Description

SALARY:   $59,332 minimum salary at the Assistant University Librarian rank

                  $68,625 minimum salary at the Associate University Librarian rank

                   The Smathers Libraries offer a salary commensurate with experience and credentials

DEADLINE DATE:  April 12, 2023. Applications will be reviewed as received.

JOB SUMMARY

The George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida invite applications for two Science Librarian positions.

We are seeking two innovative and collaborative individuals to join our library faculty with one serving as liaison to the biological/life sciences and the other to the physical/engineering sciences. The Science Librarian positions are year-round (12 month) tenure-track faculty which provide research assistance, instruction, outreach, and collection management. The librarians work collaboratively and maintain close professional relationships with faculty, students, and staff in assigned liaison departments/institutions/programs. 

The Smathers Libraries is committed to creating a thoughtful, equitable, and inclusive culture that provides space for innovation and creativity. We support that commitment by offering a fulfilling work experience that allows for collaboration, shared perspectives, as well as professional growth and development.

The Libraries are actively seeking candidates who bring culturally rich lived experiences to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds (e.g., experiences, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and perspectives) to support all students and faculty and foster excellence in a diverse and collaborative society. 

The libraries encourage broad participation in reaching decisions. Therefore, these positions will contribute to discussions, provide input, and serve on various committees and teams. The librarians will also pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and professional service activities to meet library-wide criteria for tenure and promotion.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as liaison librarian for the assigned departments/institutes in either the biological sciences or physical sciences/engineering.
• Designs and delivers programs on information literacy which incorporate the guidelines from the American Library Association’s "Information Literacy Standards for Science and Engineering/Technology".
• Provides information literacy instruction for students, faculty, and staff using traditional classroom, online, blended environment, and active learning methods as well as innovative educational technologies.
• Provides expert consultation support for both subject specific and general science literature databases relevant to assigned liaison areas.
• Provides multimodal research and reference services including in person at a traditional service desk, online, email, telephone, and one on one consultations.
• Facilitates the discovery, evaluation, and dissemination of subject-specific science information resources through the creation of subject guides and other user-centered services.
• Participates in collaborative planning and decision making related to Marston Science Library services, collection management, and new technologies.
• Contributes to the library’s strategic directions through membership on University and Library committees and other consultative bodies as appropriate or requested.
• Pursues professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and professional service activities in order to meet the Marston Science Library’s criteria for tenure and promotion.
• Engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that support diverse communities and create a welcoming environment for all.

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following:

• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, how your experience and interests match the qualifications, and your preference for either the biological sciences or physical/engineering sciences liaison areas.
• Your current resume or CV
• A list of three professional references including their contact information (telephone number and email address) – at least one reference should be from a current or former supervisor
• A written statement on “What do you see as the most challenging issues facing undergraduate and graduate students who are studying in the STEM fields?” (250 words)

Apply by 11:55 pm (EST) on April 12, 2023.  Applications will be reviewed as received. Submit all application materials through the Jobs at UF online application system at Requisition 523590. Failure to submit the required documents may result in the application not being considered. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact Joseph Piazza, George A. Smathers Libraries Human Resources Office, at jpiazza@ufl.edu.

Requirements

Research indicates that applicants from underrepresented groups are hesitant to apply for positions if they do not meet all the required and preferred qualifications.[1] We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop the preferred skills described. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to communicate how their work and other experiences satisfy the required qualifications in ways that may not be obvious.

Required:

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited (or foreign equivalent) program, or other relevant advanced degree in a science discipline
• Appointment at the Associate University Librarian rank requires eight years of relevant experience
• Knowledge of information resources including general science literature databases, such as Scopus, or Web of Science; and/or specific science discipline databases
• Record of including individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientation, and perspectives in research, teaching, service, and other work
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills including oral and written communication
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with faculty, students, administrators, and the general public
• Initiative, flexibility, and the ability to adapt and work creatively in a complex, rapidly changing academic environment
• Strong potential to meet the requirements for tenure and promotion outlined in the departmental by-laws

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in biological science, physical science or engineering field
• Experience working in an academic library that serves scientists or engineers
• Experience designing and delivering engaging instruction to a diverse science population

[1] Schmaling, K. B., Blume, A. W., & Baker, D. L. (2017). Characteristics of Faculty Position Advertisements Associated with Applicant Diversity. Journal of Higher Education Theory & Practice, 17(8), 10–17.  Collier, D., & Zhang, C. (2016). Can We Reduce Bias in the Recruiting Process and Diversify Pools of Candidates by Using Different Types of Words in Job Descriptions? Mohr, T. S. (2014). Why Women Don’t Apply for Jobs Unless They’re 100% Qualified. Harvard Business Review, 25.