Map Librarian

Harvard University

09-Jan-2023
Map Librarian
Harvard College Library
61120BR

Job Summary

The position will remain posted until filled. Due to the planned outage of our system, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by end of the day on February 24, 2023.
The Harvard Map Collection is one of the oldest map collections in North America and has grown to include ca. 500,000 maps, more than 6,000 atlases, and several thousand reference books. Topographic maps, city plans, nautical charts, and thematic maps comprise this excellent research collection, holding original materials from the 16th century to the present and by most significant mapmakers. The Harvard Map Collection also has a strong commitment to collecting geospatial data and manages the holdings of the Harvard Geospatial Library. The Map Librarian reports to the Head of Geospatial Resources within the Harvard Map Collection.

The Map Librarian is the person responsible for teaching class sessions at faculty request that utilize paper maps and atlases. This entails selecting the maps to use (with faculty input) and developing activities that connect the maps to the pedagogical goals of the course. There are also opportunities to collaborate with the GIS Outreach Librarian on course activities that incorporate both the digital and paper parts of the Collection. As part of this teaching work, the Map Librarian may uncover gaps in the Collection and suggest additions to the Collection

Additionally, the Map Librarian, with the Cartographic Assistant, works to answer research questions and assist patrons in the reading room.

Position Description

The Harvard Map Collection seeks a creative and proactive information professional to serve as Map Librarian. The Map Collection is a highly collaborative environment, and this position is an important part of a larger team. Working under the direction of the Head of Geospatial Resources, the main responsibilities of this position are:

• Teach class sessions at faculty request and develop engaging session activities that are in line with the pedagogical goals of the course
• Work with Library Departmental Liaisons throughout the semester to identify opportunities for outreach from the Map Librarian as well as chances to increase awareness of the services offered by the Map Collection
• Work with the Map Collection's GIS Librarian and GIS Outreach Librarian to integrate techniques for working with digital maps and data into class sessions and course projects
• Answer reference questions and conduct research consultations. Consultations are by appointment only.
• Participate in relevant library committees and working groups
• Work collaboratively to acquire materials for course use and identify themes that can guide collecting activities

Basic Qualifications

• MLS or equivalent experience.
• At least 4 years of experience working with maps in a library setting.
• At least 2 years of teaching experience.
• General understanding of the basic principles of geographic information systems.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

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• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and antiracism.
• Proven aptitude for building working relationships across units and departments.
• Demonstrated skills in presenting to an audience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with the Aeon request system preferred.
• Experience with JavaScript a plus.

Physical Requirements

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• This position requires bending, stretching, using step stools and climbing a safety ladder to retrieve heavy folders of maps.

Working Conditions

• The position is based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. There may be the opportunity for a flexible or hybrid work model compliant with Harvard University remote work policies.
• The work is performed in a library environment. There will be exposure to dust and possible limited exposure to mold.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Across the Harvard Library, our work is enriched by our diverse campus community. Our unique and wide-ranging abilities, experiences, and perspectives are integral to achieving Harvard University's mission of excellence in research, teaching, and learning for our patrons, our collections, and our workplace. We believe that an inclusive environment that cultivates and promotes understanding, respect, and collaboration across our diverse workforce enables our success.

We invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and abilities to be a part of our community of over 700 staff members. Our work with faculty, students and researchers to explore answers to intellectual questions, enduring and new, and to seek solutions to the world's most consequential problems, requires that we not only reflect, but also champion our diverse society.

Harvard Library inspires collaboration, reflection, experimentation, and discovery connecting users to related disciplines and to University-wide teaching resources. The Library engages users through curated discovery, digital collections, reimagined physical space, and specialized research support. Today, Harvard Library's holdings range from traditional print collections to rapidly expanding access to digital resources. Harvard Library provides the University's faculty, students, and researchers-now and in the future-with exceptional experiences and comprehensive access to these materials.

Learn more about our contributions to the academic enterprise by visiting us at http://library.harvard.edu and about the Harvard University community at http://hr.harvard.edu/why-harvard.

The Harvard Library is a proud member of the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) Diversity Alliance.

Job Function
Library

Location
USA - MA - Cambridge

Department
Harvard Map Collection

Time Status
Full-time

Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening
Criminal, Education, Identity

Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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