Research Specialist for GIS, Digital Humanities Center, University of Rochester, Rochester NY
Posted May 6, 2014
POSITION SUMMARY: The River Campus Libraries at the University of Rochester seeks an innovative, collaborative GIS Librarian. The GIS Librarian will report to the Head of the Digital Humanities Center (DHC) and support GIS initiatives and projects across the disciplines with a particular focus in the humanities. Working closely with the Head of the Center, the Research Specialist will consult with faculty and students on specific GIS projects in support of their research, teaching, and learning activites. A priority for the Digital Humanities Center is working with faculty to integrate GIS data resources into their research and curriculum. The Research Specialist will work closely with all subject librarians and the Data Librarian in outreach efforts to identify and support GIS opportunities in the disciplines. Current initiatives in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Rochester include the Virtual St. Georgeâ??s Project led by History Professor Mike Jarvis, and a new course, Digital Cityscapes, led by German Professor June Hwang. The ideal candidate will have a record of innovation and creativity in making GIS tools accessible, understandable, and applicable to an academic audience.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: Research & Teaching Support: Consults with faculty and students on specific GIS projects in support of their research and teaching in the humanities Develops services to assist faculty in finding and applying geospatial data Provides research assistance, classroom presentations, and instruction on the use of GIS tools and software Collaborates on the development and implementation of library and university projects that involve the use of geospatial data Faculty & Staff Outreach Promotes the integration of GIS into teaching and research through active participation with faculty and students Works closely with subject librarians in outreach efforts to identify and support GIS opportunities in their disciplines Grant Sponsored Research Supports the Historic Bermuda Project, the Bragdon Archive Project, the Seward Family Papers Project, and other projects as needed depending on grant funded priorities Professional Development, Assessment, and Service Monitors trends in GIS applications to teaching and research Maintains professional collaborations with RCL colleagues, University IT, and other campus stakeholders Participates in long term planning, conducts ongoing assessment of services and develops web-based guides and other research tools as needed Collaborates on special projects and serves on committees and working groups as needed to support the River Campus Libraries Strategic Priorities Other duties as assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: ALA-accredited Masters Degree in Library or Information Science; demonstrated proficiency using GIS software and spatial data, including ArcGIS and other ESRI software products; web development skills; the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to academic library service excellence, the ability to work effectively within a diverse academic community, a demonstrated ability to collaborate in a team environment, and evidence of innovation in delivering library services.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience with data visualization tools and software and concepts as related to geospatial information; experience creating and maintaining appropriate geospatial data models and metadata; experience managing a geospatial imagery collection; GIS professional certification; instruction experience and expertise in teaching and learning in higher education. This document describes typical duties and is not meant to limit management from assigning other duties as required. The Libraries, the University, and the Area: The Digital Humanities Center, located in the Rush Rhees Library, is a specialized learning unit whose mission is to assist faculty and students in integrating digital tools and resources in teaching and learning, and to serve as a partner for other University of Rochester groups engaged in interdisciplinary scholarship. The DHCs other professional staff positions include a director, programmer, and digitization specialist. The DHCs digitization program is a service point that facilitates digital access to library materials for classroom use, curricular support and scholarship, and provides support for the preservation of, and access to born digital scholarship and web-based scholarly initiatives. Current projects include Virtual St. Georges, the construction of a 3D model of historic St. Georges, Bermuda with History Professor Michael Jarvis, Digital Cityscapes, with German Professor June Hwang, and the Bragdon Archive Project, with History Professor Joan Rubin and Art and Art History Professor Joan Saab.
The University of Rochester Libraries belongs to the Association of Research Libraries and has collections of nearly 3.75 million volumes and more than 28,000 active serial titles. The River Campus Libraries, the largest of three library systems at the University of Rochester, is a leader in user-centered design research, institutional repositories, and web-based services. Recent projects include a multi-year ethnographic study of undergraduates, two IMLS-funded projects to study how faculty and graduate students conduct research and Andrew W. Mellon foundation grants to design and develop open source discovery tools. The River Campus Libraries are currently finishing the first year of a five year strategic plan centered on transitioning to a digital future which promises to be a very exciting time for a motivated, innovative professional wishing to join our team. For more information on the Libraries, please consult our website: www.library.rochester.edu The University of Rochester is the sixth largest private employer in New York State and one of the nations leading private universities with over 5,000 undergraduates and 3200 graduate students on the River Campus.
Located in Rochester, New York, the University gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Among the 100 largest metropolitan regions in the country, Greater Rochester has earned a reputation as one of the most livable communities in the nation. Located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario and gateway to the scenic Finger Lakes, Rochester offers 1.1 million residents the amenities of a metropolitan area with a quality of life not available in many urban regions. Rochester is recognized as one of the most affordable housing markets in the country where the prospect of owning a house is a possibility. Newsweek has consistently listed several high schools in the metropolitan area as among the best in the country. The metropolitan area boasts 20,000 acres of parkland and offers year-round recreational opportunities for those who like to be outdoors in all seasons. In addition to hosting past PGA and Ryder cup tournaments and the annual LPGA tour, Rochester is also home to top-level minor league baseball, hockey, soccer, and lacrosse teams. For more information about living in Rochester, see www.rochestermadeforliving.com
Application deadline is May 15, 2014 . Please apply online and ALSO send letter of application, resume, and the names, addresses and phone numbers of three references to: Kelley Kitrinos Rush Rhees Library University of Rochester Rochester, NY 14627 [email protected] The University of Rochester is an Equal Opportunity Employer: EOE Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled