Political Science Librarian

Classification Title:

AST UNIV LIBRARIAN

Job Description:

The Political Science Librarian is a year-round (12 month), tenure track library faculty position at the George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida. The position supports the research and academic programs of the Department of Political Science as well as interdisciplinary programs supported by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Responsibilities include analyzing the University’s programs in political science, managing collections to support political science research and teaching, and collaborating with other faculty and staff to provide support in the broader area of the social sciences. This position provides specialized subject area reference services, research consultations, and library instruction.

The Smathers Libraries are 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, growth, and development as well as shared perspectives. To support all colleagues, students, faculty, and staff and foster excellence in a diverse and collaborative society, the libraries are actively seeking candidates who bring culturally rich lived experiences to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and perspectives.

The library encourages broad participation in reaching decisions and consequently the Political Sciences Librarian will contribute to discussions and provide input, and serve on various committees and teams. The Political Sciences Librarian will pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and professional service activities to meet library-wide criteria for tenure and promotion.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops relationships and collaborates with appropriate academic faculty and students including those in the Department of Political Science and interdisciplinary programs supported by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Collaborates with and supports affiliated centers and programs such as the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, Election Science Group, Florida Survey Research Center, and Centers for African, European, Jewish, and Latin American Studies, American Indian & Indigenous Studies, and the Graduate Certificate in Global Islamic Studies.
• Serves as the designated UF representative to the International Consortium for Political Science Research (ICPSR) and to the Florida Consortium for Political Research.
• Keeps informed of the development of academic programs and faculty interests to ensure that the Libraries’ collections and services support curriculum and research needs and informs clientele about relevant Libraries’ issues.
• Provides advanced reference and research consultation in support of political science studies, including the development of LibGuides and other online resources.
• Participates in outreach and instruction programs using traditional classroom and active learning methods and innovative educational technologies.
• Defines goals, establishes objectives, plans, and manages budgets, and coordinates collection development activities with other subject specialists and librarians, with respect to resources for political science studies and related collections.
• Analyzes the political science collection development program and activities, and provides reports, strategies, assessments, and studies or surveys as required for accreditation, strategic planning, and statistical reporting.
• Participates in the Humanities and Social Sciences general reference program.
• Facilitates access to political science data resources and statistical analysis tools in the social sciences.
• Actively engages in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, supports diverse communities, and creates a welcoming environment for all.
• Pursues professional development opportunities including research, publication, grants, and professional service activities to meet library-wide criteria for tenure and promotion.

Expected Salary:

$57,604 minimum salary

The Smathers Libraries offer a salary commensurate with experience and credentials

Minimum 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. We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleague develop the preferred skills. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to communicate how their work and other experiences satisfy the required qualifications in ways that may not be obvious.

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, or advanced degree in political science or a related field with some library work experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in political science or related social science discipline, or work experience in one of these subject areas.
• Familiarity with political science scholarly literature.
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with faculty, students, administrators, and the public.
• Initiative, flexibility, and the ability to adapt and work creatively in a complex, rapidly-changing work environment.
• Evidence of competence in teaching, presentation, and/or training activities, integrating instructional technology when appropriate.
• Strong commitment to user-focused service.
• Record of including individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientation, and/or perspectives in research, teaching, service, and other work.
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills including oral and written communication.
• Strong potential to meet the requirements for tenure and promotion outlined in the departmental by-laws .

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in political science or related field.
• Work experience in a library supporting the social sciences.
• Experience in collection management.
• Experience with or coursework in classroom instruction.
• Expertise with statistical analysis, data visualization, and related tools.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Application Process

To apply, submit

• a cover letter detailing your interest in, and qualifications for this position
• your current resume or CV
• a list of three references including their contact information (telephone number and email address)
• a written statement (250 words) briefly describing your research interests and how those inform your professional practice as a librarian.

Applications will be reviewed as received. Submit all application materials through the Jobs at UF online application system. 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.

The final candidate will be required to provide official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered "official" if a designation of "Issued to Student" is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

Applications must be submitted by 11:55pm (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required: No