JOB SUMMARY 

The Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology Librarian (PSC Librarian) is a year-round (12-month), tenure-track library faculty position in Library West, the Humanities & Social Sciences (H&SS) branch of the George A. Smathers Libraries. This position primarily oversees the development, management, and coordination of Library West’s extensive collection of resources encompassing all formats related to psychology, sociology, and criminology. An essential secondary collection management aspect involves a strong understanding of PSC intersections with the humanities and social sciences, and the librarian may also assist with collection management in related areas as needed.    

The PSC Librarian also works closely with other library employees, providing support in the broader areas of the social sciences, especially overlapping interdisciplinary areas, managing specialized PSC subject area reference, outreach, and instruction services, and participating in branch and Libraries-wide general reference, library instruction, and outreach programming.  

Library West encourages broad participation in reaching decisions, and consequently, the PSC Librarian will contribute to discussions, provide input, and serve on various committees and teams. This collaborative approach is integral to the library’s mission of excellence and growth. The PSC Librarian will pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and professional service activities to meet the Libraries’ criteria for tenure and promotion. 

The Libraries are committed to fostering a thoughtful and engaging culture that encourages innovation and creativity. We support this commitment by offering fulfilling work experiences that promote collaboration, professional growth, and shared learning. To achieve excellence in service and scholarship, the libraries seek candidates who demonstrate curiosity, dedication, and a collaborative spirit in working with the campus community. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Cultivate collaborative relationships with appropriate academic faculty and students, specifically within the Department of Psychology, Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law, and interdisciplinary programs supported by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Collaborate with and support affiliated programs such as the Developmental Psychology Joint Ph.D. Program with the College of Education.     

• Curriculum and Research Alignment. Stay current with the evolution of academic programs and faculty interests to ensure that library collections and services remain aligned with curriculum and research needs. Inform the University community about relevant resources and services offered by the Libraries.   

• Active Engagement in Reference Services. Participate in the Humanities and Social Sciences general reference and research assistance program. Contribute to the Libraries’ online chat reference program, Ask-A-Librarian. Provide advanced reference and research consultation services supporting areas of psychology, sociology, and criminology. Develop LibGuides and other online resources to enhance access to related scholarly materials.    

• Instruction, Outreach, and Student Engagement. Contribute to Library West’s general instruction initiatives using active learning methodologies in traditional classrooms and online settings. Employ a diverse range of educational technologies to facilitate effective instruction. Take part in Library West and Libraries-wide outreach and student engagement programs.    

• Strategic Collection Management. Define goals and objectives. Plan and manage budgets. Coordinate collection development activities in close collaboration with other subject specialists and librarians. Focus on resources for psychology, sociology, criminology, and related collections. Evaluate the library’s existing collection strengths and determine areas where collection development efforts should be intensified. Analyze the psychology, sociology, and criminology collection development program and its activities. Provide insightful reports, strategies, and assessments, and conduct relevant studies or surveys as needed.  

• Professional Development and Scholarship. Pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and grants, and engage in professional service activities. Strive to meet the Libraries’ criteria for tenure and promotion, contributing to personal growth and the Libraries’ progress. 

• Advanced degree in a related field. 

• Work experience in an academic library with extensive social sciences and/or humanities materials. 

• Experience in collection management. 

• Experience with student engagement and outreach. 

• Experience with, or coursework in, classroom instruction. 

• Experience with subject-related data sources and analysis tools such as SPSS, MAXQDA, NVivo, R, RStudio, etc. 

• Experience with or knowledge of the basics of systematic and synthesis reviews. 

• Experience with grant writing. 

• Competence with information technologies and effectively integrating technology with traditional library services, resources, and instruction. Proficient in the design and creation of online/web-based materials.  

• Familiarity with/Interest in emerging trends in AI in libraries. 

To apply, submit  

• a cover letter detailing your interest in and qualifications for this position  

• your current resume or CV  

• a list of three references, including their contact information (telephone number and email address) 

• Please provide a written statement based on the following prompt: “Detail your approach as a subject specialist librarian to supporting the research and learning of faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students of Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology.” We ask candidates to limit their reply to 250 words.