The Pennsylvania State University Libraries seek an innovative and service-oriented Physical Sciences Librarian for a tenure-line faculty position in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Libraries on the University Park Campus. Successful candidates will benefit from the strong mentoring program developed by the University Libraries to support new faculty in tenure-line appointments in fulfilling expectations in the areas of librarianship, research, and service. Entry-level or early career librarians are encouraged to apply.
The University Libraries values diversity of thought, perspective, experience, and people, and is actively committed to a culture of inclusion and respect. We encourage candidates who thrive in a welcoming multicultural environment to apply. More information on Penn State’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence can be found by visiting http://equity.psu.edu/diversity-statement. Information about the University Libraries’ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility efforts can be found by visiting https://libraries.psu.edu/about/diversity.
Responsibilities: The Physical Sciences Librarian will be embedded in the Physical and Mathematical Sciences (PAMS) branch library on the University Park Campus as part of a distributed team of ten other subject specialists in related fields, reporting to the Head of STEM for Engagement and Outreach. The PAMS Library serves five departments in the Eberly College of Science: Astronomy & Astrophysics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics.
- Responsible for liaison activities to select departments in the Eberly College of Science, while providing support to related areas in other STEM Colleges and interdisciplinary institutes.
- Collaborate with colleagues to engage students and faculty through outreach and engagement.
- Contribute to a program of library instruction, present workshops, and develop online library guides and tutorials that support the curriculum of liaison academic units.
- Provide reference assistance and research consulting at all levels, both face-to-face and online. Serve as the subject expert for assigned liaison areas.
- Build, maintain, and assess collections in all media and formats to support research and teaching in assigned academic units. Work with librarians in related subject areas and libraries including Commonwealth Campus Libraries and Big Ten Academic Alliance peers to develop collaborative collections.
- Contribute to the advancement of Penn State Libraries’ programs for scholarly communication in STEM, data management, data set acquisition and management, open access (OA) initiatives, and open educational resources (OER).
- Engage in research, scholarly publication, and professional service activities in areas appropriate to academic librarianship and the disciplines served.
Required Qualifications: Requires a Masters of Library Science degree from an ALA-accredited institution (or relevant graduate degree); ability to work independently and collaboratively; commitment to fostering a diverse educational environment and workplace and an ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population; potential to achieve the requirements for tenure and promotion in the areas of librarianship, research, and service; effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications: Relevant experience at an academic, special, or research library; experience building partnerships to enhance learning and student success; undergraduate degree or advanced coursework and/or graduate degree in a STEM field; knowledge of science or engineering information sources.
Academic Rank:
Candidates for the rank of Assistant Librarian should possess a graduate degree in library or information studies or other appropriate degree; must have demonstrated potential ability as a librarian; and must have shown promise of growth in research and service. Candidate for the rank of Associate Librarian should possess the same qualifications as the Assistant Librarian, demonstrate excellence in librarianship, show evidence of an established reputation in research, and have a strong record of service to the candidate's institution and the profession. More information can be found in the Guideline for Promotion and Tenure Criteria https://libraries.psu.edu/policies/ul-acg07.
Compensation:
Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including a candidate’s qualifications, education, experience, and rank. In addition to a competitive salary, full-time employees also receive a comprehensive benefits program, generous paid time off, and tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.
Expected starting salary: $60,000-$65,000/year, plus research and professional development funds. Penn State University’s Total Compensation Calculator provides an estimated summary of the value of compensation and benefits.
Sponsor Organization
The Pennsylvania State University Libraries