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Diversity Resident for Student Services, UC Davis Library, CA

Posted December 6, 2023

Description:

The Library at the University of California, Davis, seeks a dynamic, student-oriented, early-career librarian or recent MLS graduate to participate in a two-year Diversity Residency.

Reporting to the Head of Student Services, the resident will work in a supportive environment to gain the requisite knowledge, skills, and competencies to thrive in an academic library setting, focusing on undergraduate student success, including research, learning, outreach, and assessment.

The overarching goals of the residency program are to

  • Advance diversity and equal opportunity in the profession by recruiting individuals with the potential for leadership in addressing the barriers that have prevented individuals from traditionally underrepresented ethnic or racial minority groups, gender or gender identities, or physical or cognitive abilities from full participation in careers in academic librarianship
  • Recruit to the Library of the University of California, Davis, for the duration of the residency, individuals relatively new to working in a research library by providing opportunities to:
    • contribute meaningfully to defining the changing role of research libraries and the workforce skills of the future
    • acquire meaningful, practical experience in a research library in a top-rated research institution

The residency will provide the incumbents with a supportive environment to gain the requisite knowledge, skills, and competencies to thrive in an academic library setting, focusing on promoting undergraduate student academic success and life-long learning.

Early-career librarians and recent MLS graduates who are interested in pursuing academic librarianship and achieving the goals outlined above are encouraged to apply.

THIS IS NOT AN H1-B OPPORTUNITY

Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Head of Student Services, the resident will:

  • Participate in providing services that support the information and research needs of undergraduate and professional students and effectively deliver services, resources, and outreach activities that advance the Library’s mission.
  • Be able to demonstrate the requisite experience and skills to be a strong candidate for a position in an academic library.
  • Have had the opportunity to explore various roles in an academic library, shape their professional aspirations, and see how different functional units interact and contribute to the library as a whole.
  • Have cultivated collaboration and communication skills necessary to work effectively in a contemporary library organization through practical work experience and professional development opportunities.
  • Under the mentoring of colleagues, have gained demonstrable knowledge related to ongoing relationships with users, particularly students, and have gained the ability to articulate appropriate strategies to support education and research.
  • Be able to speak to and model aspects of modern librarianship in an academic setting.
  • Be able to demonstrate the project and time management skills necessary to complete projects successfully.
  • Be able to apply other interpersonal capabilities such as conflict management, emotional intelligence, self-reflection, etc.
  • Be able to contribute to shaping the field of librarianship through research and scholarship and possess the communication skills and perspective to contribute to discussions about professional practice.
  • Have received specific professional development and training focused on beginning their professional career (such as carrying out a job search, negotiating an offer for a professional position, and seeking a professional mentor).

During the first year, the resident will gain knowledge and work experience in the UC Davis Library, primarily in the Student Services department. The resident will also be introduced to other facets of librarianship in areas such as research consultation and support, archives and special collections, health sciences, scholarly communications, collection strategies, content support services, online services, and data science and management.

By the second year, the resident will be focused on appropriate project work, with specifics defined during the first year in consultation with their supervisor and other library stakeholders as appropriate. The project(s) will be tailored to the resident’s expertise, interests, and skills and ideally will address Library strategic or programmatic needs. The second year will culminate with a presentation, poster session, paper, or some similar effort about the project(s).

Over both years of the residency, the resident will be actively mentored by their supervisor and other relevant colleagues. They will also gain experience with general skills, such as planning and project management, assessment and evaluation, meeting planning, and conflict resolution.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

  • Completion of or enrollment in an ALA-accredited master’s degree program in Library and Information Science or equivalent, if the degree is in progress, must be completed within six months from the date of appointment
  • Understanding of and interest in supporting the research and learning needs of undergraduate students
  • Demonstrated understanding of or the ability to:
    • Work in collaborative teams
    • Communicate effectively in verbal and written form
    • Manage work, projects, and time effectively with competing priorities
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

  • Evidence of knowledge of pedagogical theory or instructional methods and current and emerging trends in instructional and research support services for undergraduate students
  • Working knowledge of relevant instructional technologies, and the application of new technologies in instruction
  • Ability to speak Spanish
  • Evidence of professional engagement, such as membership in a professional organization or committee service, or a record of accomplishment such as presentations at conferences, publications, or creative activities

How to Apply:

Applicants can view the full description and apply at: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06183

We will also be conducting an information session  on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm where we will outline the vision for the position and provide details on the application and interview process. Prospective candidates or anyone interested can register at: https://ucdavis.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nFHhJ3huTUKTN8sQEHVbOA

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