Communication Librarian

American University Library invites applications for a multi-year, non-tenure track contract, Communication Librarian position at the rank of Assistant Term Librarian, beginning summer 2013, subject to budgetary authorization.  

Responsibilities: The librarian will facilitate excellence in research, teaching and learning through developing collections in Communication Studies, 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 the School of Communication [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 Associate 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 preferred.  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.american.edu/library, serves the AU community through a collection of over 980,000 volumes, 25,000 sound recordings and 16,000 videos. Notable collections include a branch music library, a strong visual media collection, special collections and university archives, a K-12 curriculum materials center, and numerous partner collections across campus including those with GLBTA, Career, and Visual Arts resources. AU Library has affiliate collections at the Washington College of Law and a partnership with the Wesley Theological Seminary. The AU Library collection totals over 100,000 journal subscriptions and over 350 databases in all subjects.  Personnel include 20 library faculty, several part-time librarians, 73 full-time staff, and about 140 student assistants. The library's budget is over $13.7 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.

The American University, chartered by an act of Congress in 1891, offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, many with international focus, to over 11,000 students. Its proximity to centers of technology, politics, justice, world affairs, communication, science, business, and the arts in the Washington, D.C. area enhances the learning environment.

For information about American University, please see www.american.edu, and learn about the University Library at www.american.edu/library.

To apply, send a letter of application, resume, and names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three references to:

Michele Mikkelsen, Director, Administrative Services

American University Library

4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW

Washington, D.C. 20016-8046

mmikkel@american.edu

American University is an EEO/AA institution, committed to a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. American University offers employee benefits to same-sex domestic partners of employees and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation/preference and gender identity/expression.