By sharing broadly and encouraging dialogue, the University of Michigan Library (MLibrary) is expanding opportunities for our faculty and students to engage with a larger world and to share their energy and expertise in new, exciting, and rewarding ways. By advancing scholarly communication in the digital era, interacting with users in new and relevant ways, and developing collections and new models of access, we continually redefine and shape services to match the emerging needs of our campus. As part of our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, the MLibrary’s subject specialists promote our collections and services while actively examining collection practices, engaging faculty and students, and innovating teaching, learning, and research opportunities.
MLibrary seeks an innovative, client-centered, subject librarian to join a dynamic, collegial team engaged in advancing research, collections, teaching, and learning in a client-oriented environment. This position balances a wide range of service-oriented activities including reference and instruction, collection development, electronic resource management, data management, and outreach and teaching.
As the liaison to the Department of History and to the Department of American Culture, the subject specialist will coordinate library services and initiatives to a diverse community of faculty and students. Additionally, this position is directly responsible for collection development, reference and instruction, and research consultation in the fields of American and British history and culture. Successful candidates will be able to show how one can develop a deep understanding of the needs of the faculty and students who study in these fields. Candidates with a strong background in these subject areas, as well as a dedication to the opportunities and challenges for scholarship and teaching that are posed by our digital era, are encouraged to apply.
RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is a part of a collegial, dynamic, and creative team of subject specialists committed to public services. Reporting to the Head of Arts & Humanities Team, the successful candidate will assume the following responsibilities:
- Provide leadership for collection development and ongoing collection management of designated subject areas by selecting materials in all formats, managing budgets, working with vendors and publishers, creating online research guides, and other collection-related activities.
- Provide direct and virtual reference, research consultation, instruction, workshops, and credit courses designed to foster the user of subject resources and the effective application of new technologies in scholarship and teaching.
- Partner with academic departments and programs to support the teaching, learning, and research of faculty, staff, and students.
- Collaborate with colleagues in various Library units (e.g. MPublishing, Digital Media Commons) that are engaged in transforming our ability to search, retrieve, and publish scholarship through creative uses of technologies.
- Collaborate on special projects, participate in long-term planning and assessment, and serve on library and campus-based committees.
- Participate in regional, national, and international professional and scholarly organizations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library and Information Science, or a relevant advanced degree.
- Knowledge of publishing and other forms of scholarly communication within history and ancillary disciplines.
- Expertise with print and electronic scholarly resources relevant to the teaching and research of American or British history.
- Knowledge of relevant archival materials for scholarly consumption; awareness of tools and strategies for assessing archival resources and an interest in utilizing special collections materials in instruction and outreach activities.
- Ability to develop innovative services, such as workshops, course-integrated instruction, conferences, and outreach efforts that meet the needs of a diverse user community.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with and lead faculty, students, and academic administrators in a culturally diverse environment.
Desired:
- Ph.D. in American or British history or an advanced degree in a related discipline.
- Reading knowledge of additional languages relevant to the study or research of American and British history.
- Relevant subject expertise or library experience in related disciplines such as Canadian studies, European history, museum studies, and religion.
- Knowledge of emerging digital projects or initiatives significant to research in the humanities, or social sciences; familiarity with digital technology and methodologies in studying traditional humanities objects.
Environment: The University of Michigan, a leader in undergraduate and graduate education and one of the world’s premier research universities, hosts renowned faculty, rigorous academic programs, and diverse cultural and social opportunities in a stimulating intellectual environment. MLibrary is top research library that enjoys a reputation for being a leader and innovator. Recent leadership examples include the launch of HathiTrust, an unparalleled opportunity for the creation of new services in support of the teaching, learning, and research mission of the University; and innovative facilities and programs supporting undergraduate learning, writing, and research.
Situated in the heart of Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan is in a unique urban area with a small-town atmosphere and a vibrant cultural and intellectual sensibility.
BENEFITS, RANK, and SALARY
Rank and salary are dependent on qualifications and experience. As a professional appointment in the Library, this position offers full benefits and opportunities for professional development and travel, and participates fully in faculty governance.
Further information regarding benefits can be found at http://benefits.umich.edu/benefitgroups/faculty.html.
RETIREMENT OPTIONS: TIAA-CREF and Fidelity Investments options available.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Email a cover letter and CV as attachments to libhumres@umich.edu, addressed to:
Andrea Tekac Lubetkin
Director, Library Human Resources
3026 Shapiro Undergraduate Library
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-118
For further information, call 734-764-2546 between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday-Friday.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Review of applications will begin 2/25/2013 and continue until the position is filled.
The University of Michigan is a non-discriminatory, affirmative action employer.
