Ayer Indigenous Studies Librarian-in-Residence
DEPARTMENT: Reader Services
REPORTS TO: Director of Reader Services
TERM: Two-year appointment, with possible one-year extension
SUMMARY
The Ayer Librarian-in-Residence will have a focus on performing reference, instruction, and outreach duties, with special emphasis on American Indian and Indigenous Studies and the histories of Latin America, the Philippines, and Hawaii, the major strengths of the Ayer and Greenlee collections at the Newberry Library. The Librarian-in-Residence will also serve in other functional areas related to these collections, commensurate with the successful applicant’s interests and skills, and library needs, including archival processing, digital initiatives and services, and other areas. Reporting to the Director of Reader Services, candidates for the Ayer Indigenous Studies Librarian-in-Residence position should be early-career librarians or archivists interested in working with indigenous communities and scholarship who wish to gain experience in a major research library.
For further information on the Ayer and Greenlee collections see: http://www.newberry.org/american-indian-and-indigenous-studies
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide reference assistance to library patrons in person, on the phone, and via email.
- Provide specialized reference assistance relating to the Ayer and Greenlee collections and related fields of study.
- Provide instruction, tours, and library orientation to visiting groups, resident fellows, and classes.
- Participate in the development of print and online content for instruction, outreach, promotion of Newberry collections, and service to readers.
- Collaborate with Newberry research staff and scholarly community, especially with the D’Arcy McNickle Center for American Indian and Indigenous Studies, the Newberry fellowship program, and undergraduate programs.
- Participate in reference service planning, collection management, library committees, special projects, and other tasks or activities needed for the achievement of departmental goals.
- Keep abreast of current developments in librarianship and instructional technologies.
OTHER POTENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES (to be determined based on skills and interest of the successful applicant and library needs)
- Process and describe archival collections in the Ayer and Greenlee Collections under the supervision of Maps and Modern Manuscripts Department staff.
- Work on projects related to cataloging of and collection management for the Ayer and Greenlee Collections under the supervision of Collection Services Department staff.
- Participate in development of digital projects and metadata creation under the supervision of Digital Initiatives and Services Department staff.
- Review treatment proposals for materials related to American Indian and Indigenous Studies with Conservation Services and curatorial staff.
QUALIFICATIONS
- MLS/MLIS awarded between 2014 and 2017 strongly preferred. Applicants currently enrolled in an MLS/MLIS program with graduation expected within one year of application will be considered.
- Coursework in American Indian and Indigenous Studies and/or Latin American history required.
- Strong general knowledge of the humanities required.
- Reading and speaking knowledge of Spanish, Portuguese, or an American Indian language strongly preferred.
- Experience in a research library providing reference, instruction, and outreach highly desirable.
- Experience in a special collections, archives, or museum setting highly desirable.
- Knowledge of a variety of print and electronic reference sources and the scholarly literature of American Indian and Indigenous Studies and/or Latin American history highly desirable.
- History of working with and providing information services to an American Indian community or tribe preferred.
- Required competencies include:
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and communicate effectively with diverse library users and staff.
- Strong public service orientation requiring tact, patience, and flexibility.
- Ability to work independently and collegially.
- Strong leadership, project management, communication, and organizational skills.
- Computer proficiency.
- Capacity for working flexibly and creatively in a changing environment.
SCHEDULE:
Full time, 35 hours per week, primarily Tuesday-Saturday. Two-year, non-exempt position.
BENEFITS:
First year – health, dental, vision and group life insurance, ten vacation days, two personal days and paid holidays. After one year of service –fifteen vacation days, long-term disability, long-term care, and retirement plan available.
Date Posted: 5/25/17. Applications accepted until position filled.
Date Available: July 5, 2017.
Send cover letter, resume, and references to the Director of Human Resources,
Email: hr@newberry.org.
Please visit our Web site at www.newberry.org.
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER