The University of Oklahoma Libraries seeks to recruit a Social Sciences Librarian. The librarian serves as a library liaison to multiple academic departments in the social sciences, likely including (but not limited to) African & African American Studies, Anthropology, Communication, and Journalism and Mass Communication. The position develops relationships with these departments to promote library resources and services to their students, faculty and staff including: reference assistance, bibliographic searches, developing library guides, library instruction, collection development and other departmental needs. This position provides direct support for teaching, research, outreach, technology, programs and events in a welcoming and intellectually engaging learning environment. This position may also serve on library and campus committees and participate in scholarly associations related to the profession.
Position Responsibilities:
Develops and maintains positive working relationships outside the library with administrators, library representatives, faculty, and students in academic and affiliated units for assigned subject areas. Meets and/or communicates regularly with administrators and library representatives.
Communicates regularly with department faculty and students through email, departmental websites or other channels as appropriate. Attends departmental meetings of academic departments, schools, and colleges and/or holds regular office hours in academic departments, schools, and colleges if applicable.
Performs regular assessment to maintain sustainable and usable collections for faculty and students.
Works collaboratively with other library staff to support research data management and research impact initiatives that meet the needs of faculty and students, including developing and teaching workshops, creating online guides, and working on related projects in assigned disciplines.
Provides research assistance to primary constituencies on the use of the library and related resources in-person or remotely; collaborates with scholars on advanced research projects or digital scholarship projects as appropriate.
Teaches instructional sessions within credit courses in assigned departments and/or works with individual students and small groups outside of credit courses as requested; develops and provides specialized instruction on library and related resources and the literature of a field through classes, group training sessions, and workshops sponsored by the library or related organizations.
Develops and maintains subject and course guides and special topic guides for the library website and appropriate university websites and systems; develops and maintains online tutorials for use within library and university online venues and in support of OU online learning initiatives.
Compiles and submits activity reports and statistics for liaison activities related to research consultations, instructional activities, outreach programs, and other activities in a timely manner into the statistics system, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Creates reports related to activities as requested.
Participates in library and university committees and task forces related to primary job assignment as appropriate or assigned; serves and participates at the local, state, regional, national and international level in professional and scholarly associations as appropriate to position and experience.
Publishes and presents on professional and scholarly topics and research.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applicants must attach the following items in PDF format:
Cover Letter
Resume or CV
List of 3 professional references
Hire will be contingent upon submission of academic transcripts.
Best consideration date for this position is June 28, 2024.
Required Education: Master's degree in any subject area AND:
12 months of related academic experience
Skills:
Demonstrated creative and innovative problem-solving skills, flexibility, and a strong commitment to service excellence.
Ability to take initiative, be self-directed, and demonstrate a commitment to innovation and creativity.
Strong organizational, project, and time management skills to lead or coordinate multiple projects, working with minimal supervision.
Excellent oral and written communication.
Ability to establish and sustain positive working relationships with all levels of personnel, including administrators, faculty, staff, and student employees.
Certifications:
None
Advertised Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift, bend, stoop, and carry.
Ability to engage in repetitive motions,
Standard office environment.
Frequent exposure to interruptions,
Requires contact with other departments and university officials.
Department Preferences:
Masters of Library & Information Studies from an ALA-accredited program.
Graduate-level coursework or degree in a related field.
Understanding of the academic library’s role in research, teaching and learning, and of current and emerging trends/issues related to scholarly communication, open access, open educational resources, information and data literacy, research data management, impact metrics, and digital scholarship.
Understanding of the professional literature, research and data life cycles, research trends/methodologies/processes within specific disciplines, and the ability to use this understanding to serve faculty and students in a research library setting.
Experience in teaching students and faculty one-on-one and in classroom settings.
Experience developing online subject guides, tutorials and/or web content for users.
Experience with tools for statistical analysis and qualitative or quantitative research (e.g. SPSS, NVIVO).
Evidence of and/or interest in participating in professional development and continuing education activities, professional and scholarly associations, and presenting and publishing on work-related topics.
Record of accomplishment working in a team-based organization to achieve goals.
Supervision:
None
Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.
Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.
