The University Library at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for the position of Social Sciences Librarian. The Social Sciences Librarian will join a growing team of librarians seeking to understand and respond to changing user needs and objectives within an equity and inclusion framework. Under the direction of the Head of Learning, Research & Engagement, the Social Sciences Librarian will support the library's strategic priorities related to student success, teaching/learning, research, and scholarly communication in the social sciences. The library supports flexible work arrangements including schedules that combine on-campus and remote work.For this position, we seek a user-focused individual with a teaching and learning mindset to lead the library in envisioning its role in support of social science research, teaching, and learning. The library has established social sciences support through our research consultation services, author services, Special Collections & Archives, and the University Library Center for Digital Scholarship, and looks to this position to identify new opportunities and pathways for engaging with social science students, faculty, and researchers. We welcome candidates who are seeking to launch a career in social science librarianship and/or established librarians seeking professional growth.The Social Sciences Librarian will serve as the library’s liaison to the Division of Social Sciences and, as such, will: lead the library in developing a clear understanding of the research, curricular, and scholarly communication practices and needs in the division; set a strategy for library support of social-sciences-related teaching and learning; and spearhead efforts to communicate and engage with the division on behalf of the library. This vision for the work of this position will be shaped by the research and curricular needs of the division as identified by the incumbent through their user-focused research and direct engagement with students, faculty, and campus stakeholders.

As a member of the library’s Learning, Research & Engagement department, the incumbent will contribute to departmental services and projects and collaborate closely with colleagues across the library. The Social Sciences Librarian will be expected to participate on relevant library project teams, UC system-wide committees, and professional organizations.

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the basic qualifications listed below (and in the section titled Qualifications):

• An ALA-accredited MLS or MLIS degree OR a master’s degree in a social science or related discipline, including education or psychology. Equivalent foreign degrees will be considered);
• Experience developing student learning outcomes, lesson plans, and learning objects as demonstrated by professional experience or coursework;
• Knowledge of the ways that minoritized groups have been marginalized in higher education and strategies for creating inclusive and antiracist learning environments;
• Experience managing/leading a project, group project, or program.

In addition, applicants with any combination of the following preferred qualifications or experiences are encouraged to apply. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and recognize that the successful candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet all of the preferred qualifications/experiences listed below:

• Experience conducting user research to better understand/identify user needs;
• Experience teaching undergraduates and/or graduate students, developing online learning objects (e.g., tutorials, videos, assignments, etc.), and assessing learning outcomes;
• Ability to consult with students/researchers on library resources and research strategies for social science disciplines; Experience developing and assessing services to support or enhance research, teaching, and/or scholarship;
• Experience developing and assessing services to support or enhance research, teaching, and/or scholarship;
• Experience creating inclusive and antiracist learning environments;
• Knowledge of information literacy principles and applications of the Framework for Information Literacy in Higher Education;
• Knowledge of social science information sources including government, legal, and industry information sources and social science statistics and data;
• Knowledge of social science research methods and scholarly communication practices including open access, open educational resources (OER), and research data management;
• Undergraduate or graduate degree or equivalent training/work experience in a social science discipline.

UCSC values diversity, equity, and inclusion and is committed to hiring faculty and staff who share these values. UCSC is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) with a high proportion of first-generation students. To be considered, candidates must understand the barriers facing historically oppressed groups in higher education, and, through education, teaching, research, professional activity, and/or creative practice, demonstrate effective strategies that support the success of underrepresented groups in creative, professional, and/or scholarly fields. Activities promoting equity and inclusion at UC Santa Cruz will be recognized as important university service during the librarian review process.

The successful candidate will become a member of the Librarians Association of the University of California (LAUC). Research, publication, and/or service to the University and profession are expected for continuing advancement. More information can be found at the Librarians Association of the University of California.

Applicants are invited to attend an informational webinar to learn more about the position, the campus, and the University Library. If interested, please register using the links provided:

• Tuesday, February 21st, 2023 from noon – 1:00 pm PT (registration)
• Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm PT (registration)

The attendee list will be hidden to ensure confidentiality. Attendance is not required to apply or be considered for this position. Live captioning will be provided via Zoom Live Transcript.

Inquiries and nominations may be directed to Katharin Peter, Head of Learning, Research & Engagement (kapeter@ucsc.edu).

The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.

University Library: https://library.ucsc.edu/

 

Open date: January 26, 2023

Next review date: Wednesday, Mar 1, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.