Science & Data Services Librarian

Libraries Job Description

Job Summary

The Science and Data Services Librarian ensures that faculty, students and staff in the sciences, engineering and data science have access to a suite of robust, effective and innovative library services and collections that serve their scholarship, teaching & learning needs. Evaluates current services, following pertinent national academic trends in library services for the sciences, engineering and data science, identifying new services for implementation and improvements as necessary.

Leads developing and implementing a robust suite of data services for faculty and students, including data management and data visualization, in collaboration with the Science Center and Spatial Analysis Lab. Leads workshops and develops online learning materials on data, e-science, open access, and digital scholarship.

Within Learning, Research and Technology (LRT), a blended department of librarians, academic technologists, and spatial analysis specialists shared between the Libraries and ITS, the Science and Data Services Librarian will work collaboratively as part of the Teaching, Learning and Research (TLR) unit in the Libraries. All members of TLR participate in the Libraries’ full range of in-person and virtual reference and research services. Additionally, they engage in developing services and learning spaces for the Libraries. TLR team members work collaboratively with LRT, Libraries and ITS colleagues and are involved fully in the activities of the Libraries.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Liaison to the Sciences (35%)

Provides expert guidance to faculty and students in undergraduate sciences, engineering and data science academic departments on research methods and resources across multiple interfaces of licensed databases and relevant internet resources. Develops online learning content for the Libraries’ website, including digital learning objects, subject and course resource pages and other web-based tools and digital information services for assigned liaison departments and as part of a team of teaching librarians. Participates in the Libraries’ general reference service and contributes to Zotero citation management software support including individual assistance and group instruction.

Data Services (30%)

Leads the development, implementation and assessment of innovative data services for the Libraries that are responsive to research needs. Provides expert guidance to researchers in establishing data management practices and in selecting appropriate tools and technologies to help with analyzing and managing data throughout the research lifecycle. Knowledgeable about current research about data trends and activities, including available research tools and resources. Supports faculty and students in creating data management plans; developing preservation and storage plans for research data; selecting and using data repositories for archiving and sharing; and meeting funding requirements for data integrity and access. Contributes to the development and management of data collections by participating in selection, management, and delivery of data resources. Collaborates with the Data Research and Statistics Counselor from the Spinelli Center for Quantitative Learning in supporting data based course projects, student research, SURF, and senior thesis projects.

Collection Development (20%)

Collaborates with faculty in the sciences, engineering and data science to select and evaluate materials in a variety of formats that reflect current and developing curricular and research needs. Develops and maintains knowledge of existing and developing modes of scholarly communication and responds to the changing information needs of students and faculty. Partners with the Head of Collection Development to conduct collection analysis and collections use studies.

Other Functions

Additional Responsibilities (15%)

Engages in continuous professional self-development and keeps current with emerging library, educational technology, and digital scholarship practices, methodologies, and technologies. Participates in the work of the Libraries through service on library-wide and Five College committees. Participates in library wide teams, committees and working groups and professional activities. Represents Smith College Libraries at conferences and collaborates with national organizations in pedagogy, librarianship, and emerging library practices.

Will include occasional nights and weekends. Performs related duties as required.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Master’s in Library Science, Information Studies, Education or equivalent degree. At least 3-5 years teaching experience in a library setting. Knowledge of current issues and trends in pedagogy on the undergraduate and graduate level.

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong academic background in and/or knowledge of the sciences, engineering or data science. Experience with evaluating and selecting data sets and developing a data collection. Knowledge of open access. Fluency in R, Python, and SQL. Experience developing data visualization, machine learning, AI, and/or natural language processing.

Skills

Experience in program development, assessment and piloting new service models in libraries. A strong commitment to public service, knowledge of current issues and methods of teaching research literacy, experience with providing library reference and research assistance to users, excellent oral and written communication skills, and demonstrated ability to work flexibly, independently and collaboratively with colleagues and library users in a rapidly changing service-oriented environment. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills including customer service orientation with ability to interact with diverse constituencies.

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . You may combine your resume and cover letter into a single file or attach multiple files to your application, but BE SURE you have provided all attachments BEFORE SUBMITTING your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

June 7, 2021

Compensation Grade:

Grade H

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Smith College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.