Position Description
The Binghamton University Libraries Research and Instructional Services and Collection Development Departments provide research and collection development services to the Binghamton University community through direct client assistance at service points in several libraries including the Bartle Library Information Commons; through individual consultations; through collection development and management of print and electronic resources; and through library instruction.
The Subject Librarian for the Social Sciences functions as an integral part of the team providing high-quality services and works creatively and collaboratively to manage innovation and build partnerships within the Libraries, with teaching faculty, and across the University. This position reports to the Head of Research and Instructional Services in Bartle Library and works closely with the Assistant Director for Collections. Librarians at Binghamton University are members of the faculty and are expected to contribute significantly to the profession as well as to perform their specific duties.
General Expectations
Provide reference service, including responding to in-person, telephone, and electronic inquiries. Provide individual research consultations. Provide and promote specialized instruction services to students and faculty working in the Social Sciences. (The reference and research activities are in alignment with library-wide reference initiatives to support quality services and a user-centered approach.)
Represent the Libraries to appropriate campus units and University offices; participate in professional activities and committee assignments within the Libraries, on campus, and in professional associations; maintain a current knowledge of the literature, information technology, and trends in the field as they relate to reference, instruction, and collections services; play an active role in the planning and decision-making process of Reference and Collections by participating in weekly meetings, organizing special projects and programs, and showing initiative and creativity in the planning process.
Develop and manage the collections, subject and other electronic resources pages, and bibliographies in support of teaching and research for the appropriate departments. Develop and maintain liaison between the Libraries and selected departments in the following subjects: education, human development, social work, student affairs, anthropology, sociology, and related programs.
The successful candidate will show evidence of creativity, initiative, and flexibility. He/she will demonstrate the ability to contribute to a technologically dynamic organization, and work collaboratively to build partnerships within the Libraries and with teaching faculty. We seek a team player who will help shape the future of a growing research library.
Required Qualifications
MLS from an ALA-accredited program; working experience with electronic information resources; collection management experience; strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently and as a team member in developing services and completing projects; excellent oral and written communication skills; strong commitment to service and professional development; demonstrated ability to meet requirements necessary for achieving tenure. Must have ALA accredited MLS by January 1, 2011.
Binghamton University and Libraries
Binghamton University is among the nation's top 50 public universities and is recognized for its strong academic programs, distinguished faculty, and talented students. The University is one of four doctoral granting institutions in the State University of New York system.
Binghamton University Libraries are the center of the University's intellectual community, providing a welcoming environment for the creation and management of knowledge through innovative thinking, open inquiry, and collaborative partnerships. We serve more than 14,000 students and over 1,000 faculty members. Collections total 2.3 million cataloged volumes and we offer a vast array of electronic resources. Located in the Southern Tier of upstate New York, Binghamton University consistently ranks high in national rankings.
Glenn G. Bartle Library houses collections in the fine arts, humanities, social sciences, and mathematical and computer sciences as well as special collections and the university archives. The Science Library contains materials in the fields of science, engineering, nursing and psychology. The University Downtown Center Library serves the College of Community and Public Affairs which includes the Department of Social Work, the Department of Human Development, and the Department of Public Administration. The Library Annex@Conklin currently houses important older but lesser used materials in a high-density, climate controlled environment.
The University Libraries are highly automated. We have Information Commons facilities in three library locations offering 250 workstations with access to online research materials, productivity software, and scanning/video editing capabilities. In addition to our electronic and networked resources, we provide other web-accessible services and discovery technologies such as Innovative Interfaces’ Encore discovery services platform and an institutional repository. The Libraries’ are wireless throughout and we have a successful library laptop lending program.
Benefits and Other Information
This is a tenure track position with initial appointment at the Assistant Librarian rank. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Minimum starting salary $45,000 plus excellent benefits including TIAA/CREF.
Send letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to:
- Cindy Olbrys
- Head of Human Resources for University Libraries
- Binghamton University Libraries
- P.O. Box 6012
- Binghamton, NY 13902-6012
- Fax: (607)777-4848
- e-mail: colbrys@binghamton.edu
