Join the NC State University Libraries and help us create adventurous, innovative services and library spaces that delight students, faculty, and researchers. The award-winning James B. Hunt Jr. Library on NC State’s Centennial Campus offers access to advanced technologies that are enabling revolutionary ways to see and use information. Capturing NC State’s spirit of innovation in education and research, the Hunt Library is recognized as one of the world’s most creative and inspirational learning and collaborative spaces and a model for “the library of the future.” The D. H. Hill Jr. Library, serving the main campus, combines the best of tradition and innovation, housing special collections and a beautiful gallery alongside vibrant, experiential spaces for making, digital media creation, data analysis and visualization, and collaboration. Three branch libraries focus on design, natural resources, and veterinary medicine. For the Libraries, shaping the future of librarianship includes a sustained commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere for the NC State community and advancing diversity in the profession.
The NC State University Libraries Fellows Program offers a unique opportunity for recent M.L.S. and M.I.S. graduates. Fellows will be appointed at the rank of faculty librarian for a three-year term from July 2025 through June 2028. An alternative option for a September 2025 placement may be available, depending upon graduation date. In order to be eligible, the terminal degree must be awarded between December 2024 and September 2025. To learn more about the Fellows Program, please visit our website at http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/fellows.
For the 2025-2028 cohort, the Libraries is particularly interested in those with an aptitude for and interest in developing careers in digital technologies—focusing on the systems and software applications that support our innovative services, spaces, and resources for learning, research, and collaboration.
This program is based in North Carolina. The Libraries supports flexible and hybrid work arrangements based on departmental and operational needs.
NC State University promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State’s land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interests, and experience would enable them to support the university.
Why choose the NC State University Libraries as a first professional librarian position?
The Libraries Fellows Program provides a launching pad for a career in academic librarianship. Fellows will experience the rewards of working within a leading research library and with a large user community reflecting a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, including outstanding faculty and students in nationally ranked academic programs. They will gain experience in a highly collaborative work environment with access to key decision makers throughout the organization. They will also develop expertise in and contribute meaningfully to a variety of essential functional areas in academic librarianship. In addition to a competitive salary, Fellows receive a generous professional development stipend.
The success of the Program is illustrated by the success of the Fellows themselves. Since its inception in 1999, 91 Fellows have completed the Program. Ninety-five percent of Fellows have been offered academic positions or have entered doctoral programs upon completion of the program. Many former Fellows have been recognized more widely in the field, including six named as Library Journal Movers and Shakers, adding to the reputation of the Program as a training ground for library leaders.
What do Libraries Fellows work on?
The NC State University Libraries is well known for its digital research and experiential learning initiatives, technological advances such as immersive visualization, support for open scholarship and student affordability, interdisciplinary teaching and learning, public engagement with research, and commitment to championing a culture of belonging and well-being in everything we do—all of which help to actively shape the future of librarianship. The Libraries is also defined by a staff who deeply consider how their approach to their daily work reflects and advances the Libraries’ Strategic Plan, creating an environment and community that is welcoming for both patrons and colleagues alike. We seek out candidates with interests and aptitudes in these areas, and Fellows assignments reflect these areas of focus. Fellows perform as entry-level librarians with their time during the first 18 months divided between two Libraries departments—allowing the Fellows to develop their interests and expertise in two functional areas of academic librarianship. The second 18 months will typically focus on areas that have emerged over the course of the Fellowship, taking into consideration both the Libraries’ operational needs and the professional interests and goals of the Fellow.
The Libraries recognizes that self-determination is an important consideration in a Fellowship experience like this. During the interview process, candidates learn about the Libraries’ departments and initiatives. They are given the opportunity to indicate their preferences for their dual departmental assignments, and those preferences are considered in determining the placements of successful candidates.
Qualifications
The Libraries seeks a wide-ranging pool of applicants with ALA-accredited M.L.S. or M.I.S. degrees awarded between December 2024 and September 2025.
- demonstrated interest in holistically supporting the student experience and contributing to learning and research services
- potential to develop expertise in an area of institutional focus, such digital technologies or science/engineering librarianship
- evidence of leadership potential, including ability to work creatively and effectively in a highly collaborative team environment
- commitment to fostering an environment of belonging and well-being
- ability to serve and collaborate with a large user community reflecting a variety of backgrounds and disciplines
- ability to communicate clearly and knowledgeably
- demonstrated understanding of the educational mission of a research university
- experience in a research-oriented environment (such as an internship or practicum)
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position is $68,000 annually. Librarians have non-tenure track faculty status (without levels of rank). Benefits include: 24 days vacation, 12 days sick leave; State of NC preferred provider medical insurance, and state, TIAA/CREF, or other retirement options. Additional and optional dental, life, disability, deferred compensation, and legal plans are offered. Tuition waiver program for all campuses of The University of North Carolina is available. More benefits information is available at https://benefits.hr.ncsu.edu.
Application Process
Applications will be reviewed upon receipt; applications will be accepted until finalist candidates are selected. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to receive full consideration. The Nomination Committee may invite candidates for confidential, short first-round Zoom interviews. The Libraries anticipates conducting the full interviews in person. Appointment requires successful completion of background check. Applicants must apply through the NC State University online employment website at https://jobs.ncsu.edu/. Search in the keyword box by position number 00111149.
Complete application, attach cover letter and résumé, and provide contact information for four current, professional references. For assistance with this process, please contact Libraries Administration at (919) 515-7188.