Science Librarian

Amherst College: Staff Search: Frost Library

Location

Amherst, MA

Open Date

Sep 25, 2019

Description

Amherst College invites applications for the Science Librarian position. The Science Librarian is a full time, year-round position, job group and level RI-3. Amherst College has profoundly transformed its student body in terms of socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and nationality, among other areas. Today, nearly one-quarter of Amherst’s students are Pell Grant recipients; 45 percent of our students identify as domestic students of color. Our expectation is that the successful candidate will excel at working in a community that is broadly diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion.

As part of a collaborative and dynamic team, the Science Librarian teaches in the library’s program of course-integrated research instruction; builds relationships with faculty, students, and staff to support their information needs; serves as subject librarian for the Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics & Statistics, Neuroscience, and Physics & Astronomy departments, acting as research instructor, liaison, and selector; and provides general research help and guides library users in identifying, retrieving, and evaluating information in all formats. This position also provides leadership and oversight for the Science Library. Additionally, within the Research & Instruction department, the Science Librarian takes the lead on support for open access and scholarly communication.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Creates responsive, disciplinary-specific research instruction for classes; teaches how to contextualize, find, and use information in a variety of settings; and supports students pursuing research projects
• Serves as subject specialist and liaison to academic departments in the sciences, math, and computer science: provides in-depth consultations about resources and research strategies; develops and manages relevant collections in all formats; connects faculty and students with library services; and stays informed about issues and needs in scientific research, data services, and e-science
• Provides leadership for the Science Library in planning for services and policies; works closely with the Science Library Specialist, who is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of student workers, circulation, and reserves, and the Head of Access Services; works with other Library departments as necessary to ensure excellent service
• Provides research assistance in the main Robert Frost Library in addition to the Science Library; incorporates emerging information technologies and evolving patterns of publishing and information dissemination in responding to scientific research and data needs
• Takes the lead for R&I on providing support, outreach, and resources for open access and new scholarly communication models to faculty, students, and staff

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or foreign equivalent.
• A history of excellent classroom teaching; a commitment to undergraduates and undergraduate education; and a strong record of rapport and collaboration with faculty on assignments, course design, and pedagogical strategies.
• Experience in an academic library or research institution with a focus on teaching, resource selection, and other public services.
• Strong academic background, intellectual curiosity, and familiarity with STEM research and trends in scholarly communication.
• Commitment to and demonstrated knowledge of diversity, inclusion, and equity issues as related to STEM research instruction, collection development, and user-centered public service.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to advocate for the Library to a variety of constituents.
• Additional graduate degree or undergraduate major in a STEM discipline preferred; proficiency in a language besides English welcomed.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information (email and/or telephone numbers) for three professional references. Review of applications will begin on October 28, 2019, and continue until the position is filled.

ABOUT AMHERST COLLEGE

Amherst College, one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the nation, is located in Amherst, Massachusetts, a town of approximately 35,000 residents in the western part of the state. The college’s community is composed of about 1,800 students from 48 states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 54 countries around the world, and about 1,000 staff and faculty. The college’s scenic 1,000-acre campus includes a 500-acre wildlife sanctuary and the Book & Plow Farm; three museums: Emily Dickinson Museum, Beneski Museum of Natural History and Mead Art Museum; and multiple educational and cultural venues and resources through the Five College Consortium. The town of Amherst offers an amazing variety of coffee shops, restaurants and entertainment, and a very active outdoor life. Our vibrant campus, diverse community and beautiful surrounding, makes Amherst College and the Town of Amherst the perfect place to work, learn and live!

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Amherst College does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs and activities on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, military service, or any other characteristic or class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Amherst College complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Inquiries should be addressed to the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Amherst College, P.O. Box 5000, Amherst, MA 01002-5000.