Information Sciences and Business Liaison Librarian

Description

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries seek a creative and service-oriented information sciences and business liaison librarian for a tenure-track faculty position, serving as the subject specialist and liaison for the College of Information Sciences and Technology and information technology related programs in the Smeal College of Business. The College of IST is an interdisciplinary program that “is dedicated to educating the next generation of leaders for the digital 21st century.”  The College uses “a student-centric, problem-based learning approach.”

Successful candidates will benefit from the strong mentoring program developed by the University Libraries to support new faculty in tenure-track appointments in fulfilling expectations in the areas of librarianship, research, and service.  Entry-level or early career librarians are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:  The Information Sciences and Business Liaison Librarian reports to the Head of the Schreyer Business Library and will work collaboratively with other libraries and departments throughout the University Libraries system to provide the following services:

• Reference and research: Provide reference assistance and research consulting for subject-specific research at all levels online and in-person at key library service points.
• Liaison activities with assigned academic units:  Participate in the intellectual life and operations of assigned academic units; engage with faculty and students as a colleague in discipline related activities and library services.
• Teaching, learning and literacies: Design and deliver a program of library instruction that supports the curriculum of liaison academic units. Includes support for online learning.
• Collections content and access: Maintain, assess, and build collections in all media and formats to support research and teaching in assigned academic units.  Collaborate with librarians in related subject areas and libraries.
• Scholarly communications: Educate and inform faculty and graduate students on scholarly communication issues such as open-access initiatives, digital publishing, copyright, and digital curation.  Promote and provide assistance in the use of ScholarSphere, Penn State's repository service.
• Research and service: Engage in research, scholarly publication, and professional service activities in areas appropriate to academic librarianship and the disciplines served. 
• Diversity:  Support diversity initiatives that create a welcoming and inclusive climate at the University Libraries.

Required Qualifications: Requires a Master of Library Science degree from an ALA-accredited institution (or equivalent); excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively; facility with emerging technologies; and the potential to achieve the requirements for tenure and promotion in the areas of librarianship, research, and service. Please visit http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/policies/ulhrg07.html to learn more about the University Libraries Promotion and Tenure Guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications: Relevant reference and instruction experience at an academic or research library.

Environment:  Penn State, a land-grant institution, is a member of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC), a consortium of the Big Ten universities plus the University of Chicago. Based on current Association for Research Libraries investment rankings, The Pennsylvania State University Libraries are ranked among the top ten research libraries in North America.  A student survey completed in 2014 found overall student satisfaction with the University Libraries to be at the top of its category.  The University Libraries hold membership in ARL, CRL, CLIR, and DLF. Collections exceed 5.8 million volumes and include more than 102,000 current serial subscriptions.  The University Libraries are located at University Park and 22 other locations throughout Pennsylvania, and they serve approximately 6,000 faculty and 44,000 students at University Park, and more than 92,000 students system-wide.

The University Park campus is set in State College, a university town located in central Pennsylvania. State College offers a vibrant community with outstanding recreational facilities, a low crime rate, and excellent public schools. The campus is within a half-day drive to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, or Pittsburgh. The University Park Airport is served by three major carriers with flights to Washington, Philadelphia, and Detroit. For more information, please visit http://www.libraries.psu.edu and http://www.cbicc.org.

Compensation and Rank:  Rank and salary are dependent upon qualifications and experience.  Fringe benefits include liberal vacation, excellent insurance and health care coverage, state or TIAA/CREF retirement options, and educational privileges.  In addition, faculty in the University Libraries are afforded funds for professional development travel annually.  Faculty may be asked to travel as official representatives of the Libraries to certain events and those trips are reimbursed at full cost within limits established by the University.

Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted online.  Interested candidates should upload a letter of application, resume or C.V., and the names and contact information of three professional references (including email addresses).   Review of applications will begin August 24, 2015 and continue until position is filled.  Questions may be addressed to Lindsey Harter, Faculty Search Coordinator, at lap225@psu.edu.