GIS & Map Librarian

The University of California, Berkeley seeks a highly motivated, innovative, and service-oriented librarian with GIS experience to maintain and expand our map and geospatial data collections and services. The GIS & Map Librarian will work closely with a cross-unit team of colleagues from a range of disciplines who are interested in building and promoting the Library’s e-research and data services.

The Environment

The UC Berkeley Library is an internationally renowned research and teaching facility at one of the nation's premier public universities. In a highly diverse and intellectually rich environment, Berkeley serves a campus community of 25,500 undergraduate students, 10,300 graduate students, and a faculty of 1,500. The Library comprises 20 campus libraries - including the Doe/Moffitt Libraries, the Bancroft Library, the C. V. Starr East Asian Library and subject specialty libraries. With a collection of more than 11 million volumes and a collections budget of over $15 million, the Library offers extensive collections in all formats and robust services to connect users with those collections and build their related research skills.

The map and geospatial data collections are housed presently in the Earth Sciences & Map Library. This is one of eight science and engineering libraries reporting to the Associate University Librarian and Director of Subject Specialty Libraries. The map collection consists of more than 475,000 printed maps and air photos, more than 25,000 scanned maps, and a growing collection of geospatial data. The Library’s GIS program consists of data collection and dissemination, development of the Library's GeoData@UC Berkeley repository, collaboration in campus-wide GIS activities, and relevant user education services.  Our map and geospatial data collections are heavily used by researchers from a range of disciplines, including Architecture, City & Regional Planning, Earth & Planetary Science, Geography, History, and Landscape Architecture, and also help support the University’s recently launched GIS minor.

Responsibilities

The GIS & Map Librarian has primary responsibility for building and maintaining the Library’s map and geospatial data collections, and leading the Library’s GIS program. Serves as selector and liaison for Geography. Collaborates with other libraries within UC and regionally on collection development. Plans and provides a suite of services including reference, consultations, and instruction on using map collections, finding and managing geospatial data, understanding spatial concepts and analysis, and using GIS software. Develops websites and online guides related to these collections and services. Promotes the use of maps and geospatial data in teaching and research through outreach to campus faculty and students. Serves as team leader for our geospatial digital projects (including map scanning projects, our online map viewer, and GeoData@UC Berkeley) in collaboration with other library units and the Open Geoportal Consortium. Creates metadata records for geospatial data in our geoportal, performs original cataloging for maps/atlases, and oversees map/atlas copy cataloging. Collaborates with other librarians and library staff from our science and engineering libraries and Library Data Lab on our growing e-research and data services programs. May oversee interns interested in GIS and map librarianship.

UC Berkeley librarians are expected to participate in library-wide planning and governance, to work effectively in a shared decision-making environment, and to be active professionally. Professional contributions beyond the primary responsibilities are required for advancement in the Librarian series. The successful candidate will show promise or evidence of such contributions.

Qualifications

Required:

• MLS or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited library school, or other advanced degree in a related field with relevant professional experience
• Experience with map collections, geospatial data, and GIS software such as ArcGIS and QGIS
• Demonstrated understanding of cartographic and geospatial resources and concepts
• Demonstrated aptitude for teaching and developing user-oriented documentation
• Experience with web design and understanding of emerging technologies
• Knowledge of metadata and cataloging concepts through coursework or experience
• Excellent analytical, organizational, problem solving, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and ability to work creatively and effectively both independently and as a team member

Desirable:

• Experience as a librarian in a research or academic setting
• GIS certificate or coursework, or significant GIS experience
• Significant coursework in geography or related disciplines that make use of maps and geospatial data
• Understanding of common web and open source technologies for geospatial data such as XML, Python, GeoServer, PostGIS, OpenLayers, and GDAL/OGR as well as APIs
• Experience performing original or copy cataloging for maps and developing Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) metadata
• Demonstrated project management skills

The Library at the University of California, Berkeley is committed to the support and encouragement of a multicultural environment and seeks candidates who can make positive contributions in a context of ethnic and cultural diversity.

Professional librarians at UC are academic appointees and are represented by an exclusive bargaining agent, University Council - American Federation of Teachers (UC-AFT). This position is in the bargaining unit.

Librarians are entitled to appropriate professional leave, two days per month of vacation leave, one day per month of sick leave, and all other benefits granted to non-faculty academic personnel. The University has an excellent retirement system and sponsors a variety of group health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans in addition to other benefits.

Deadline:  Consideration will be given to applications received by July 1, 2013.

Submit applications online at https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF00142. Applications must include a cover letter detailing a statement of qualifications, curriculum vitae noting degrees and relevant work experience, and the names and contact information of three references who are knowledgeable about the applicant's qualifications for this position.

Send inquiries to:

Susan E. Wong
Director, Library Human Resources
Library Human Resources Department
110 Doe Library
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000
Phone: (510) 642-3778
Email: librec@library.berkeley.edu

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer