The History Librarian

I joked, at some point in the past, that many of the visits I get to this site are from people searching for history librarian jobs. Well, here’s an actual job posting (it’s my former job). I will preface by noting that I immensely enjoyed working with the faculty in the History Dept. – they treated me as an equal partner, which is, frankly (and lamentably) rare. I also enjoyed working with some really great colleagues. No place is perfect and I don’t want people to apply expecting that there’s a history librarian paradise in downtown Atlanta, but it’s a good opportunity for the right person and I’m more than willing to admit that there is much that I miss.

History Liaison/Librarian

Georgia State University Library is part of a dynamic urban university in the heart of Atlanta. With a $20 million transformation scheduled for completion in 2007, the Georgia State University Library continues to be an important partner in teaching and research at the University with over 1.3 million volumes and an environment which encourages learning and study. The Library employs a dynamic and innovative staff of over 100 FTE who have the opportunity to work with a diverse faculty and student population, as well as participate in Library and University governance. The Library collections are finely tuned to the needs of the University, and the Library is engaged in numerous digital initiatives designed to provide access to an array of scholarly information.

The University Library seeks a committed and energetic subject specialist to serve the teaching and research needs of students and faculty associated with the study of history and anthropology. This position offers an opportunity to participate in instruction programs and develop collections in all formats in these areas as well as others as assigned. This position reports to the Head of Liaison & Outreach Services.

Responsibilities
This liaison/librarian will be responsible for outreach to both the History and Anthropology departments. The successful candidate will deliver quality, in-depth reference and consultation services; develop library collections in the assigned subject areas; promote the library and information literacy; foster communication between the assigned departments and the library. Liaison librarians assist with general reference service that includes desk and virtual reference hours and may work some weekend and evening hours. Commitment to service and scholarly excellence.

Requirements
ALA-accredited or Georgia BOR-approved master’s degree in library science. Undergraduate degree in history. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in the use of relevant technology for instruction and outreach purposes. Knowledge of collection development issues and trends. PREFERRED: Graduate degree in history. Experience providing research services within an academic library, particularly reference and instruction in history or a related subject area. Experience with collection development in history or related subject areas, including selection of materials and management of collection budget. Demonstrated interest in scholarly and professional activities.

Library and University Environment
Georgia State University is a dynamic urban institution located in downtown Atlanta with an enrollment of approximately 27,000 students. The close relationship that exists between the university and its surrounding business, government and cultural communities makes GSU unique in the University System of Georgia and distinctive among universities in the South.

The University Library houses over 1,420,000 volumes, subscribes to more than 7,700 serials, and is a Federal Document Depository with more than 804,000 government documents. Its growing Media Center has holdings of approximately 24,000 audio, video, and multimedia materials. The carefully selected collections are designed to serve varied research and instructional needs at the undergraduate and graduate levels of the university community. Library services are supported by the Endeavor Voyager integrated library system. The University System of Georgia has a statewide system known as GALILEO, providing access to electronic resources and other materials for libraries throughout the state. The University Library is a member of the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries; the Southeastern Library Network (SOLINET), and the Atlanta Regional Consortium for Higher Education, consisting of fourteen academic and research libraries serving nineteen institutions in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area.

Condition of Work and Benefits
Forty-hour workweek Retirement plans include: State Teachers
Twenty-one days vacation Retirement Plan, TIAA–CREF and VALIC
Twelve paid holidays Group health and life insurance
Twelve days sick leave Social Security
Faculty rank and status Optional pre-tax benefits
Non-Tenure track Support for research and professional activities

Salary and Rank
$40,500-$48,500 for 12 months commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience. Appointment at a faculty rank, on a contract renewal basis.

Submit a cover letter addressing the above qualifications; resume; name, address and phone number of three references, including immediate supervisor. Review of materials will begin March 9, 2007 and continue until the position is filled. Send materials to:

Human Resources Coordinator
University Library
Georgia State University
100 Decatur Street, SE
Atlanta, GA 30303-3202
(404) 651-2172