Bibliographer for Social Sciences and Quantitative Data

Description

This new position will ensure that the Library provides robust access to quantitative data and government information in support of research and learning in the social sciences and in public policy fields.   This position supports the Library’s commitment to world-class collections and services for research, teaching, and learning in the social sciences.  It strengthens our evolving team of staff with specialized expertise and responsibility in this broad realm.   The incumbent, based in the Western Languages Division of Widener’s Collection Development Department, will oversee the unit’s general social science collections in the English language and will serve as a resource for other units within and beyond the Faculty of Arts and Sciences which pursue analogous materials, including from other language groups and regions.   He/she will work closely with the librarians and units responsible for describing, interpreting, and curating these resources.  

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

• Identify and acquire or otherwise ensure access to the quantitative data and government information resources generated in the English-speaking world in support of scholarship at Harvard.
• Oversee and manage general English-language acquisitions in the social sciences (excluding history) and in public policy fields, in accordance with the Harvard Library’s collection development policies.
• Collaborate with other selectors, within and beyond the Western Languages Division, to develop strong and consistent strategies concerning data and government information.
• Develop strong relationships with faculty, researchers, and repositories throughout and beyond the University.
• Support and inspire Library staff through a collegial and collaborative approach.
• Manage a materials budget of ca. $1M, including a large array of social science serial subscriptions .
• Participate in collaborative activities across Harvard’s many libraries and units concerned with quantitative data and government information.
• Engage as appropriate in collaborations beyond Harvard.

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s Degree  or 2-3 years experience.
• Deep familiarity with quantitative data and government information as evidenced by advanced training or comparable experience. 
• A record of scholarly engagement through teaching, publication, and/or presentations.   
• Experience in identifying, acquiring, and providing access to relevant resources, including serials in both print and electronic formats.
• At least 4 years’ experience as a data or government information specialist in a large research library or similar organization. 
• Superior written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Demonstrated familiarity with the uses of quantitative data and government information in scholarship and library operations. 
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a demanding environment with multiple priorities, deadlines, and expectations. 
• Evidence of an approach that expects and supports success.

Additional Qualifications

• Superior written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Demonstrated familiarity with the uses of quantitative data and government information in scholarship and library operations. 
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a demanding environment with multiple priorities, deadlines, and expectations. 
• Evidence of an approach that expects and supports success.
• Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language.
• Commitment to working as part of a team and collaborating in an open environment.
• Familiarity with Aleph and other library systems preferred.