Engineering Librarian (Tenure Track)

Job Description

The University of Louisville Libraries seeks enthusiastic entry-level or early-career candidates for the position of Engineering Librarian (Tenure-Track). The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative team of faculty librarians and staff specialists in Ekstrom Library’s Research Assistance and Instruction department, helping to develop, enhance, and support library services for the Speed School of Engineering and other campus partners. We encourage all candidates with an interest in the position to apply, regardless of academic background. We have an excellent, longstanding track record for successful professional mentoring and intentionally seek new librarians who bring energy, diversity, and creativity to our team.

The Research Assistance and Instruction department is currently engaged in a strategic transformation process with a two-pronged focus: building stronger and more integrated relationships with researchers through our new Scholar Services model and advancing the university’s student success efforts through collaborative programs centering on educational equity, engaged learning, and career readiness. The Engineering Librarian will work with us in the ongoing development and implementation of these and other initiatives, focusing on support for teaching and research in engineering, technology, and related areas.

University of Louisville Libraries are sincerely committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. For more information, please see the Libraries’ Diversity and Inclusion website, the Office of Diversity & Equity, and the University of Louisville Reaffirmation of Commitment to Equal Educational & Employment Opportunity. We are a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and participate in the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Diversity Alliance, which unites academic libraries committed to increasing the hiring pipeline of qualified and talented individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as library liaison and provide research and curricular support for programs in the Speed School of Engineering and additional support as needed for relevant interdisciplinary programs.
• Work closely with RAI’s Science Librarian and other partners to develop and deliver standalone and embedded researcher education programs and data services for undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty in STEM fields.
• Explore emerging technologies and trends (e.g., artificial intelligence; data visualization), consider potential applications for research assistance and instruction, and collaborate on related services and resources.
• Contribute to departmental initiatives focusing on engaged learning, entrepreneurship, and career development, with an emphasis on targeted support for research projects and internships in engineering and technology.
• Develop expertise over time in processes associated with technological innovation, commercialization, patenting, and translational research and explore opportunities for library support in these areas.
• Participate in scholarly activities and service as a University Libraries faculty member.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program (or international equivalent) in library or information science, or a Master’s degree in a field relevant to the position.
• Education, experience, and/or strong interest in providing research support in areas focusing on engineering and technology.
• Enthusiasm for learning about new technologies and trends in relation to library services.
• Enthusiasm for teaching in face-to-face, online, and hybrid settings.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion, with an ability to consider the needs of diverse populations and collaborate successfully with individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication across various modalities.
• Creative and flexible mindset.
• Potential to meet the University Libraries criteria for promotion and tenure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in academic libraries.
• Experience teaching or giving formal presentations in face-to-face and online settings.
• Experience or familiarity with engineering standards, patent searching, data management, and/or other topics pertinent to STEM-oriented research.
• Experience or familiarity with citation management software (e.g., EndNote, Zotero).
• Experience or familiarity with Springshare products (e.g., LibGuides, LibWizard).

Additional Information

This is an entry-level, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Instructor or Assistant Professor with a 12-month annual contract. The minimum starting salary range is $46,000 – $48,000 per year. Entry rank and salary are negotiated at the time of offer and are dependent on the experience, professional achievement and assigned rank of the successful candidate. The successful candidate will receive a comprehensive benefits package, an annual vacation of 22 working days, and support for professional development.  Promotion and tenure require demonstration of scholarship and successfully satisfying other criteria.

Applications received by October 9, 2023 are given full consideration in the initial screening. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Submit as one PDF a letter of interest detailing your familiarity, aptitude, and/or experience with the position qualifications; CV/resume; and name, address, phone number, and e-mail address of three references via the online application at UofL’s Workday Career site.

If you have questions or would like assistance with the application process, please contact Rob Detmering, Professor and Head, Research Assistance & Instruction, Ekstrom Library, University of Louisville, robert.detmering@louisville.edu.

The University of Louisville is a Carnegie Research/High university and recipient of the Carnegie Community Engagement classification for Curricular Engagement & Outreach and Partnerships. The University has a national reputation for its high-quality undergraduate program; over twenty nationally recognized research, graduate, and professional programs; 23,000 graduate and undergraduate students; and a strong commitment to the community in which it resides. UofL is in the state’s largest urban area.

Most notably recognized for Muhammad Ali, the Louisville Slugger, and the Kentucky Derby, Louisville is a compassionate, progressive home to nearly 1 million people from around the world. The richness of its history and the diversity of its communities make Louisville an ideal place to live, work, and play. Louisville offers hospitality, originality, and smaller-city advantages like shorter commutes and lower cost of living, alongside major city amenities like world-class performing arts, great sports, incredible dining, a nationally ranked public school system, and a nationally acclaimed parks system. Centrally located on the banks of the Ohio River and Interstate highways I-65, I-71, and I-64, Louisville is merely hours away from major cities like Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis, and Atlanta; however, there is no need to travel far with iconic attractions and unique experiences only Louisville can offer.

The University of Louisville is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, or veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact the Employment team at employ@louisville.edu or 502.852.6258.