Library Positions: Marx Library Faculty Positions

University of South Alabama, Assistant Librarian, Reference & Instruction, Marx Library 

Job Description

This position is for a non-tenured faculty continuing appointment.  The Assistant Librarian will work with other liaison librarians to develop programs benefiting their communities to expand the Libraries’ research-related programs and services. Programming may focus on issues relevant to the Social Sciences community in the following categories: information literacy, scholarly communication, archeology, etc.

Our library’s liaison librarians work to enable faculty and student researchers to discover and access relevant literature and data, analyze patterns of scholarly outputs in their disciplines, effectively manage their research data, better understand the needs of community stakeholders, and share the products of their research with the wider world. These roles will also help pioneer new services in the library.

The Assistant Librarian with a focus on the Social Sciences responsibilities include information literacy instruction, subject-specialized and general reference, preparing LibGuides and learning objects and materials to support learning and research, and collection development and management of library resources in Communication, Sociology, Social Work, Gerontology, Political Science and Criminal Justice, and Military Science. This librarian is also expected to engage in scholarly and service activities expected of non-tenure-track librarians and participate in a library and campus community that is working not just to promote but to more fully realize diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice. This position will advocate for the Libraries to be more closely integrated into the entire educational and research process at the University of South Alabama, including research, coursework, grants, workshops, etc.

This position reports to the Director of the Marx Library. Some evening and weekend duties may be required.

Job responsibilities

Reference: Provides subject-specific reference service and research assistance in collaboration with the other public services librarians. Provides in-depth reference service to both undergraduate and graduate students and faculty in the above-named disciplines. Some evening and weekend duties may be required.

Instruction: Initiates and provides instructional programs primarily for students and faculty in the above-named disciplines. Provides individual and small-group consultation/instruction regarding Communication, Sociology, Social Work, Gerontology, Political Science and Criminal Justice, and Military Science resources based on the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution, or international equivalent, by the time of appointment
•     Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
•     Experience providing reference services and research help
•     Applied knowledge of the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education
•     Knowledge and familiarity with the Social Sciences
• Demonstrated experience in providing instruction, responsive and quality reference, digital, and collaborative library research services including consultations
• Understanding of current and emerging trends in the assigned subject areas and in academic librarianship; knowledge of electronic resources and information technologies
• Ability to build collaborative and mutually beneficial working relationships with people of varying backgrounds; work effectively with faculty, students, professional colleagues and diverse academic groups; ability to advocate and promote library resources and services to a variety of constituents
• Experience providing information and research services in an academic library (may be student internship experience)
•     Knowledge of current and emerging instructional technologies
•     Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively
•     Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated excellence in communicating across a diverse range of constituencies; initiative, flexibility, and a strong service orientation
• Evidence of a commitment to social justice, diversity, anti-racism, and inclusion in library practice

(Relevant experience may include, but is not limited to, academic libraries, teaching or research positions, corporate or laboratory settings, etc.)

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in a Social Sciences discipline or equivalent training and experience

• Experience providing reference and library instruction services in Social Sciences disciplines
• Teaching experience, which may include designing online resources, consulting with individual researchers or project teams, and planning in-person or virtual workshops or class sessions
• Demonstrated ability to carry out a liaison program through outreach, building relationships, and providing library services and support to diverse stakeholders
• Experience developing and evaluating service initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to use current technologies for delivering and developing library services, including course management systems and social media
• Demonstrated knowledge of Springshare products such as LibGuides, and a reference chat product
• Understanding of research trends and applications the Social Sciences; demonstrated understanding of scholarly communication issues
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and multiple tasks while meeting deadlines and solving problems in a rapidly changing environment.

Review of applications will begin February 15, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. 

Submit letter of application, CV or resume, unofficial copies of transcripts and the names and contact information for three professional references to Dr. Angela Rand at libraryadmin@southalabama.edu. Official transcripts and three signed professional letters of reference are required for appointment.

Candidates can view https://libguides.southalabama.edu/libraryjobs for more information about the position or http://www.cityofmobile.org for information about the Mobile area. 

The University of South Alabama is an EO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression), religion, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.