Diversity Residency Program Librarians

Description

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries have an enduring commitment to diversity and are now seeking candidates for two new Diversity Residency Program Librarian positions.  The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for entry-level librarians who are members of historically underrepresented groups to advance their career in academic librarianship.  The program is intended to attract recent Library and Information Sciences graduates for a two year program of research and service in academic librarianship, providing them with transferable professional early work experiences and career development that will prepare them for future leadership roles in the field.  To learn more about the University Libraries’ commitment to diversity, please visit http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/diversity.html.

Responsibilities:

For the first year of the rotation, residents will work in a variety of strategically central areas of the Libraries.  Each rotation will provide opportunities for exploration and service, helping the Residents to identify areas of interest and strength for future career choices. In the second year, each Resident will develop and complete a report on a research project in their area of interest. Emphasis will be placed on a high quality portfolio outcome, suitable for publishing or presentation in a national venue.

Candidates with interests in all areas of librarianship are encouraged to apply.  Strategic areas of focus for the Libraries include:

• Digital initiatives
• Emerging technologies
• Instructional and Research services
• Repository and Data Curation services
• Scholarly communication
• Special Collections

Residents will benefit from a strong mentoring relationship by participating with senior faculty to co-develop responsibilities, expectations, and projects for each rotation assignment, work under the guidance of senior faculty during assignments, and receive regular feedback on performance and development.  Residents will participate actively in University and Libraries committees, councils and task forces. They will develop collegial relationships with faculty members, including Penn State Librarians, other Penn State faculty and administrators, and colleagues at peer institutions. Residents will become involved in relevant national and regional professional organizations. During their residency they will acquire first-hand experience with research and scholarship, service to the University Libraries, and service to the profession.

Required Qualifications:

• Recent completion of an ALA accredited Masters’ program, or the equivalent
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated interest in scholarship
• Ability to advance the University Libraries’ goals of diversity and inclusion
• Outstanding service orientation
• Knowledge of current issues in academic libraries

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for the full duration of the program.

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 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 44,000 students at University Park, and more than 92,000 students system-wide.

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.
Compensation: These positions will be filled at the rank of Assistant Librarian. Minimum starting salary range is $40,000-45,000 per year. Fringe benefits include liberal vacation, excellent insurance, state or TIAA/CREF retirement options, and educational privileges. Travel reimbursement up to $1,500 for professional development related activities is also available.

To Apply: Send a letter of application or nomination, resumé, and the names and contact information of three references to Search Committee, The Pennsylvania State University, Box DIVR-PSUL, 511 Paterno Library, University Park, PA 16802. Applications and nominations may also be sent to lap225@psu.edu.  Please reference Box DIVR-PSUL in the email subject line.  Review of candidates will begin on February 15, 2013 and continue until the positions are 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 diversity of its workforce.