Diversity Resident Librarian, UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA

Posted April 27, 2018

Diversity Resident Librarian

Librarian I or II

Two -Year Term Position

 

UMass Amherst, the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system, sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, 90 miles from Boston and 175 miles from New York City. The campus provides a rich cultural environment in a rural setting close to major urban centers.

 

As a gateway to knowledge, the UMass Amherst Libraries are key partners in teaching, learning, and research at UMass Amherst and in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Supporting freedom of inquiry, the Libraries foster a diverse and inclusive environment in which to engage with ideas and acquire the critical skills necessary for lifelong learning. 

 

The UMass Amherst Libraries seek a dynamic and innovative Diversity Resident Librarian.  During the first year, the Resident Librarian will have the opportunity to explore and serve in two to three functional areas or fields of librarianship in support of library and campus initiatives.  The specific fields of librarianship will be mutually determined by the Resident’s interests and the needs of the Libraries. The Resident will attend meetings of, and become engaged in, professional committees and organizations. In the second year, the Resident will begin to specialize by contributing to two functional areas of his or her choosing, and by developing a foundation for a capstone project.

If mutually agreeable, the optional third year allows the Resident to hone specialization in one area and complete a capstone project, preferably suitable for publication.

Applicants will be required to submit a diversity statement identifying past experiences and future goals: 

• That helped shape or enhance your understanding of diversity and inclusion. 
• Specific ways in which your past experiences have incorporated elements of diversity and equity into your teaching, research, and service. 
• Plans for how you will incorporate them into your future work at this university.

Example of Duties:

1. Collaborate with colleagues to improve, strengthen, and actively promote library services, content, programs, and initiatives.
2. Demonstrate a commitment to user-centered services. Be knowledgeable about and actively promote current services, resources, and technologies.
3. Maintain current awareness of issues and trends impacting higher education and understand how these may affect the Libraries.
4. Understand and contribute to implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.
5. May be asked to serve on internal library committees as needed, or to represent the Libraries on campus committees, Five College committees, Boston Library Consortium committees, or at other selected professional meetings and conferences.
6. Work creatively, collaboratively, and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness within the Libraries and the campus.
7. Demonstrate, foster, and cultivate a positive, proactive internal and external customer service culture amongst staff and student staff.
8. Contribute to the profession through active participation in conferences, associations, research, writing, etc.
9. Perform other related duties as assigned or required to meet department, organizational, and university goals and objectives.

 

Required Qualifications:

1.  By the time of hire, Master’s degree in library sciences – or equivalent degree – from a program accredited by the American Library Association, or its appropriate equivalent in librarianship from another country, or have appropriate equivalent experience.
2. The successful candidate should possess a strong interest in academic librarianship; excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication and presentation skills; and the ability to be flexible and motivated in the face of changing work assignments, projects, and departments.
3. Capacity to thrive in an exciting, ambiguous, future-oriented environment, and to respond effectively to changing needs and priorities.
4. Ability to use technology in creative ways to solve problems and/or facilitate workflow.
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively to establish work priorities, set performance expectations, achieve goals, and direct work in constructive, flexible, and cooperative manner, within high-pressure and complex environments.
6. Demonstrated creativity, initiative, and self-direction.
7. Ability to contribute to the implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.
8. Ability to contribute toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.
9. Strong service orientation and the ability to meet the public graciously and tactfully.  Strong customer service attitude and initiative.

 

RANK AND SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

 

Application Instructions:

Apply online at http://umass.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=96940 and submit a letter of application, resume, diversity statement and contact information (phone and email) for three professional references by June 1, 2018 for priority consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Earliest appointment date is September 1, 2018.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is strongly committed to excellence and actively supports cultural diversity. As part of a commitment to its own multicultural community, the Libraries seek an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace University initiatives and aspirations. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members.