Thursday, September 1, 2011

Public Affairs Librarian


American University Library is seeking an innovative, energetic, and service-oriented librarian for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Librarian for the School of Public Affairs (SPA), beginning spring 2012, subject to budgetary approval.

Responsibilities: The librarian will facilitate excellence in research, teaching and learning through developing collections in Government, Justice, Law & Society, and Public Administration & Policy; through information literacy instruction; and through research assistance and consultation.  The Public Affairs Librarian supports the academic programs of SPA and other academic programs.
Works closely with the faculty and administration of SPA to ensure that the University Library is able to meet their research and pedagogical needs and to increase awareness of library resources, including special collections related to Public Affairs.   Reviews and selects research materials (print and digital) to support faculty and student research for SPA.  Provides high-level subject specific reference assistance to SPA faculty and students, as well as basic research assistance to all students and faculty.  Works with SPA to establish and assess information literacy learning outcomes, supporting requirements by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and other accrediting bodies, and plans strategies to ensure that all SPA students acquire the information literacy skills necessary to be effective professionals in their fields.  Teaches subject specific instruction sessions and participates in the baseline information literacy instruction for all students.  Creates appropriate online tools to support SPA students and faculty.  Supports interdisciplinary initiatives across academic units that require expertise in public affairs librarianship.  Identifies fund-raising opportunities for building collections supporting SPA and helps cultivate potential donors.  Serves on the Collections Management Team and participates in decisions that affect the overall research materials collection-building enterprise.  Assists all relevant entities in self-studies and reaccreditation.

The Public Affairs Librarian is a member of the Division of Research, Teaching and Learning (RTL) and reports to the Associate Director of RTL.  As a member of RTL, the Public Affairs Librarian also participates in broader initiatives as part of the library.

Library faculty members participate in library governance activities.  The Public Affairs Librarian also consults regularly with the SPA teaching faculty and administrators.  Library faculty members are expected to develop professionally, to contribute to creative and scholarly research, and to participate in campus-wide and library-wide activities.

Requirements: ALA accredited M.L.S.; graduate degree in a public affairs related field or more than five years experience as a public affairs professional.  Three years’ experience in an academic or research institution is preferable. Demonstrated reference, instruction, and collection development experience. Substantial knowledge of at least one of the following areas: Political Science, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Sociology. Awareness of current concerns and developments in librarianship.  Evidence of potential for scholarship and ongoing professional development. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Strong public service ethic; collaborative skills.  Ability to shift priorities in a rapidly changing environment.  Ability to work across a broad-based constituency and to communicate a positive library image. 
Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
Position available: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

The American University Library www.american.edu/library  serves the AU community through a collection of over 980,000 volumes, 25,000 sound recordings and 16,000 videos. Notable collections include a branch music library, a strong visual media collection, special collections and university archives, a K-12 curriculum materials center, and numerous partner collections across campus including those with GLBTA, Career, and Visual Arts resources. AU Library has affiliate collections at the Washington College of Law and at the Wesley Theological Seminary. The AU Library collection totals over 60,000 journal subscriptions in all subjects. Personnel include 20 library faculty, several part-time librarians, 70 full-time staff, and about 140 student assistants. The library's budget is about $11.6 million. The American University Library is an active member of the Washington Research Library Consortium, and it holds membership in LOCKSS, SPARC, the Patriot League Libraries Group and the University Libraries Group.

American University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, many with international focus, to more than 11, 000 students.  At American University, the study of public affairs is multidisciplinary and issue and policy oriented. The Public Affairs librarian will work with 83 full-time faculty and students in three departments.  Department of Government scholars study American government, comparative politics, gender, race and politics, law and politics, political theory, policy, leadership studies, public affairs advocacy, and women, policy and political leadership.  They also take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of communications, legal institutions, economics, and government.  Department of Justice, Law and Society scholars study criminology, criminal justice, legal theory, law and social sciences, justice and public policy, law and society, jurisprudence and social thought, and terrorism and security policy.  Department of Public Administration and Policy scholars study public administration, public policy, nonprofit management, organization development, leadership, public financial management, and policy formation and implementation in many fields including the environment and health.  For further information about the School of Public Affairs, please see www.american.edu/spa/about/.

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, Library Human Resources Director
American University Library
4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20016-8046

American University is an AA/EEO university committed to a diverse faculty, staff and student body.  Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The private university with a public responsibility.


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