Open Science/STEM Librarian, University of Maryland Libraries, (College Park, MA)
Posted September 30, 2022
Description
Reporting to the Head of the STEM Library, the Open Science and STEM Librarian manages a combination of duties and expectations, with responsibilities in: Collections and Content, Reference and Research Consulting, Teaching, Learning and Literacies, Outreach and Engagement, and Scholarly Communications and Research Data Services. The incumbent’s subject assignment will be Life Sciences. Additionally, the STEM & Open Science Librarian will develop programs benefiting their communities to expand the Libraries’ research-related programs and services. Programming may focus on issues relevant to the STEM community in the following categories: information literacy, scholarly communication, GIS, Maker lab, etc. The STEM Library serves several colleges and schools, including the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the A. James Clark School of Engineering, School of Public Health, and the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences. Along with other STEM and other subject librarians, the incumbent is in a key position to help the University of Maryland Libraries define a role for subject librarians that will allow the Libraries to be more closely integrated into the entire educational and research process at the University of Maryland. The STEM & Open Science librarian will help envision and shape new approaches to faculty/library relationships.
Responsibilities
Subject Liaison Duties 70%
● Serves as library liaison to specified academic units/departments, which involves, but is not limited to,
promoting services available through the Libraries, supporting information literacy efforts and faculty
research, creating web and digital content, and developing and managing print and electronic collections.
● Proactively supports researchers on scholarly communication models, data management, development of new digital tools, and e-Research and data services in assigned fields. Builds internal and external partnerships to support this activity.
● Actively engages with faculty, students, and staff in assigned STEM subject areas, developing strong
working relationships and partnerships. Develops strong understanding of research and teaching needs
of assigned units/departments, develops and enhances services in anticipation of these needs.
● Provides general and subject-specific information and research service in person, by phone, electronically (through chat, instant messaging, and email); finds new ways of communication and challenges existing limitations.
● Provides general and subject-specific instruction in the use of library resources and develops innovative
approaches. Assumes leadership responsibility for developing, in partnership with other groups on
campus when applicable, library-based curricular educational programming.
Open Science Duties 20%
● Promotes Open Science, including open access sources and tools, in particular in STEM disciplines.
Possibly serve as a point person for one or more of the open science initiatives (such as Center for Open
Science)
● Develops programs benefiting STEM disciplines to expand research-related programs and services, including but not limited to identifying and coordinating topics and speakers for the STEAM Salon Series.
Programming may focus on issues relevant to the STEM community in the following categories: Information literacy, Scholarly communication, Makerspace, etc.
● Identifies and implements new, innovative or enhanced services using emerging technologies.
● Works collaboratively with faculty and colleagues in the Libraries and on campus to achieve goals.
Other 10%
● Participates in the activities of the unit, RTL and RAS.
● Participates in library and campus committees as appropriate. ● Participates in professional
development activities, such continuing education, and service to the library community and
scholarship.
● Participates in university and/or library activities and training related to promoting diversity, equity,
inclusion, and accessibility.
● Contributes to advancing the University’s and the Libraries’ goals related to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility
● Performs other duties, as assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
● Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment
and keyboards
● Some travels between buildings on campus
Qualifications
Required
● Understanding of current and emerging trends in the assigned subject areas and in academic librarianship; knowledge of electronic resources and information technologies.
● Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to produce published scholarship.
● Excellent attention to details and organizational skills.
● Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to function independently and in groups, to build and maintain relationships with partners and library staff; and the ability to provide exceptional services to a diverse clientele.
● Demonstrated commitment to fostering a just, equitable, and inclusive workplace evidenced through work experience, education, professional development, professional service and/or scholarship. Strong commitment to the principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Preferred
● Background or experience in life sciences.
● Knowledge of relevant online resources and experience with bibliographic management tools.
● Knowledge of data management planning and/or data curation, visualization, scholarly communications and open access tools.
● Familiarity with Semantic Web technologies and major collections in life sciences or other STEM fields (e.g., scholarly journals, databases, digital libraries and other resources).
● Evidence of teaching/instruction experience.
● Evidence of ability to meet promotion and permanent status requirements of the University of Maryland at College Park Libraries.
EDUCATION
Required
● Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution of higher education or a non-US equivalent by the start of employment, or an advanced degree with two years relevant experience.
Preferred
● Significant coursework, bachelor’s degree or second advanced degree in related fields. Life Sciences background preferred.
EXPERIENCE
Required
- Understanding of current and emerging trends in the assigned subject areas and in academic
librarianship. - Demonstrated experience with reference, instruction and collection development in science disciplines.
- Demonstrated experience with or demonstrated aptitude for working effectively and creatively with
faculty and students. - Subject background in assigned disciplines demonstrated through academic degrees, course work, or substantive experience.
Preferred
Experience in life sciences librarianship.
● Experience or aptitude for developing new teaching or research-based programs and services in the
assigned disciplines with appeals to diverse audiences.
● Experience with designing measures and assessments to
determine value, experience with a variety of assessment tools.
● Familiarity with Semantic Web technologies and major collections in assigned disciplines or other
related fields (e.g., scholarly journals, databases, digital libraries, and other resources).
● Knowledge of data management planning and/or data curation, visualization, scholarly
communications, and open access tools.
● One year of experience in an academic research library.
● Evidence of teaching/instruction experience.
● Evidence of ability to meet promotion and permanent status
requirements of the University of Maryland at College Park Libraries
How to Apply
To apply for the position, please go to the Open Science/STEM Librarian position page