TITLE: Political Science and Public Affairs Librarian
LOCATION: Reference and Research Services
Division
THE LIBRARIES:
Among the largest
academic research libraries in North America, the University of Washington
Libraries has a collection of more than seven million cataloged volumes, an
equal number in microform format, more than 50,000 serial titles, and several
million items in other formats. Students and faculty recognize the value
provided by the Libraries and rank the Libraries as the most important source of
information for their work. The Libraries also receives the highest satisfaction
rating of any academic service on the surveys of graduating seniors conducted by
the Office of Educational Assessment.
THE REFERENCE & RESEARCH SERVICES DIVISION:
The Political Science
and Public Affairs Librarian reports to the Head of Reference and Research
Services. Located in the Suzzallo and Allen Libraries, the Reference and
Research Services Division contains the largest and most comprehensive
collection of reference resources for the humanities and social sciences fields
within the University of Washington Libraries. The Division is the main
reference service point for: Anthropology, Cinema Studies, Classics,
Communications, Comparative Literature, Comparative Religion, Comparative
History of Ideas, Economics, Education, English Language and Literature, Ethnic
Studies, Geography, Germanics, History, Human Rights, Linguistics, Philosophy,
Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Romance Languages and Literatures,
Scandinavian Studies, Sociology, South Asian Studies, and Women Studies. The
Division has been a leader in the development and implementation of digital
reference services.
THE POSITION:
The University of Washington Libraries seeks an energetic
librarian committed to providing a range of services and developing the
collections in the fields of political science, public affairs, and associated
interdisciplinary social sciences. In concert with colleagues in the
Social Sciences Fund Group, the librarian provides services across a wide range
of interdisciplinary areas, and is responsible for several additional academic
programs related to political science and public affairs. The
position provides reference and information services in the Social Sciences and
Humanities, with emphasis on research consultation and user education in
political science and public affairs. Responsibilities also include
developing and managing library services in support of political science, public
affairs, and related academic programs, and developing the print and electronic
collections in those disciplines. The position works closely with
librarians in Government Publications in the delivery of reference and
instructional services. The Political Science Department has the largest
number of undergraduate majors at the University of Washington. The Evans
School of Public Affairs promotes an intensely interdisciplinary environment,
offering concurrent graduate degree programs with architecture and urban
planning, international studies, public health, forestry, and law. In
addition, research centers in the Evans School bring together faculty from a
number of disciplines, including engineering, fisheries and oceanography, social
work, and education.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
* Provides consultation and
instruction services for political science, public affairs, and related
topics.
* Actively engages with and develops strong working relationships
with faculty and communicates with them regularly on a wide range of issues,
including those related to scholarly communication.
* Works collaboratively
with other subject librarians on interdisciplinary collection development and
user education.
* Selects print, media, and electronic resources for the
collections, and manages state, gift, and grant funds in political science and
public affairs.
* Creates and maintains web pages to support instruction and
research.
* Participates in providing reference service through desk and
virtual services.
* Participates in the Libraries’ digital initiatives
efforts.
* Contributes to the Reference and Research Services Division's
programs and services.
* Assumes other responsibilities as assigned; performs
other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
* Graduate degree from a program accredited
by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library
science/information studies degree.
* Demonstrated commitment to diversity
and understanding of the contributions a diverse workforce brings to the
workplace.
* Evidence of the ability to effectively work independently and
with others in a demanding and rapidly changing environment where consultation,
collaboration, and cooperation are essential.
Preferred:
* Minimum of two years post MLS (or equivalent degree)
professional experience working in a library or library-related position.
*
Undergraduate or graduate degree in political science, public affairs, or a
related social sciences field, demonstrating broad knowledge across
disciplines.
* Knowledge of resources and contemporary research issues in
political science, public affairs, and related disciplines.
* Familiarity
with government publications and the structure of government information.
*
Experience in developing collections.
* Reference experience (face to face
and virtual) in an academic library.
* Evidence of planning and
providing user education programs.
* Demonstrated experience working
creatively, collaboratively, and effectively with colleagues, faculty, and
students.
* Knowledge of current and emerging information technology as it
contributes to meeting the needs of researchers.
* Demonstrated excellent
interpersonal skills; evidence of strong written and oral communication
skills.
* Evidence of initiative and resourcefulness in past activities.
*
Evidence of contributions to the profession.
SALARY: $41,000 minimum. Starting salary commensurate with
qualifications and background. Salary increase scheduled for September 1,
2008.
BENEFITS: Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the
University of Washington Retirement Plan (TIAA-CREF, The Vanguard Group, and/or
Fidelity Investments) on a matching basis. Vacation is accrued at the rate
of 24 working days per year; sick leave at the rate of 12 working days per
year. No state or local income tax.
APPLY TO:
Charles E. Chamberlin
Senior Associate Dean
University
of Washington Libraries
482 Allen Library
Box 352900
Seattle,
Washington 98195-2900
Applicants should submit a letter of application, full resume including
a work telephone number, e-mail address, salary requirements, and the names,
addresses and telephone numbers of at least three references who are
knowledgeable of the applicant's qualifications for this position.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
To ensure consideration, applications
should be received no later than 5:00 p.m., June 30, 2008.
The University of Washington, an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
Employer, is building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages
applications from female and minority candidates.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the
University is required to verify and document the citizenship or employment
authorization of each new employee.