Strategic Initiatives Librarian - Diversity Residency

The University of Louisville Libraries seek a recent MLS graduate for a Diversity Residency program focused on innovative approaches to academic librarianship and designed to assist the chosen resident in preparing for their ideal future position. The successful candidate will serve as Strategic Initiatives Librarian within Ekstrom Library’s Research Assistance and Instruction (RAI) Department, collaborating closely with other librarians to expand and enhance our services in particular strategic areas. As a result, the resident will develop a wide range of marketable skills and gain authentic leadership opportunities through a sequence of three mentored experiences: (1) scholar services; (2) innovation and entrepreneurship; and (3) student success. These experiences will enable the resident to explore current and emerging career paths in academic librarianship; work with skilled mentors to support research and teaching activities across the university; and position themselves for future success as a leader in the field. As Strategic Initiatives Librarian, the resident will also have the option to serve on the Libraries-wide Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group (DIAG) and collaborate with the Director of DEI Initiatives on projects that advance the University of Louisville’s anti-racist agenda. As a term faculty member, the resident will have opportunities to participate in professional service and conduct research, including a DEI assessment project in the second year that is tailored to the resident’s interests, completed with support from the Assessment and Analytics Librarian, and intended for publication in a scholarly journal. This position reports to the Head of Research Assistance and Instruction. RAI supports research productivity and student success through the provision of various resources and services. The department provides a supportive, collaborative, and collegial environment where members regularly work together on projects in addition to partnering to publish and present. The resident will also have opportunities for structured mentoring inside and outside the RAI Department, including a faculty mentor who can provide support in developing a strong record of professional activity. To this end, the Libraries offer extensive professional development opportunities and funding for conferences and continuing education. The successful candidate will also have the ability to work at least one day per week remotely. Primary Responsibilities While the specific duties of the position will vary throughout the residency experience, general areas of responsibility include:

• Collaborating with RAI faculty and staff to develop and deliver innovative services that enhance research and teaching initiatives across the university.
• Investigating the needs of and building productive relationships with faculty, staff, and students in academic units and departments.
• Working with departmental leaders to ensure that services align with library and university strategic goals, including DEI initiatives.
• Participating in research, publication, and service activities as a term faculty member in University Libraries.

  Required Qualifications:

• Recent or upcoming graduate from an ALA-accredited Master’s degree program (or international equivalent), with less than five years of professional experience in librarianship.
• Strong interest in academic librarianship, especially services that facilitate research productivity and student success.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and an ability to collaborate successfully with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication.
• Enthusiasm for developing strategic leadership skills and supporting organizational innovation.

  Please note that the COVID-19 pandemic has created a number of challenges for early career librarians, including a lack of opportunities for certain professional experiences. We take this into consideration when evaluating applicants and strongly encourage anyone with an interest in the position to apply. Additional Information: This is a full-time, two-year term faculty position at the rank of Instructor with a 12-month contract for each year. The minimum starting salary range for Instructor is $45,000 - $48,000 per year. The successful candidate will receive a comprehensive benefits package and an annual vacation of 22 working days. An additional, one-year contract extension will be considered for the successful resident based on performance and organizational needs. University of Louisville Libraries are sincerely committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. For more information, please see the Libraries' Diversity and Inclusion website, the Office of Diversity & Equity, and/or the University of Louisville Reaffirmation of Commitment to Equal Educational & Employment Opportunity. We are a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and participate in the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Diversity Alliance, which unites academic libraries committed to increasing the hiring pipeline of qualified and talented individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. The University of Louisville is a Carnegie Research/High university and recipient of the Carnegie Community Engagement classification for Curricular Engagement & Outreach and Partnerships. The University has a national reputation for its high-quality undergraduate program; over twenty nationally recognized research, graduate, and professional programs; 22,000 graduate and undergraduate students; and a strong commitment to the community in which it resides. UofL is located in the state’s largest urban area.   Most notably recognized for Muhammad Ali, the Louisville Slugger, and the Kentucky Derby, Louisville is a compassionate, progressive home to nearly 1 million people from around the world. The richness of its history and the diversity of its communities make Louisville an ideal place to live, work, and play. Louisville offers hospitality, originality, and smaller-city advantages like shorter commutes and lower cost of living, alongside major city amenities like world-class performing arts, great sports, incredible dining, a nationally ranked public school system, and a nationally acclaimed parks system. Centrally located on the banks of the Ohio River and Interstate highways I-65, I-71, and I-64, Louisville is merely hours away from major cities like Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis, and Atlanta; however, there is no need to travel far with iconic attractions and unique experiences only Louisville can offer.   Applications received by August 22, 2022 are given full consideration in the initial screening. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Submit AS ONE PDF a letter of interest detailing your familiarity, aptitude, and/or experience with the position qualifications; CV/resume; and name, address, phone number, and e-mail address of three references via the online application at UofL’s Human Resources site https://louisville.edu/jobs/  (Job ID 43907)   If you have questions or would like assistance with the application process, please contact: Rob Detmering, Professor and Head, Research Assistance & Instruction, Ekstrom Library, University of Louisville, robert.detmering@louisville.edu   The University of Louisville is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, or veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact the Employment team at employ@louisville.edu or 502.852.6258.

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