Communication Librarian

American University Library is seeking an innovative, energetic, and service-oriented librarian for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Librarian for the School of Communication [SOC], beginning Fall 2010, subject to budgetary approval.

Responsibilities: The librarian will facilitate excellence in research, teaching and learning through developing collections in Journalism, Public Communication, and Film and Media Arts; through information literacy instruction; and through research assistance and consultation. The Communication Librarian supports the academic programs of SOC and other academic programs.
Works closely with the faculty and administration of SOC to ensure that the University Library is able to meet their research and pedagogical needs and to increase awareness of library resources, including special collections related to journalism. Reviews and selects research materials (print and digital) to support faculty and student research for SOC. Provides high-level subject specific reference assistance to SOC faculty and students, as well as basic research assistance to all students and faculty. Works with SOC to establish and assess information literacy learning outcomes, supporting requirements by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and other accrediting bodies, and plans strategies to ensure that all SOC students acquire the information literacy skills necessary to be effective communication professionals. Teaches subject specific instruction sessions and participates in the baseline information literacy instruction for all students. Creates appropriate online tools to support SOC students and faculty. Supports interdisciplinary initiatives across academic units that require expertise in communication librarianship. Identifies fund-raising opportunities for building collections supporting SOC and helps cultivate potential donors. Serves on the Collections Management Team and participates in decisions that affect the overall research materials collection-building enterprise. Assists all relevant entities in self-studies and reaccreditation.

The Communication Librarian is a member of the Division of Research, Teaching and Learning [RTL] and reports to the RTL Director. As a member of RTL, the Communication Librarian also participates in broader initiatives as part of the library.

Library faculty members participate in library governance activities. The Communication Librarian also consults regularly with the SOC teaching faculty and administrators. Library faculty members are expected to develop professionally, to contribute to creative and scholarly research, and to participate in campus-wide and library-wide activities.

Requirements: ALA accredited M.L.S.; graduate degree in a communication related field or more than five years experience as a communication professional. Three years’ experience in an academic or research institution is preferable. Demonstrated reference, instruction, and collection development experience. Substantial knowledge of at least one of the following areas: Print Journalism, Broadcasting, Public Communications, Film and Media Arts. Awareness of current concerns and developments in librarianship. Evidence of potential for scholarship and ongoing professional development. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Strong public service ethic; collaborative skills. Ability to shift priorities in a rapidly changing environment. Ability to work across a broad-based constituency and to communicate a positive library image.
Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Position available: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

The American University Library www.library.american.edu serves the AU community through a collection of over 1.1 million volumes, 25,000 sound recordings and 16,000 videos. Notable collections include a branch music library, a strong visual media collection [http://www.library.american.edu/subject/media/index.html], special collections and university archives, a GLBTA partner collection, and a K-12 curriculum materials center. AU Library has affiliate collections at the Washington College of Law and at the Wesley Theological Seminary. The AU Library collection totals nearly 38,500 journal subscriptions in all subjects. Personnel include 20 library faculty, several part-time librarians, 59 full-time staff, and about 200 student assistants. The library's budget is about $10 million. The American University Library is an active member of the Washington Research Library Consortium, and it holds membership in LOCKSS, SPARC, the Patriot League Libraries Group and the University Libraries Group.

American University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, many with international focus, to more than 11, 000 students. The School of Communication www.american.edu/soc offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in Journalism, Public Communications, and Film & Media arts. With 45 full-time faculty members and dozens of professionals who serve as adjuncts, SOC is a distinctive community of practice, where journalists, creative storytellers, and communication strategists with a passion for civic engagement and social responsibility work across media platforms.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Send a letter of application, resume, names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references to:

Michele Mikkelsen, Library Personnel Officer
American University Library
4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20016-8046
mmikkel@american.edu

American University is an AA/EEO university committed to a diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.