Early Career Librarian Fellow

Description

Early Career Librarian Fellow
Albert S. Cook Library
LIB-3555  

Information session PowerPoint slides and recording

Position:

Towson University’s Albert S. Cook Library seeks two innovative individuals to serve as Early Career Residency Fellows. Our library is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse library staff by considering applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.

You can read the library’s diversity statement here: https://libraries.towson.edu/about/more-about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion. Towson University places a high priority on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Candidates will be expected to describe any prior experience and articulate how they could be involved in further advancing this campus goal. This fellowship program is designed to provide an early-career librarian from an underrepresented group, who has begun but not yet finished their master’s in library science (MLS or MLIS), the opportunity for rapid professional growth while bringing new perspectives and fresh ideas to Towson University Libraries. Recent graduates who have received their MLIS in the last 18 months may also be considered for the fellowship. The first two years of the program will be dedicated to researching a new program, with the goal of launching the program at the conclusion of the two years or exploring a liaisonship, within Albert S. Cook Library.

Qualifications:
Master's degree must be completed by start date or within one year of hire; the Fellow may receive work release time of up to 50% to complete their degree. Commitment to developing a career in academic librarianship; knowledge of issues and developments in academic libraries.  Demonstrated interest or experience in diversity and inclusion initiatives. Strong commitment to supporting the academic and research needs of students, faculty and staff. Basic familiarity with current practices and technology in library instruction, technical services, and special collections.  Demonstrated interest in scholarship and commitment to professional growth. Strong, positive interpersonal and collaborative skills; ability to work in a team environment. Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently and collaboratively on a variety of projects simultaneously. Demonstrated excellent organizational, analytical, time management and project management skills. Ability to work flexibly and creatively in a changing and fast paced environment with a diverse population.

Responsibilities:

The fellow will work on one of three program areas of their choice, choosing from topics of (1) research and instruction liaisonship, (2) digital archives, or (3) open educational resources.  In the final year of the program, the Fellow will specialize in their chosen area(s) and work on a capstone project suited to their professional interests and to the needs of the library. A goal of this project is for the Fellow, working independently or with a mentor, to develop, complete, and report research or creative work at a conference or as a publication. The Fellow will serve on library and university committees and participate in professional organizations. The Fellow will benefit from formal and informal mentorship, funding and encouragement of professional development, and a focus on career planning. Towson University Libraries Residency program is part of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Diversity Alliance.