Political Science and Public Affairs Librarian

LOCATION:

Reference and Research Services Division

NOTICE OF VACANCY:

April 23, 2008

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, June 30, 2008.

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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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 QUALIFICATIONS:

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, a full resume, including a work telephone number and e-mail address, salary requirements, and the names, mailing addresses and telephone numbers of at least three references who are knowledgeable of the applicant's qualifications for this position.

University of Washington Libraries Home Page address is:

http://www.lib.washington.edu

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.

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