Science Liaison Librarian

Collins Memorial Library seeks a knowledgeable, energetic, and user-oriented colleague to serve as the primary liaison between the library and science departments, including Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Math and Computer Science. The science liaison librarian provides general and specialized reference service in traditional and digital environments; actively participates in course related instruction, and works closely with teaching faculty to integrate information literacy into the science curriculum; recommends print and digital resources and contributes to collection development decisions and initiatives; engages in ongoing assessment of library resources and services; uses a variety of technologies to solve problems, enhance teaching and learning, and improve access to information; develops research guides and online tools that assist faculty and students in using the library and its resources; serves on library and campus committees; participates in library planning and other professional activities, shares responsibility for coordinating a public service function; and performs other related duties and projects as assigned.

The successful candidate will have an ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library and Information Science/Studies (MLIS), enthusiasm for science librarianship, and familiarity with science information resources and user needs. Requisite qualifications include academic training and/or experience in collection development and reference, strong commitment to information literacy, and successful experience or training in library user education. S/he must have an understanding of key issues and trends in the design and delivery of library services in support of the academic mission of the university and ability to communicate effectively and work both independently and collaboratively in a demanding and rapidly changing environment. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to excellence in public service within a flexible and continually evolving academic library environment, broad experience with information technologies, and demonstrated experience with web-based technologies. It is also required that the candidate demonstrates commitment to diversity and understands the contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace. Preferred qualifications include professional experience providing science reference and instructional services in an academic library environment, experience creating or maintaining websites, blogs, wikis, podcasts/screen casts, RSS feeds, and other online information and learning tools, and experience or training in assessment. Degree in science also desired.

The University of Puget Sound is an independent, residential liberal arts college with approximately 2500 undergraduates and 200 graduate students enrolled in three programs. The university, as a community of learning, maintains a strong commitment to teaching excellence, scholarly engagement, and fruitful student-faculty interaction. Puget Sound seeks to develop in its students capacities for critical analysis, aesthetic appreciation, sound judgment, and apt expression that will sustain a lifetime of intellectual curiosity, active inquiry, and reasoned independence. A Puget Sound education, both academic and co-curricular, encourages a rich knowledge of self and others, an appreciation of commonality and difference, the full, open, and civil discussion of ideas, thoughtful moral discourse, and the integration of learning, preparing the university’s graduates to meet the highest standards of democratic citizenship. Such an education seeks to liberate each person’s fullest intellectual and human potential to assist in the unfolding of creative and useful lives. Puget Sound’s web site may be found at www.ups.edu.

Hiring range is $42,800 - $55,414. Decisions about starting salaries are made based on the extent and relatedness of the candidate’s education and experience and on internal equity and market considerations. Generous benefits package includes medical insurance, dental insurance, education benefits, and non-contributory retirement plan.

Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient number of qualified candidates have been identified. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit application materials postmarked no later than July 11, 2008 to ensure consideration. To apply, submit letter of interest, resume and names of three references to:

Science Librarian Search – 950
University of Puget Sound
1500 N Warner #1007
Tacoma, WA 98416-1007