Kaplanoff Librarian for American History, Yale University, New Haven, CT
Posted June 17, 2016
Position Focus: Reporting to the Head of Humanities Collections and Research Education, the Kaplanoff Librarian facilitates access to collections and services in a complex, multi-faceted research library environment through direct contact with library patrons and the development and promotion of services and collections.
The Kaplanoff Librarian provides research support to students and faculty in the Departments of African American Studies, and History and the program of American Studies through extensive one-on-one research consultations, class instruction, and virtual reference services; raises awareness of research resources through blogs, mailing lists, and workshops; engages with students and faculty to support exhibits, digital projects, conferences, and other academic efforts; creates and maintains research guides and other research support tools. The librarian also collaborates with other library subject specialists, special collections librarians and archivists, and digital humanities specialists in support of a rich and varied research program.
The librarian is responsible for selection of materials in all formats (analog and digital) covering the following subject areas: American History, American Studies, and African American Studies. The incumbent is also responsible for the management of collection development funds.
The incumbent participates in research and instruction program planning and implementation, Yale Library strategic planning, committees, and task forces, and campus, regional, and national professional collaborative activities.
The librarian participates in professional activities outside of Yale and monitors developments and best practices elsewhere to help ensure the excellence of the Yale humanities collections and research support services. May be required to assist with disaster recovery efforts.
Required Education, Skills and Experience:
- Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school. In selected instances, a post-graduate degree in a related discipline may be required or substituted for a master’s degree in library science. Advanced degree in American History required, preferably a PhD
- Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications and analytical ability.
- Demonstrated teaching ability in a library or academic setting.
- Demonstrated record of designing projects and bringing them to a conclusion in a timely fashion.
- Experience working collegially and cooperatively within and across organizations.
- Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment.
- Demonstrated skill with digital tools and applications for academic research
- Demonstrated excellence in public service provision, preferably in an academic library setting. Strong service orientation.
- PhD in American History
- Experience advising undergraduate and graduate researchers
- Experience developing web content
- Knowledge of emerging technologies
- Knowledge of and/or experience in digital humanities.
The Yale University Library, as one of the world’s leading research libraries, collects, organizes, preserves, and provides access to and services for a rich and unique record of human thought and creativity. It fosters intellectual growth and supports the teaching and research missions of Yale University and scholarly communities worldwide. A distinctive strength is its rich spectrum of resources, including around 12.8 million volumes and information in all media, ranging from ancient papyri to early printed books to electronic databases. The Library is engaging in numerous projects to expand access to its physical and digital collections. Housed in eighteen buildings including the Sterling Memorial Library, the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, the Center for Science and Social Science Information, and the Bass Library, it employs a dynamic and diverse staff of approximately five hundred who offer innovative and flexible services to library readers. For additional information on the Yale University Library, please visit the Library’s web site at www.library.yale.edu.
Salary and Benefits
We invite you to discover the excitement, diversity, rewards and excellence of a career at Yale University. One of the country’s great workplaces, Yale University offers exciting opportunities for meaningful accomplishment and true growth. Our benefits package is among the best anywhere, with a wide variety of insurance choices, liberal paid time off, fantastic family and educational benefits, a variety of retirement benefits, extensive recreational facilities, and much more.