Western European Studies Librarian
The University of Minnesota’s recent strategic positioning process addresses important trends in research, learning, and engagement relative to the state and global communities. Interdisciplinary and collaborative research and learning figure prominently in the institution’s priorities. The University Libraries are investigating new models of support for area studies, focusing on academic partnership and exploration of innovative services to the University’s scholars and their undergraduate and graduate students.
The University Libraries seek an innovative, energetic and service-oriented professional to support research, knowledge management, instructional and life-long learning needs of students, faculty and staff working with Western European area studies (including the British Isles but not the Iberian Peninsula). The librarian reports to the Director of Arts, Humanities & Area Studies in the Libraries’ Academic Programs Division.
Core responsibilities include developing collaborative relationships with academic departments, developing and managing collections, establishing departmental information literacy programs, providing reference and research services, and creating new programs and initiatives that respond to trends in humanities and social sciences research. The successful candidate will also contribute to the profession as s/he works toward continuous appointment status. .
The University Libraries provide a highly collaborative environment, distinguished with innovative programs of process improvement, new models for undergraduate support, and significant digital library development. Outreach is strengthened by unparalleled infrastructure for resource sharing and information access within the state and region provided by the University Libraries-based MINITEX program.
The University of Minnesota is located in the center of the vibrant Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Twin Cities are known for their cultural amenities, such as the Guthrie Theater and Walker Art Center, and for their extensive park and recreational systems. (http://www1.umn.edu/wishyouwerehere/)
Responsibilities:
- Develop strong connections with faculty and students to identify programmatic needs. Seek opportunities for partnerships with assigned departments, including the development of digital content and services.
- Select and manage materials in all formats and relevant languages, primarily in the social sciences and in language and literature; monitor and review approval plans with North American and Western European vendors; manage the materials budget of over $200,000 in support of Western Europe, including U.S. Title-VI grant monies and private endowment funds.
- Promote information literacy through active engagement with faculty and graduate assistants to integrate information literacy concepts and skills into curricula. Provide instructional support through the development of learning materials and instructional sessions in a variety of formats.
- Promote sustainable models of scholarly communication and recruit institutional scholarly output for inclusion in the University Digital Conservancy (repository services).
- Provide high-quality reference and research assistance in all formats (chat, email, phone, desk/in-person) to library users during scheduled hours and by appointment, including the occasional evening or weekend. Actively seek opportunities to provide customized reference and research services.
- Contribute to the development and promotion of online learning resources and tools (http://www.lib.umn.edu/libdata/subjects.phtml); maintain and develop online resources to support discipline-specific communities.
- Analyze trends in the teaching and research programs of assigned disciplines, keep current with scholarship in the fields and related interdisciplinary domains, and use this knowledge to respond to emergent needs.
- Work with the Government Documents librarians to develop the Western-European (including British and Irish) government publications collections
- Work with library colleagues in related subjects, departments and collections, such as the James Ford Bell Library of European Expansion, the Immigration History Research Center, and the Department of Special Collections. Monitors, reviews, and develops cooperative collection development relationships within the Consortium for Institutional Cooperation (CIC) and the Center for Research Libraries.
- Lead Minnesota's participation in national projects such as the German-North American Resources Partnership (GNARP) and the Collaborative Initiative for French and North American Libraries (CIFNAL).
- Provide leadership for and contribute to department and library-wide projects.
- Contribute to the knowledge base of the profession through research, publication, and professional engagement.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Master’s degree from an American Library Association accredited program or an advanced degree with relevant experience
- solid working knowledge of French
- excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
- demonstrated creativity, initiative and self-direction
- ability to respond effectively to changing needs and priorities
- ability to work both independently and in cooperation with colleagues and library users in a service-oriented, collaborative environment
- demonstrated knowledge of humanities and social sciences research and publication trends
- facility with technology and its application in academic contexts.
Preferred:
- Undergraduate or graduate degree in relevant subject area or significant discipline-specific experience in an academic or special library
- knowledge of the European publishing industries and book trades
- reading knowledge of other Western European languages
- experience in collection development or reference or instruction in a large college or university library
- an understanding of information literacy principles and/or experience in developing information literacy programs
- experience in developing working partnerships with academic departments and other campus communities
- experience in integrating new technologies into the delivery of information services
- experience in working in multicultural settings
- strong technical skills
- demonstrated involvement in professional activities.
Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time, 12-month, continuous-appointment track, academic/professional position with probationary appointment at Assistant or Associate Librarian. The Libraries offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits and substantial moving allowance.
Application Instructions: Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Submit a letter of application, resume, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three current professional references. Please identify the cover letter with UL229.
Apply at: https://employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=62696
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.