Librarian for African Studies and European Studies

University of Kansas

23687BR

Libraries-General

Position Overview

*This position has the option of a hybrid work arrangement. Incumbent may work remotely and on campus based on a set departmental schedule* 

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm

 The Librarian for African and European Studies is part of a team of library professionals who serve the communities within the University that study world regions in a variety of disciplines. Reporting to the Head of International Collections (IC) in the Distinctive Collections Division, the incumbent will provide user-focused service and subject expertise for the interdisciplinary fields of African Studies (including Africa and the African diaspora), European Studies (primarily French & Italian), and Global & International Studies.

The University of Kansas Libraries support a safe and inclusive environment for all members of our diverse communities at KU. We are committed to building a diverse and pluralistic workforce and strongly encourage applications from diverse candidates. This position will demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity efforts in the Libraries and contributes to an inclusive environment.
This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position. Rank considerations are based on professional performance, research, and service experience sufficient to qualify for appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian.

See the Libraries Criteria for Academic Ranks document: http://policy.ku.edu/libraries/criteria-academic-ranks-library-faculty

Additional information about the Libraries promotion and tenure procedures can be found at the following website: http://policy.ku.edu/libraries/promotion-and-tenure-procedures-faculty-university-kansas-libraries

Job Description

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES (70%)

  • Builds, evaluates, and assesses assigned collections through review and selection of materials related to African Studies, French & Italian, and Global & International Studies, including materials in African languages (e.g., Swahili, Wolof, Arabic, Somali, Amharic), English, French, German, Italian, and other languages of Europe as required.
  • Works collaboratively with others in KU Libraries to develop, assess, and manage collections in multiple languages and subject areas.
  • Works collaboratively with faculty and other librarians to design and deliver library instruction to students.
  • Assess a program of library instruction that promotes information literacy among undergraduate and graduate students in African Studies as well as French & Italian, German, and Global & International Studies.
  • Provides reference and consultation services to faculty, students, researchers, visiting scholars, and the general public whose interests and research related to the African Studies, French & Italian, German, and Global & International Studies across a variety of disciplines.
  • Serves as liaison to Kansas African Studies Center (KASC), which includes African studies faculty across 20 departments and professional schools; the Department of French, Francophone, and Italian studies; and the Center for Global International Studies (GIST).
  • Works collaboratively to develop and maintain website information, web-based research guides, and finding aids relevant to the areas supported.
  • Promotes awareness of African and International cultures among the KU community and beyond, which may include assisting with film screenings, conferences, exhibitions, etc.  Collaborates with IC staff on multi-disciplinary, multi-region exhibitions.
  • Represents KU Libraries in regional, national, and international professional organizations relevant to African and European studies. Participates in regional, national, and international consortial collaborations. 
  • Communicates issues implicit in scholarly communication and open access in discussions with colleagues within and beyond the KU community.
  • Works collaboratively as a member of project teams and other groups to advance the libraries’ strategic priorities.

RESEARCH (20%) SERVICE (10%)

  • Engages in service to the Libraries, the University and to professional organizations by participating in committee work, projects, and other contributory achievements.

Required Qualifications

  • ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent from a foreign institution by date of appointment.
  • Minimum two (2) years post-secondary coursework or equivalent work experience related to African studies and/or the African diaspora.
  • Proficiency in English; proficiency in one (1) or more African languages (such as Swahili, Wolof, Arabic, Amharic, Somali), or French, as evidenced by application materials.
  • Contact Information to Applicants

    Mike Broadwell
    [email protected]

    Additional Candidate Instruction

    A complete online application includes:

  • Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
  • Resume/CV.
  • Contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor).
  • Completion of the online application.  
  • In addition to the materials above, learning about each applicant’s contribution and engagement in areas of diversity is an important part of KU’s mission. As a result, applicants will be presented the following question at the time of application. The response must be within 4,000 characters or less:

  • Describe your experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds, and explain how those experiences reflect your commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
    • Application review begins Wednesday, November 23, 2022 and continues until a pool of qualified candidates has been identified. 

    Application Review Begins

    23-Nov-2022

    Anticipated Start Date

    23-Jan-2023

    Unit

    International Collections

    Primary Campus

    University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

    Advertised Salary Range

    Minimum salary $58,000, final determination commensurate with experience

    Disclaimer

    The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information and retaliation in the University’s programs and activities. Access to information regarding equal opportunity and diversity worksite posters is available at http://www.humanresources.ku.edu/policies_procedures/category_details/index.aspx?category=8 or you may contact 785-864-4946 or [email protected] for alternate access options.  Any  inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies should be directed to: Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, [email protected], 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY

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