Tombros Classics and Humanities Librarian

Description

he Pennsylvania State University Libraries seek an outstanding librarian to hold the endowed faculty position of Tombros Librarian for Classics and Humanities in the George and Sherry Middlemas Arts and Humanities Library on the University Park campus.

Responsibilities:

The Tombros Librarian for Classics and Humanities serves as a liaison subject specialist for Ancient History, Classics, Ancient Mediterranean Studies, Jewish Studies, and Religious Studies and possibly other humanities disciplines by developing and managing excellent collections, providing research consultation and reference services to those studying these disciplines , providing an engaging information literacy program, participating in scholarly communication initiatives, and actively collaborating in outreach initiatives with collegiate faculty in these disciplines.  The successful candidate will engage in research and scholarly publishing, demonstrate leadership at the national/international level in professional or disciplinary associations, participate actively in local, national, and international digital humanities initiatives, and collaborate effectively with colleagues in the Arts and Humanities Library and throughout the Libraries.  As a senior faculty member, the appointee will provide leadership for library and university-wide initiatives. Occasional teaching of credit-bearing courses is an option. This position reports to the Head of the George and Sherry Middlemas Arts and Humanities Library.

As an endowed faculty position, the Tombros librarianship provides ample support for programs, collection development, travel, and research.  The University Libraries have extensive holdings in all areas of classical studies in general and ancient Greek civilization in particular.  Because of the George P. Tombros Ancient Greek Collection, Penn State has developed a world-class collection of primary texts in ancient Greek.  Other gifts, including the Tombros Libraries Endowment in Classics, support classical studies in general.

Required Qualifications:

Master of Library Science degree from an ALA-accredited institution  or an advanced degree in a relevant discipline; record of significant contributions in collection development and research services at an academic or research library;  proficiency in Latin; substantial academic background in classical literature, history, or related disciplines; knowledge of current trends and methodologies in humanities research and scholarly communications; interest in digital humanities initiatives; excellent written, oral, and leadership skills; evidence of an established reputation in scholarly achievement; strong record of service;  a desire to work in a collaborative, student-centered environment.

Preferred qualifications:

Additional advanced degree in one of the relevant disciplines.  Knowledge of Greek, Hebrew, or other language relating to Classics Experience participating in digital humanities initiatives.

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. The Penn State University Libraries are a strategic asset to Penn State, advancing intellectual discovery, information literacy, and lifelong learning, all in support of the University’s strategic goals in teaching, research, service, and outreach. 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 2010 found overall student satisfaction with the University Libraries to be at the top of its category.  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 45,000 students at University Park, and more than 96,000 students system-wide including 12,000 students enrolled in the World Campus, the online campus of Penn State.
The University Park campus is set in the State College metropolitan area, 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.

Appointment and benefits:

This is a tenure-track faculty position.  Based upon the University and Libraries’ standards in librarianship, research, service, and outreach, it is anticipated that the successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Librarian with tenure.  Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits include liberal vacation, excellent insurance and health care coverage, state or TIAA/CREF retirement options, and educational privileges.

Application Instructions:

Send a letter of application or nomination, resumé, and the names and contact information of three professional references to Search Committee, The Pennsylvania State University, Box TCL-PSUL, 511 Paterno Library, University Park, PA 16802. Applications and nominations may also be sent to lap225@psu.edu.  Please reference Box TCL-PSUL in the email subject line.  Review of candidates will begin on January 29, 2013 and continue until the position is filled. Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.