Human Sciences Librarian

Auburn University Libraries seeks an innovative, enthusiastic, and user-focused individual to serve as the Human Sciences Librarian. Reporting to the Head of Research and Instruction Services, the successful candidate will serve as liaison to the College of Human Sciences, supporting programs of research, teaching, and outreach in the College’s departments of Consumer and Design Sciences, Human Development & Family Science, Nutrition, Dietetics, & Hospitality Management, and Office of Global Education. This twelve-month tenure-track position requires professional and scholarly activity as well as service on library and university committees. The College of Human Sciences (http://humsci.auburn.edu/chs/) is committed to educating professionally competent, globally aware, and socially engaged 21st century leaders. Its nationally acclaimed programs include apparel design and apparel merchandising; interior design ranked #9 in the U.S. by 2019 Design Intelligence; human development and family science ranked #5 for 2020 Best HDFS Programs in the Southeast; and the ACPHA-accredited Hospitality Management program, one of only 74 such programs worldwide. Currently under construction, and located across the street from the Draughon (RBD) Library, is the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, a complex that will house instructional and laboratory space, as well as food venues and hotel spaces in which students will obtain experiential training.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serve as liaison and provide outreach to students, staff, and faculty in the College of Human Sciences’ Departments of Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality Management; Consumer and Design Sciences; Human Development & Family Science; and Global Education. Provide subject-specific research assistance to support teaching, learning, and research in assigned liaison departments in the College of Human Sciences. Develop outcome-based information literacy instruction sessions and online instructional materials for the assigned subject areas. Engage in collection development, management, and assessment for assigned subject areas. Provide general reference services, both virtual and in-person, for the University community as well as members of the public. Maintain current awareness of issues, trends, standards, and best practices in higher education and the library and information science profession, including those related to research and educational technologies and scholarly communication.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master of Library Science or similar graduate degree from an ALA, or equivalent, accredited program at the time employment begins. An academic degree in a subject discipline that relates to one or more of the College of Human Sciences liaison areas of nutrition, dietetics, consumer and design sciences, life sciences, human development and family studies, or comparable professional experience in one or more of these areas. Demonstrated knowledge and experience using information sources in human science fields Strong commitment to excellence in user service and improving the user experience Adaptability, flexibility, and willingness to engage in continuous learning to meet the changing needs of library users Excellent interpersonal skills; strong and effective written communication skills Strong organizational skills with an ability to successfully handle multiple tasks Ability to work both independently as well as collegially and productively in a team environment Potential to meet university promotion and tenure requirements for library faculty

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Advanced degree in any discipline(s) that relate to the liaison subject areas Experience providing research assistance, instruction, collection development, and liaison services in an academic library or special library setting Experience creating content and delivering instruction in online settings Knowledge of research data management practices Experience with data analysis and data visualization Experience providing scholarly communication and open access services A record of professional, scholarly research activity

SALARY / BENEFITS:

Starting salary of $56,410 for an Assistant Professor. Rank and salary will be commensurate with experience/qualifications. This is a twelve-month tenure-track position. Benefits include 20 days of vacation leave/12 days of sick leave per year; participation in State Teachers' Retirement System (mandatory); additional voluntary retirement plans available; health/dental/life/disability insurance.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Application review process begins October 25, 2021 and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected and recommended for appointment. A complete application must include a letter of interest, resume or curriculum vitae, and the names of three current, professional references (please include mailing addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers). The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment. For questions, contact the search committee chair, Juliet Rumble at rumbljt@auburn.edu. Auburn University Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), Hathi Trust, Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), and other higher education organizations. The Libraries’ 2019–2024 strategic plan is available at: https://www.lib.auburn.edu/strategicplan/AUL_Strategic_Plan_2019-24.pdf.

Auburn University, a Carnegie R1 institution, is one of the nation’s premier public land-grant institutions. Auburn University improved its ranking among the top 50 public universities by U.S. News and World Report in its annual Best College rankings for 2021, rising four spots from last year. In the most recent edition, released this week, Auburn is ranked No. 40 among all public universities and No. 97 among all universities in the country. Auburn maintains high levels of research activity and high standards for teaching excellence, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, Educational Specialist, and Doctor’s degrees in agriculture and engineering, the professions, and the arts and sciences. Its 2020 enrollment of 30,737 students includes 24,505 undergraduates and 6,232 graduate and professional students. The University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, its positive work environment, its student engagement, and its beautiful campus. Its 2019-2024 strategic plan is available at: http://www.auburn.edu/strategicplan.

Auburn residents enjoy a thriving community, recognized as one of the “best small towns in America,” with moderate climate and easy access to major cities and to beach and mountain recreational facilities. Situated along the rapidly developing I-85 corridor between Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama, the combined Auburn-Opelika-Columbus statistical area has a population of over 500,000 with excellent public-school systems and regional medical centers. Auburn University is understanding of, and sensitive to, the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples. Additional information can be found on our website: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/pdf/guidelines-dual-career-services.pdf. Auburn University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

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