Digital Humanities Librarian

Description

Initially reporting to the Collections Coordinator for the Humanities, this librarian will lead the MSU Libraries in support of new models of scholarship in the humanities, incorporating new technology-driven opportunities such as text mining, the study of media (art, film, music), linguistic corpora analysis, creation of shared digitized libraries, and new kinds of writing.

Initial goals for this position include assessing campus trends and needs in “DH”, identifying priorities for the attention of MSU Libraries, designing and proposing library collection and service models, and implementing those plans. Reporting will depend on the vision enunciated and implemented.  In the long run, this librarian will lead library efforts to assist faculty and students seeking suitable software, and cooperate with other DH-related programs at MSU.

Details of this assignment will emerge from practice, but could include liaison with one or more academic departments, engagement with appropriate programs across campus, development of technology-rich work spaces (labs), work with clients, instruction and/or preparation of research guides. Positive outcomes include advising MSU digital resource users, sharing information among cross-campus initiatives, and exposing students to new technical skills that support careers built on liberal learning.  The librarian will develop an understanding of the data needs of those working in digital humanities, and work with data librarians to meet data management, curation and visualization needs of students and faculty.

The successful candidate must be broadly focused and adventurous enough to expand or shift their range of responsibilities to meet evolving campus needs, as well as participate approximately quarter-time in a secondary assignment based on the needs of the library and candidate interests.  Some evening and weekend hours may be required.

Librarians are appointed as regular faculty in the continuing appointment system and are engaged in professional development and scholarly activities related to their position in addition to serving on library and university committees as elected or assigned.

Michigan State University Libraries serve more than 4,900 faculty, 36,000 undergraduates and 11,000 graduate and professional students on a park-like campus of over 5,000 acres. The Main Library and 5 branch libraries have combined holdings of over 5 million volumes. East Lansing is a community of approximately 50,000 located adjacent to Lansing, the state capital.

Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in information or library science from a program accredited by the American Library Association. Excellent oral and written communication skills; outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to be flexible in a dynamic and changing environment; exceptional commitment to customer service; ability to work enthusiastically and effectively with diverse faculty, students and staff; ability to work both collaboratively and independently; ability to prioritize and balance various unit needs; attention to detail; preparation and commitment to conducting independent scholarship consistent with a library faculty appointment; capacity and commitment to engage independently in continuing professional development.

Desired Qualifications:
Course work or experience in Humanities disciplines, awareness of trends in digital humanities scholarship and collections, familiarity with online resources, awareness of related initiatives at MSU, ability to understand the needs of faculty/students who use digital resources, and willingness to remain current with changing technology and its applications.

Closing Date:
5pm on Tuesday July 30th, 2013