected groups.
