The Penn State University Libraries invites applications for two positions in the third cohort of the Diversity Residency Librarian program. The residency is a three-year fixed-term faculty position.
This program grows out of the University Libraries’ longstanding commitment to diversity. With each cohort of residents, we have incorporated feedback and adapted the program. As we continue our strategic initiatives, diversity emerges as a priority at every level. Residents build on foundations of librarianship and contribute directly to an area of strategic importance for the University Libraries. The residents will have counterparts at other libraries and opportunities for networking through the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Diversity Alliance.
The University Libraries values diversity of thought, perspective, experience and people, and is actively committed to a culture of inclusion and respect. We encourage candidates to apply who thrive in a welcoming multicultural environment. For more information on Penn State’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence, visit http://equity.psu.edu/psu-diversity-statement. For additional information about the Libraries’ diversity efforts, please visit https://libraries.psu.edu/about/diversity.
Responsibilities
You will dedicate the duration of the residency in a primary strategic area contributing your own expertise, as well as gaining insights, transferrable skills, and deep experiences. An emphasis is placed on high-quality portfolio outcomes, suitable for publishing and presentation in national venues and support is provided for professional development and conference attendance.
Opportunities are available in the following areas of strategic importance for the University Libraries:
- Assessment and User Experience
- Copyright and Scholarly Communication
- Open Publishing and Open Educational Resources
- Repository and Data Curation Services
- Student Engagement
- User-centered Information Technology and Access to Information
Please identify one or more of these areas of interest in your cover letter and address all required qualifications in your documentation.
You will participate actively in University and Libraries committees, councils and task forces and have a faculty mentor. You will become actively involved in relevant national and regional professional organizations and have support to participate in research and scholarship and service activities within the university and profession.
Required Qualifications
- Successful completion of an American Libraries Association (ALA) accredited Masters’ program, or the equivalent
- Demonstrated experience or commitment to advancing diversity and multi-cultural initiatives
- Experience working effectively in a collaborative team or group project
- Excellent communication skills as partially demonstrated in the included cover letter
- Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to benefits of diversity and inclusion throughout an organization
- Knowledge of current issues in academic libraries
- Interest and potential to engage in research and scholarship of librarianship
Desired Qualifications
- Interest or experience in one of the strategic areas identified
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for the full duration of the program and must successfully complete the required background check process.
Environment
The Penn State University Libraries are a strategic asset to Penn State, advancing intellectual discovery, information literacy, and lifelong learning, all in support of the University’s strategic goals in teaching, research, service, and outreach. The University Libraries is ranked among the top 10 research libraries in North America, according to the Association for Research Libraries investment rankings, and provides services at University Park and 22 other campus locations throughout Pennsylvania as well as online. We serve more than 6,400 faculty and 46,800 students at University Park, and approximately 97,500 students university-wide. More than 120 faculty librarians in the University Libraries benefit from extensive technological resources and research support services. Penn State is a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the Association of American Universities, and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. The University Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Association of College and Research Libraries, the Center for Research Libraries, Digital Preservation Network, AP Trust, SPARC, CNI, the ACRL Diversity Alliance and a number of other organizations. The University Park campus is set in State College, 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`s 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 D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago and Detroit. For more information, please visit http://www.libraries.psu.edu and http://www.cbicc.org.
Compensation and Benefits
Rank and salary are dependent upon qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits include liberal vacation, excellent insurance and health care coverage, state or TIAA retirement options, and educational privileges. In addition, faculty in the University Libraries are afforded funds for professional development travel annually.
Application Instructions
Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted online. To apply, please visit https://libraries.psu.edu/about/jobs/faculty-jobs-libraries. To be considered for the position, interested candidates should upload a letter of application, resume or C.V., and the names and contact information of three professional references (including email addresses). Review of applications will begin April 8 and continue until position is filled.