The University of Louisville Libraries’ seek a recent MLS graduate interested in a career in academic librarianship for a two-year Diversity Residency program. The program is designed to provide the Resident with an immersive experience in research assistance and instruction, while having the opportunity to participate in projects related to other areas of professional interest. The Resident will also gain experience in research, scholarship, and service to the Libraries and the profession. The residency will provide a supportive environment and encourage the development of transferable workplace skills that will give the Resident a competitive edge in the profession.
This position reports to the Head of the Research Assistance and Instruction (RAI) Department, a collegial, service-oriented, and progressive department of 8 librarians, 2 professional staff, and 6 undergraduate peer research assistants supporting the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Social Work, and the School of Engineering. RAI is a department that likes experimenting and engaging in ongoing discussions about the future of liaison and subject librarianship. They enjoy doing research and strongly support new faculty in this endeavor. Recent new initiatives include creating a publishing academy for graduate students, working with our University’s Quality Enhancement Plan, helping to revamp the collections analysis procedures, and creating a mentorship program for our peer research assistants.
The Resident will also have the opportunity to participate in significant projects outside RAI such as developing digital scholarship services, engaging in assessment-related projects, or working with Archives & Special Collections.
The University Libraries are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace and have recently joined the ACRL Diversity Alliance to work with other academic libraries toward this goal.
Responsibilities of the position:
- Teaches information literacy sessions in academic disciplines as well as citation management software
- Provides a variety of research support services electronically and in person
- Works as a liaison to specific subject disciplines and to one or more of the campus diversity offices
- Assists in coordinating Learning Commons events and projects
- Creates and helps to maintain online LibGuides in assigned subject areas
- Contributes to the University’s diversity and inclusion goals, as well as the Libraries’ goals.
- Participates in library, university, professional committees, and/or community-engaged projects.
Opportunities:
- Gains exposure to other library areas such as Digital Scholarship, Special Collections, Scholarly Communication, Assessment, Clinical Librarianship or other areas of interest
- Participates in a mentor/mentee program
- Attends meetings with the Dean of the Libraries, and attends library administrative meetings when possible
In addition to the opportunities mentioned above, the Resident can apply for professional development funds and is encouraged to attend conferences, give presentations, write for professional publications, and engage in professional service activities. The Resident will be evaluated yearly by the same process as tenured and tenure-track faculty.
Required Qualifications:
- Recent or upcoming graduate (with less than three years of professional experience) from an ALA-accredited Master’s degree program or from a program in a country with a formal accreditation process as identified by ALA
- Interest in a career in academic librarianship
- Enthusiasm for teaching, and knowledge of instructional approaches
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- Good critical thinking skills
- Ability to commit to goals and achieve established outcomes
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment as well as the ability to work independently
- Knowledge of reference services and sources
- Knowledge of information and digital technologies
- Commitment to professional achievement and growth
Preferred Qualifications:
- Teaching experience and/or experience working with students in an educational setting
- Experience with EndNote or other citation management programs
- Completed coursework and/or experience in one of the following: digital scholarship; data visualization; web application development; archival principles and methods; or other related areas.
This is a two-year term faculty position. Each year is renewable with a 12-month contract at the rank of Instructor; salary of the successful candidate depends upon experience and professional achievements. The University Libraries offer a comprehensive benefits package and annual vacation of 22 working days.
The University of Louisville is a Carnegie Research/High university and recipient of the Carnegie Community Engagement classification for Curricular Engagement & Outreach and Partnerships. The University has a national reputation for its high-quality undergraduate program; over twenty nationally recognized research, graduate, and professional programs; 22,000 graduate and undergraduate students; and a strong commitment to the community in which it resides. UofL is located in the state’s largest urban area.
The city of Louisville offers hospitality, warmth, and smaller city advantages like shorter commutes and lower cost of living, alongside major city amenities like world-class performing arts, great sports, incredible dining, and a nationally-acclaimed parks system.
Applications received by October 19, 2018 are given full consideration in the initial screening. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Submit a single, combined PDF that includes the letter of interest detailing your familiarity, aptitude, and/or experience with the required and desired qualifications, a CV/resume, and the name, address, phone number, and e-mail address of three references through the online application system at UofL’s Human Resources site https://louisville.edu/jobs/ (Job ID 35859)
Fannie M. Cox
Outreach & Reference Librarian
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
fmcox@louisville.edu
502-852-2705
The University of Louisville is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, or veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact the Employment team at employ@louisville.edu or 502.852.6258.
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