The University of Arkansas Libraries invites nominations and applications for the position of GIS and Social Sciences Librarian. The Libraries seek candidates who are receptive to and foster new ideas and who have demonstrated collaboration and open communication skills. Additional key attributes are the ability to establish and promote successful partnerships with other university departments, provide excellent services, and to adapt or develop programs and services that support positive change within the institution. This will be especially important as the main library, Mullins Library, undergoes a major renovation of the first two floors.

As a member of the Research and Instruction Services team, the GIS and Social Sciences Librarian will create and deliver innovative services to support instruction and research needs. In particular, this librarian works directly with patrons with GIS-related research needs, and the social sciences disciplines more broadly. This individual actively engages with faculty and students and develops collaborative working relationships with colleagues in other library departments, as well as university departments and research teams. We seek candidates who embrace the opportunity to coordinate with library colleagues and co-create this new role and service for our patron communities. Responsibilities include library instruction, research assistance, collection development, and academic outreach, including collaborative development of library programs and campus and community engagement initiatives.   

The GIS and Social Sciences Librarian may also support information needs related to mapping and government documents, and with members of the Research and Instruction department, contributes to the Libraries’ online chat service. This librarian will work in close cooperation with colleagues in our branch libraries as well as the Data Services Librarian. The GIS and Social Sciences Librarian is responsible for ongoing development of online learning tools to creatively and actively promote access to and utilization of physical and digital collections, in alignment with curricular and research needs. The person in this position may also support the utilization of new spaces and services focused on innovative technologies, available in our main branch following the Mullins Library Renewal Phase 2 project.

Along with performance, the responsibilities of this position include research and creative work, and service in keeping with the faculty requirements of the University of Arkansas. This position reports to the Director of Research and Instruction.

Tenure-track, twelve-month faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian / Assistant Professor or Associate Librarian / Associate Professor.

Relocation allowance available. Benefits include TIAA or Fidelity Investments, 22 days of annual leave, tuition reduction, and health insurance.

Salary Information:

Starting salary: $55,000, commensurate with education and experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent
• Academic background in geography, GIS, the social sciences, or related field
• Experience with geospatial software including ArcGIS and familiarity with other Esri software products or apps, such as StoryMaps

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with geospatial tools and related open-source programs such as Google Maps, Python, QGIS and/or R
• Familiarity with or a willingness to learn how to support GIS analysis and mapping
• Experience with content development, in areas including but not limited to the social sciences fields
• Experience with public service in an academic, research, or special library through reference, instruction, and external engagement
• Familiarity with best practices in library pedagogy, such as the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education
• Knowledge of assessment methods and tools
• Knowledge of issues and trends in teaching and learning in academic libraries

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Exemplary service orientation
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse and changing environment
• Willingness to engage in faculty liaison activities such as outreach and/or engagement
• Initiative and flexibility
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability in working collaboratively with team members, other library colleagues, and customers
• Effective oral and written communication skills

Appointment Percent:  100%

Additional Information:

University Libraries:

The University Libraries share in the stewardship of the University’s goals and takes responsibility for the health of the research and teaching collections as well as programs that further support the academic mission. The University Libraries are comprised of Mullins Library and three branch libraries: Chemistry & Biochemistry, Fine Arts, and Physics, as well as two off-site facilities. For more information, visit the Libraries’ home page (https://libraries.uark.edu).

Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies (CAST):

Housed in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, CAST is a multi-disciplinary center for spatial research and technology and oversees administration of Esri licenses for the university. The University of Arkansas Libraries have existing connections to CAST and a network of collaborators to support the work of the GIS and Social Sciences Librarian. To find more information visit their website at https://cast.uark.edu/.

Diversity and the University Libraries:  

The University of Arkansas Libraries aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Enriching campus diversity and inclusion is a guiding principle at the University of Arkansas. The University of Arkansas Libraries asserts that the responsibility for creating, supporting, and maintaining an inclusive workplace belongs to all of us. We can strengthen our culture and organization by approaching each other and our work with intentional goodwill, honesty, empathy, and trust as we encourage others to hold themselves and each other accountable to do the same.

We are committed to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. For more information regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion and the University Libraries, please visit our website at https://libraries.uark.edu/diversity/

Application Materials:

For the full posting, or to apply, please go to https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS/job/Fayetteville/GIS-and-Social-Sciences-Librarian_R0030674 .  When completing your application, please upload the following: letter of application, curriculum vitae, and a list of three current references (names, addresses, emails, and telephone numbers).  Candidates who received international degrees in library and information science not accredited by ALA will need to submit the foreign credential evaluation determination.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The university welcomes applications without regard to race/color, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law. 

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.