Reference Librarian for the Sciences and Engineering

The Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries invites applications and nominations for the position of Reference Librarian for the Sciences and Engineering. VCU Libraries seeks an innovative, motivated individual to join the recently expanded Research and Instructional Services department. The incumbent will create programs and services for VCU’s science and engineering community that advance the research enterprise and foster a climate of scholarly inquiry and student achievement. He or she will collaborate with students and faculty to develop initiatives that align with trends in scientific research and scholarly communication. The Librarian will be instrumental in the establishment of a service profile for the new School of Engineering community located on the Monroe Park Campus Addition. The successful candidate will join a culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber.

Responsibilities
Reporting to the Assistant Head for Research Services, the Reference Librarian for the Sciences and Engineering will be designated the department’s liaison to VCU Life Sciences, the School of Engineering, and selected departments in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Librarian will teach curriculum-integrated instructional sessions at all degree levels, collaborate with teaching faculty to develop course content, and create Web-based and other online learning tools. The Librarian will be an active participant in the department’s consultation services, offering appointment-based, discipline-specific research assistance to individuals and small groups. He or she will develop the science and engineering reference collection in both print and digital formats. The incumbent will work collaboratively with all members of the department as well as colleagues at the Tompkins-McCaw Library to shape and promote overall library outreach, programs, and services. The Librarian will provide point-of-need research assistance at the reference desk, including some evenings and weekends. The Reference Librarian for the Sciences and Engineering is expected to be active professionally and to contribute to developments in the field. Faculty with the VCU Libraries are evaluated, and promoted, on the basis of job performance, scholarship, and professional development and service.

Qualifications
Required: ALA-accredited graduate degree or an accredited graduate degree in another appropriate discipline. Preferred: Academic preparation in the sciences and/or engineering; a graduate degree in a discipline related to the assigned liaison responsibilities is highly preferred. Substantial public services experience in an academic research library and familiarity with research methods and tools in the sciences and engineering. Understanding of the research behaviors of scientists and engineers, and an awareness of trends in the dissemination of information in these disciplines. Knowledge of instructional design and e-learning trends. Experience with Web-authoring tools and standards. Initiative and creativity, willingness to cooperate and to share information, and the ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities under pressure. Excellent presentation and public speaking skills. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team and a preference for group work. Strong service orientation. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience working in a culturally diverse environment highly preferred.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and not less than $42,000 minimum annually. This is a full-time, non-tenured faculty position. Normal faculty benefits apply, including 24 vacation days annually and choice of retirement and annuity plans. For more information about benefits, see http://www.hr.vcu.edu/benefits/.

For more information about the VCU Libraries, please visit our home page at http://www.library.vcu.edu/. Review of applications will begin August 15, 2008, and will continue until the position is filled. Submit cover letter, resume, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references to:

Kathleen McColgan
Personnel Administrator
VCU Libraries, Virginia Commonwealth University
901 Park Avenue
PO Box 842033
Richmond, VA 23284-2033
804-828-2730
804-828-0151 (fax)
mccolgankh@vcu.edu

Virginia Commonwealth University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.