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Science and Engineering Librarian

Science and Engineering Librarian

University of Kansas Job Location: Kansas Apply By: 01/02/2022 Date Created: 11-29-2021

This position has the option of a hybrid work arrangement. Incumbent may work remotely and on campus based on a set departmental schedule.
KU Libraries seeks an individual to steward and build collections and to support the research and curricular needs of faculty, staff, and students with a particular emphasis on life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, and pharmacy (“STEM”). The Science and Engineering Librarian is a member of the Collections Strategy and Development Department, which is dedicated to the stewardship of the University of Kansas Libraries’ collections in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Members of the Collections Strategy and Development Department work collaboratively to strategically develop and manage the libraries’ collections in support of the teaching and research programs of the university. The librarian is proactive in evaluating and promoting innovative and inclusive approaches in developing collections across all disciplines, supporting multiple subject areas as needed. The librarian works with library colleagues in Research Engagement and throughout the libraries to provide research consultations, information literacy instruction, and other forms of support to students and researchers. This position reports to the Head of Collections Strategy and Development within the libraries’ Research Engagement Division. We encourage candidates who meet the minimum requirements to apply and support their professional development to grow and improve in this position. The University of Kansas Libraries support a safe and inclusive environment for all members of our diverse communities at KU. We are committed to building a diverse and pluralistic workforce and strongly encourage applications from diverse candidates. This position will demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity efforts in the libraries and contributes to an inclusive environment. This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position. Rank considerations are based on professional performance, research, and service experience sufficient to qualify for appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian. See the Libraries Criteria for Academic Ranks document: http://policy.ku.edu/libraries/criteria-academic-ranks-library-faculty Additional information about the Libraries promotion and tenure procedures can be found at the following website: http://policy.ku.edu/libraries/promotion-and-tenure-procedures-faculty-university-kansas-libraries

Job Description

Professional Responsibilities (70%)
  • Builds, evaluates, and assesses collections through review and selection of materials related to assigned disciplines, including life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, and pharmacy. This includes monitoring approval plans, reviewing journal package and database renewals, collection reviews and relevant subject guides.
  • Works collaboratively with the Collections Strategy and Development team to strategize about the future of the KU Libraries’ collections by evaluating and promoting innovative approaches to developing collections across all disciplines, while supporting the teaching and research missions of the University. Promotes and supports emerging open and sustainable models associated with the generation, dissemination, and publishing of knowledge. Uses data to analyze and improve how our collections represent diverse voices, and how well our collections serve the needs of diverse campus communities and constituents.
  • Collaborates with librarians, faculty, and instructors in STEM fields and libraries colleagues to teach research skills by developing course integrated instruction, assignments, and assessment tools that evaluate learning outcomes. Provides specialized research support to faculty, students, researchers, visiting scholars, and the general public whose research relates to these areas. Participates in services and program development such as Research Sprints, Information Literacy Mini-Grants, Software Carpentry, and systematic reviews.
  • Communicates issues implicit in scholarly communication and open access in discussions with colleagues within and beyond the KU community.
  • Works collaboratively as a member of project teams and other groups to advance the libraries’ strategic priorities.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to advancing diversity efforts in the libraries and contributes to an inclusive environment. KU Libraries embraces diversity and inclusion and this position will contribute to a climate that supports and reflects our community of students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds.
Research (20%)
  • Contributes to the profession’s collective knowledge by engaging in scholarly research activity.
  • Research may involve the publication of articles, books, book reviews, grant-supported inquiry, or editorial work (see Discipline Expectations for Library Faculty at KU).
Service (10%)
  • Engages in service to the Libraries, the University and to professional organizations by participating in committee work, projects, and other contributory achievements.

Required Qualifications

  1. ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library/Information Science or equivalent from a foreign institution by date of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and a desire to work in and foster a collaborative, respectful culture.
  2. Experience or coursework related to integration of information literacy into student learning.
  3. Experience or coursework related supporting academic research in the sciences, engineering, or related fields.
  4. Demonstrated ability to learn new tools and skills to support digital research methods.
  5. Familiarity with contemporary collection development principles and methods, and emerging trends in scholarly communications.

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete online application includes:
  1. Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
  2. Resume.
  3. Contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor).
  4. Completion of the online application.
In addition to the materials above, learning about each applicant's contribution and engagement in areas of diversity is an important part of KU's mission. As a result, applicants will be presented the following question at the time of application. The response must be within 4,000 characters or less:
  • Describe your experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds, and explain how those experiences reflect your commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Application review begins Monday, January 3, 2022. To ensure consideration, apply no later than Sunday, January 2, 2022.

Contact Information to Applicants

Mike Broadwell, mikebr@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

Minimum $54,000, commensurate with experience

Application Review Begins

Monday, January 3, 2022

Anticipated Start Date

Monday, April 4, 2022

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