Social Sciences Librarian

American University Library invites applications for a multi-year, Social Sciences Librarian at the rank of Assistant Librarian, beginning summer 2014, subject to budgetary approval. The successful candidate will be an innovative, energetic, and service-oriented librarian serving the Social Sciences programs in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

Responsibilities: The librarian will facilitate excellence in research, teaching and learning through developing collections in Anthropology; Economics; Public Health; Sociology; and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies through information literacy instruction, research assistance and consultation. The Social Sciences Librarian supports the academic programs of the Social Sciences cluster of CAS and other academic programs. The Social Sciences Librarian also coordinates library support for the School of Professional and Extended Studies (SPexS), working with other members of the library to ensure appropriate support for SPexS programs.

Works closely with the faculty and administration of the social sciences cluster in CAS 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 the social sciences. Reviews and selects research materials (print and digital) to support faculty and student research for CAS in the social sciences. Provides high-level subject specific reference assistance to social sciences CAS faculty and students, as well as basic research assistance to all students and faculty. Works with CAS 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 CAS students in the social sciences acquire the information literacy skills necessary to be effective professionals in their fields. Teaches subject specific instruction sessions and participates in the baseline information literacy instruction for all students. Creates appropriate online tools to support social sciences students and faculty, including liaising with multiple online programs and faculty who teach online. Supports interdisciplinary initiatives across academic units that require expertise in social sciences librarianship. Identifies fund-raising opportunities for building collections supporting CAS and helps cultivate potential donors. Serves on the Collection 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 Social Sciences Librarian also works with the faculty and administration of the School of Professional and Extended Studies to plan appropriate support for their programs. Classes offered through SPexS are often taught by faculty associated with a different college or school in the university or require collections that fall under the purview of one of the other subject librarians. Many of the courses are in the Social Sciences. The Social Sciences Librarian represents the library in to the leadership of SPexS and coordinates with colleagues within the library to ensure that the library is appropriately supporting SPexS programs.

The Social Sciences Librarian is a member of the Division of Research, Teaching and Learning (RTL) and reports to the Associate Director of RTL. As a member of RTL, the Social Sciences Librarian also participates in broader initiatives as part of the library.

Library faculty members participate in library governance activities. The Social Sciences Librarian also consults regularly with the CAS teaching faculty in the social sciences cluster 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, as well as appropriate national and regional service.

Requirements: ALA-accredited M.L.S.; graduate degree in a social sciences related field or more than five years’ experience as a professional in a related field. Three years of 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: Anthropology; Economics; Public Health; Sociology; Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies or a related field. Awareness of current concerns and developments in social science 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 1,300,000 volumes, 52,000 media and sound recordings. 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 at the Wesley Theological Seminary. The AU Library collection totals over 125,000 journal subscriptions in all subjects. Personnel include 20 library faculty, several part-time librarians, 70 full-time staff, and about 140 student assistants. The library's budget is about $14.4 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 12, 000 students. The Social Sciences Librarian will work with 54 full-time faculty in three departments and two interdisciplinary programs.

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, Director, Administrative Services

American University Library

4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW

Washington, D.C. 20016-8046

mmikkel@american.edu

American University is a tobacco and smoke free campus. American University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. Minority and women 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.

The private university with a public responsibility.