[LIBJOBS] Open Position: Information Sciences and Business Liaison Librarian, Penn State University

Information Sciences and Business Liaison Librarian

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries seeks a creative and service-oriented information sciences and business liaison librarian for a tenure-track faculty position, serving as the subject specialist and liaison for the College of Information Sciences and Technology (http://ist.psu.edu/) and information technology related programs in the Smeal College of Business (http://www.Smeal.psu.edu). The College of IST “is an interdisciplinary program that integrates computer science, information technology, and system users at the individual, group, organizational, and societal levels.”  Successful candidates will benefit from the strong mentoring program developed by the University Libraries to support new faculty in tenure-track appointments in fulfilling expectations in the areas of librarianship, research, and service.  Entry-level or early career librarians are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:  The Information Sciences and Business Liaison Librarian reports to the Acting Head of the Schreyer Business Library and will work collaboratively with other libraries and departments throughout the University Libraries system to provide the following services:

• Reference and research: Provide reference assistance and research consulting for subject-specific research at all levels in person, at the Research Hub and other key library service points, and in the virtual world via e-communications and social networking.
• Liaison activities with assigned academic units:  Participate in the intellectual life and operations of assigned academic units; engage with faculty and students as a colleague in discipline related activities and library services.
• Teaching, learning and literacies: Design and deliver a program of library instruction that supports the curriculum of liaison academic units. Includes support for online learning.
• Collections content and access: Build, maintain, and assess collections in all media and formats to support research and teaching in assigned academic units.  Collaborate with librarians in related subject areas and libraries.
• Scholarly communications: Educate and inform faculty and graduate students on scholarly communication issues such as open-access initiatives, digital publishing, copyright, and digital curation.  Promote and provide assistance in the use of Scholarsphere, Penn State's repository service.
• Research and Service: Engage in research, scholarly publication, and professional service activities in areas appropriate to academic librarianship and the disciplines served.  
• Diversity:  Support diversity initiatives that create a welcoming and inclusive climate at the University Libraries.

Required Qualifications: Requires a Master of Library Science degree from an ALA-accredited institution (or equivalent); ability to work independently and collaboratively; facility with emerging technologies; excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; and the potential to achieve the requirements for tenure and promotion in the areas of librarianship, research, and service. Please visit http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/policies/ulhrg07.html to learn more about the University Libraries Promotion and Tenure Guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications: Relevant reference and instruction experience at an academic or research library.

Environment: Penn State, a land-grant institution, is a member of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC), a consortium of the Big Ten universities plus the University of Chicago. Based on current Association for Research Libraries investment rankings, The Pennsylvania State University Libraries are ranked among the top ten research libraries in North America.  A student survey completed in 2010 found overall student satisfaction with the University Libraries to be at the top of its category.  The University Libraries hold membership in ARL, CRL, CLIR, and DLF. Collections exceed 5.8 million volumes and include more than 102,000 current serial subscriptions. The University Libraries are located at University Park and 22 other locations throughout Pennsylvania, and they serve approximately 6,000 faculty and 44,000 students at University Park, and more than 92,000 students system-wide. 

The University Park campus is set in the State College metropolitan area, a university town located in central Pennsylvania. State College offers a vibrant community with outstanding recreational facilities, a low crime rate, and excellent public schools. The campus is within a half-day drive to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, or Pittsburgh. The University Park Airport is served by three major carriers with flights to Washington, Philadelphia, and Detroit. For more information, please visit http://www.libraries.psu.edu and http://www.cbicc.org.

Compensation: Salary and rank commensurate with experience. Excellent fringe benefits include liberal vacation, excellent insurance, state or TIAA/CREF retirement options, and educational privileges.

To Apply: Send a letter of application or nomination, resumé, and the names and contact information of three professional references to Search Committee, The Pennsylvania State University, Box  ISTBL-LIBJ, 511 Paterno Library, University Park, PA 16802. Applications and nominations may also be sent to lap225@psu.edu.  Please be sure to reference Box ISTBL-LIBJ in the email subject line.  Review of candidates will begin on March 11, 2013 and continue until the position is filled.  Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and diversity of its workforce.