Position Title:
Graduate Political Science & International Studies Librarian-American University
Position Description:
American University Library invites applications from innovative, energetic, and service-oriented librarians to fill a library continuing appointment faculty position for the School of Public Affairs (SPA) and the School of International Service (SIS), beginning Summer 2023, subject to budgetary approval. Rank will be dependent upon experience and stature in the field at either assistant or associate level.
Responsibilities:
The Graduate Political Science and International Studies Librarian will be the point person for research assistance and information literacy instruction in the graduate curriculum in SPA and SIS and will work in partnership with the International Studies Librarian and the Public Affairs Librarian to support faculty research in SPA and SIS. The Graduate Political Science and International Studies Librarian will work closely with the faculty and administration of SPA and SIS to ensure that the University Library is able to meet the research and pedagogical needs of their graduate programs and to increase awareness of library resources and services. This position provides high-level subject specific research assistance to SPA and SIS graduate students and faculty and participates in the baseline information literacy instruction for all students. The Graduate Political Science and International Studies Librarian creates appropriate online tools to support SPA and SIS graduate students. This position serves on library cross-functional teams and participates in decisions that affect the overall research materials collection. The Graduate Political Science and International Studies Librarian assists all relevant entities in self-studies and reaccreditation. The Graduate Political Science and International Studies Librarian consults regularly with SPA and SIS teaching faculty and administrators.
The Graduate Political Science and International Studies Librarian is a member of Research, Teaching and Learning (RTL) and reports to the Associate Director of RTL. As a member of RTL, the Graduate Political Science and International Studies Librarian also participates in broader initiatives as part of the library.
Library faculty members participate in university governance activities. The Graduate Political Science and International Studies Librarian actively supports DEI initiatives within the University Library and within SPA and SIS. Continuing Appointment library faculty members are expected to contribute to the profession of librarianship, and to participate in campus-wide and library-wide activities.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities (80%):
Provide Information Literacy Instruction:
• Support SPA and SIS by teaching integrated information literacy sessions for graduate classes within SPA and SIS.
• Support the online graduate programs in SPA and SIS.
• Work with SPA and SIS Faculty to develop instructional materials for information literacy, e.g. tutorials, course LibGuides, and rubrics.
• As a liaison to the graduate programs in SPA and SIS, work with appropriate committees, administrators and faculty to incorporate information literacy learning objectives and intervention appropriately into the graduate curriculum.
• Teach baseline information literacy skills to Writing Studies classes.
• Participate in departmental information literacy initiatives as a member of RTL, e.g. walk-in workshops, assessment and analysis projects, and pedagogical explorations, other instruction as needed.
Provide Research Support and Outreach Services to the CAS Community:
• Partner with the SPA and SIS to discover information resources and data through consulting with graduate students and faculty on research projects, providing research assistance, facilitating access to online resources, and finding information resources through individual consultations (in person and online) and through email.
• Provide consultations on best practices and resources to accomplish research activities.
• Work with appropriate stakeholders to develop new library programs to best serve the research needs of SPA and SIS graduate students and faculty, such as services that support digital scholarship.
• Participate in department-wide services to the broader AU community and public with basic research assistance.
• Participate in outreach programs in person and online. Provide support and outreach to research centers.
Develop and Manage Web Based Resources:
• Develop and maintain web pages and other resources to support the online graduate programs in SPA and SIS, including materials on the LibGuides platform.
• Consult with stakeholders on any changes to the enterprise systems that impact access to the online graduate programs in SPA and SIS.
Other Duties:
• Potential supervisory responsibilities
• The Graduate Political Science and International Studies Librarian may be asked to perform other duties as operational needs arise.
Service to the Profession (10%)
Participate in advancing the profession of Librarianship or the academic fields in Political Science or International Studies through original research, relevant service to professional and scholarly societies, publications, or impactful presentations in professional or scholarly venues.
Service to the University (10%)
Participate in the shared governance of American University and American University Library through active participation on university and library committees and engagement in work that meaningfully furthers the university and library outside of the primary duties of the position.
Qualifications:
An ALA accredited M.L.S and professional experience in an academic or research institution is highly preferred. Deep knowledge of current and emerging ideas, practices, trends, and technologies that support Political Science and International Studies librarianship. Ability to understand, anticipate, and respond to priorities and trends in the library, university and academia regarding international science and political science librarianship. Must be able to work independently and collaboratively. Other essential qualifications include demonstrated research assistance experience or training; evidence of potential for professional contributions and ongoing professional development; outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; strong public service ethic; and collaborative skills. Competency in languages in addition to English is preferred. To be successful in the position, candidates will possess the ability to shift priorities in a rapidly changing environment; to work across a broad-based constituency; to communicate a positive library image; and have an awareness of current concerns and developments in librarianship.
Salary: $70,000-$75,000
Position available: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Application Process:
For help in signing up, accessing your account, or submitting your application please check out our help and support section or get in touch via email at help@interfolio.comor phone at (877) 997-8807.
Should you have any questions please reach out to the Search Chair, Melissa Becher (mbecher@american.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Send a letter of application, resume, names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references to:
Michele Mikkelsen, Director, Administrative Services
American University Library
4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20016-8046
mmikkel@american.edu
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.
Apply at https://apply.interfolio.com/122531
Deadline:
7/31/2023
