25-47 Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Social Sciences Librarian Job at West Ch

Location : West Chester University, PA

Job Type : Regular / Full-Time

Job Number : 25-47

Department : Library Services

Opening Date : 11 / 12 / 2024

Position Summary

Join a vibrant equity-minded campus community of educators whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University (WCU) Libraries invites applicants for the position of Social Sciences Librarian. This is a Full-Time, 9-month, Tenure-Track, Assistant Professor position. The position begins in August 2025.

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

The mission of the University Libraries is to empower intellectual exploration through building connections, collections, and community. As an active member in the University's academic programs, the libraries are a major contributor to WCU's core mission of student success. The faculty members serve as both instructors of information literacy and stewards of library resources.

The Social Sciences Librarian will be expected to develop responsive collections, teach inclusive instruction, provide research support, and make scholarly contributions to the profession. This faculty position involves responding to the scholarly and curricular needs of their assigned social science departments and identifying opportunities for engagement and collaboration. The ideal candidate is people-centered and thrives in collaborative environments. The faculty member will collaborate with other university faculty and staff to ensure student success. May work some evening and weekend hours.

Responsibilities include :

• Serve as a subject specialist to social sciences departments, including but not limited to Psychology, Political Science, and Social Work. Other areas, within specialization, may be assigned based on needs

Create effective ongoing channels of communication with departments to become aware of user needs, curricular trends, and identify opportunities for collaboration

Serve as a participating member of the University Libraries instruction program and teach using dynamic and inclusive pedagogical methods

Create accessible learning objects such as slides, tutorials, videos, research guides, and worksheets

Provide in-person and virtual research consultations to students and faculty, as well as in-person drop-in, chat, email, and telephone research assistance and reference services from designated shifts on the Research Help Desk. May work some evening and weekend hours

Develop, curate, and manage relevant collections that meet the research and curricular needs of students and faculty within assigned areas

Grow professionally and adapt to change by staying aware of current trends, developments, and best practices within librarianship and assigned social science areas

Engage in scholarship that includes research, scholarly, and / or creative activities. This is necessary for tenure and promotion

Serve the Libraries, University, the community, and the greater library profession through participation in various committees, conference attendance, engagements, and similar activities

Participate in library and university shared governance

Support faculty and students with values grounded in the University mission, vision, and values including diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging

Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

At least 2 years of working experience in an academic library, research environment, or social sciences field; working independently and collaboratively with others

Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally, and present dynamically to a variety of constituents

Experience teaching and familiarity with core principles of information literacy

Demonstrated experience advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Preferred Qualifications

Experience as a social science librarian, or work within a related field; and / or

Demonstrated project management skills, leadership, and initiative; and / or

Familiarity with a variety of instructional and library software / technology / applications such as learning management systems, SpringShare applications, Primo, Alma, etc.; and / or

Experience using a wide range of social science information / data resources and databases; and / or

Familiarity with social science research methods and scholarly publishing trends; and / or

Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively in a collegial academic setting; and / or

Experience developing, curating, and assessing library collections especially related to the social sciences; and / or

Experience providing reference and research services in-person and virtually to students and faculty; and / or

Record of professional service, scholarship, publication, and / or presentations at a national level

Special Instructions

West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers highly competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

Apply online at Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Review of application will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Applicants must successfully complete the application and interview process to be considered as a finalist.

Required Documents for Consideration

To be considered as an applicant for this position, please submit the following :

Curriculum vita

List of three references with contact information (Include position title, phone number, and email address).

Diversity statement (See below)

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

West Chester University has joined EAB's Moon Shot initiative for Equity in Higher education. This initiative is designed to support faculty, students, and staff who are typically excluded and therefore underrepresented. As part of your application for a tenure-track faculty position, we request a Diversity Statement. This request highlights our department's commitment to promote diversity and inclusiveness and to cultivate a campus environment that welcomes all. This commitment reflects the Diversity Theme of West Chester University's Strategic Plan and supports initiatives of our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (WCU Diversity Equity Inclusion). We expect that each applicant's statement will be unique, as informed by their own experiences and goals. Some topics you might address in a 1-2-page statement include the following : (1) How have you supported diversity and inclusion in your interactions with others in classroom, therapy setting, and / or research environments? (2) What have you done to help students from diverse communities (such as underrepresented minorities, non-traditional, LGBTQ, veteran, rural, and / or first generation) succeed, including any programs for these students in which you have participated? (3) Describe your commitment to working toward achieving equity and enhancing diversity at WCU. How might you contribute to our current diversity initiatives, and do you have any other ideas to help promote equity on our campus?

Official transcripts will be required prior to hire.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all preemployment criminal background checks.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University's educational mission and strategic Plan for Excellence. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action - Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

WCU proudly offers comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance, generous retirement plans, many wellness programs, a tuition waiver for self and family members, and training, development and advancement opportunities.

Dental and vision coverage is offered at no cost to employees.

Flexible spending accounts allow employees to withhold income from their paychecks before taxes for reimbursement of approved medical and dependent care expenses.

A University mission to support employee personal and professional growth.

PASSHE tuition waiver lowers the cost of college expenses.

Leave and time-off benefits include generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays.

Choice of two group retirement plans with generous employer contributions.

Voluntary retirement plans offer two additional options to save and invest money for retirement and are available to all employees upon their date of hire.

Group life insurance is provided at no cost to all permanent employees.

Voluntary long-term disability insurance (LTD) and voluntary group life and personal accident insurance (VGLIP / AD&D) are available to employees.

State Employee Assistance Program (SEAP) provides a wide range of free services including counseling, legal, and financial services.

The employee group for this position is Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF).

For additional benefit details please see the PASSHE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PAGE .

Theinformation is provided for general purposes only. Legal Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies that may arise. Benefits, benefit levels, and eligibility rules are subject to change. The benefits described are available to most employees; however, certain eligibility requirements must be met.

Have you uploaded a Cover letter?

Have you uploaded a Curriculum vitae (resume)?

Have you uploaded a List of three references with contact information?

Have you uploaded a Diversity Statement?

Required Question