University of Tennessee Libraries

Faculty Vacancy 

Scholarly Communication Librarian

Appointment Rank: Assistant Professor

Department:      Research Impact and Open Access

Immediate Supervisor: Head, Research Impact and Open Access

Salary: Minimum $63,000

Available: March 1, 2024

 

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), a Research 1 institution and the flagship institution for the state, is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to join the Research Impact and Open Access team. The city of Knoxville is a hidden gem with a beautiful and walkable downtown, varied nightlife, active neighborhoods, and eclectic shopping and restaurants. UT is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

 

GENERAL FUNCTION
The Scholarly Communication Librarian helps campus stakeholders understand the benefits of models of disseminating research that are innovative, impactful, and open. The librarian develops, coordinates, and promotes services related to scholarly publishing, including open access to the scholarly record, copyright, and fair use.

This position works collaboratively with other units to advocate for changes that support the University of Tennessee’s vision of sharing world-class research, scholarship, and creative works that advance the frontiers of knowledge to create a more just, prosperous, and sustainable future. This position works closely with other librarians to develop and deliver programming, outreach, and services that meet the needs of researchers at every level.

 

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Advocacy and Leadership

●       Engages constructively and respectfully with a range of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students on topics related to scholarly communication

●       Actively participates in the broader scholarly communication landscape (including professional best practices, emerging trends and government and funder mandates) and communicates their implications to stakeholders

●       Provides training and guidance to other librarians that fosters a culture of engagement around open access publishing and related topics

●       Collaborates to demonstrate the value of our institution's research to the general public

●       Coordinates with other units, including the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development and Office of Sponsored Programs to facilitate compliance and understanding of relevant mandates and best practices from funders

●       Assesses campus and community needs to identify opportunities for services and outreach 

●       Promotes and delivers impactful services, workshops and other initiatives related to scholarly communication

●       Champions research integrity and trust in science by offering consultations and workshops in the responsible conduct of research and publication

●       Develops and maintains relevant LibGuides

 

 

Scholarly Publishing

●       Actively recruits materials from the campus community for inclusion in TRACE (Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange), our open institutional repository

●       Promotes and manages the libraries open access journal hosting program, V.O.L. Journals

●       Provides user-focused support for TRACE and V.O.L. Journals

●       Works with the Graduate School and students in support of the electronic thesis and dissertation submission process

●       Creates and maintains policies and procedures related to scholarly dissemination platforms

●       Collaborates with the University of Tennessee Press to explore open access publishing models for scholarly monographs

 

Copyright and Fair Use Education

●       Serves as a library resource on copyright, fair use interpretations, and open access compliance issues

●       Provides consultation for researchers on publishing agreements and author rights

 

Scholarship & Service 

●       Engages in research/scholarship/creative activity through publication, presentation, and other outlets

●       Serves the institution and the profession through involvement in professional organizations and cooperative efforts with other professionals and institutions 

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful candidate must exhibit the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals and demonstrate enthusiasm to meet dynamically changing needs within a culture of continuous learning. 

 

Required - 

●       Master’s Degree from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent international post baccalaureate degree by time of appointment

●       Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment 

●       Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills to establish and maintain close, productive working relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders

●       Proven commitment to customer service  

●       Ability to engage in research, publication, and service consonant with the University’s and Libraries’ guidelines for promotion and tenure

 

Preferred - 

●       Experience working in academic libraries and/or with scholarly communications/publishing

●       Experience and/or coursework on instructional methods

●       Experience creating and maintaining technical documentation

●       Familiarity with LibGuides software or online instructional tools

●       Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and ability to work creatively and effectively both independently and as a team member 

 

ENVIRONMENT

The University of Tennessee Libraries serves the flagship campus of Tennessee’s premier public research university. The University of Tennessee holds the Carnegie Foundation Research 1 designation, granted to doctoral universities with very high research activity.  As a land-grant university and as Volunteers, serving our state and nation are key to our mission. UT enrolls approximately 33,805 students at its Knoxville campus. For more information about the people who comprise the UTK community, view resources on our Data Central website. The University culture is guided by adherence to core values that define the Volunteer spirit and include: seeking knowledge; leading with innovation and integrity; advancing diversity and inclusion; engaging locally and globally; and embracing responsible stewardship of resources.

 

The UT Libraries supports the teaching, research, and service mission of the university and enhances the academic experience of each student at the Knoxville campus—through outstanding print and electronic collections, reference and instructional services, and top-notch facilities and technological resources. The John C. Hodges Library in the heart of campus houses the majority of the UT Libraries' collections and many unique services. Two branch libraries offer specialized collections and services: the Webster C. Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library and the George F. DeVine Music Library.

 

The UT Libraries is a national leader in digital collections; in support of open access though our digital repository, TRACE; and through a rich history of designing innovative spaces and building key partnerships that enhance the teaching/learning enterprise. The UT Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, HathiTrust, the Library Publishing Coalition, LYRASIS, and the Center for Research Libraries. The UT Libraries collaborates actively at the state level with the other University of Tennessee System libraries as well as the libraries in the Tennessee Board of Regents system.

 

The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University. The UT Libraries champions diversity in collections and staffing. The University of Tennessee is committed to creating a welcoming environment. More information about how we put our principles of civility and community into action is available at https://www.lib.utk.edu/diversity/.

 

Additional information about this position and the UT community is available at https://www.lib.utk.edu/employment/position/scholarly-communication-librarian/

 

BENEFITS

Appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor with a salary of $63,000.  Faculty rank and status; twelve-month, tenure-track appointment.  Library faculty must meet University requirements for promotion and tenure.

 

Excellent benefits include 24 annual leave days; choice of state retirement plan (TCRS) or the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) (VOYA, TIAA) with nonrefundable contributions paid for the employee by the University; optional group health and life insurance plans. Tuition remission is available for all university employees and partial undergraduate tuition remission is available to dependent children and spouses of UT employees. Start-up funding in the amount of $10,000 allocated over a three-year period; annual support for travel & professional development.

 

UT’s Prospective Faculty Viewbook has information on academic support, personal support, and living in Knoxville.

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

A background check and official transcripts are required prior to hiring. In order to be considered for candidacy, you must submit, via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/131594,  a cover letter addressing the above qualifications, a current resume or CV, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three recent references. Questions may be directed to Susan Pritchard, Libraries HR & Administration Manager, [log in to unmask] Review of applications will begin Monday, October 9, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. 

 

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admissions without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN  37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498.  Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.