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Social Sciences Data Librarian (#339)
University of Southern California
Requisition ID: 20041685
POSITION SUMMARY The University of Southern California (USC) Libraries seek an innovative service oriented librarian to spearhead social sciences data services in the USC Libraries and promote research data management, data literacy, and
the use of social sciences data collections throughout the university. Reporting to the Head, Von Kleinsmid Center (VKC) Library, the Social Sciences Data Librarian will work collaboratively with the Libraries’ Visualization Specialist and with the Center
for Advanced Study, the Norris Medical Library’s bioinformatics services, the Sidney Harman Academy for Polymathic Study’s digital humanities program, and the USC Dornsife Spatial Sciences Institute to assist researchers pursuing data-related research. The
Librarian will also identify new opportunities to promote data library services and expertise. The Librarian will collaborate with other colleagues within the USC Libraries on the development of collections, teaching, reference, and outreach services within
the social sciences disciplines. The successful candidate must be knowledgeable of current relevant library and scholarly information trends and practices, and be able to apply this understanding to make a significant, positive impact on the USC community.
This position requires a commitment to developing student-focused services and a combination of skills and confidence that will contribute to the transformation of instruction, outreach, reference, and collections at USC Libraries. We seek
candidates motivated by a passion to develop transformative library services and invested in the future of librarianship. The successful candidate is expected to be creative in identifying and solving problems within a collegial and collaborative environment.
Duties include weekend and evening hours.
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA The University of Southern California is one of the world’s leading private research universities. An anchor institution in Los Angeles, a global center for arts, technology, and international business,
USC’s diverse curricular offerings provide extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary study, and collaboration with leading researchers in highly advanced learning environments. With a strong tradition of integrating liberal and professional education,
USC fosters a vibrant culture of public service and encourages students to cross academic as well as geographic boundaries in their pursuit of knowledge. For more information, visit www.usc.edu.
USC LIBRARIES The USC Libraries actively support the discovery, creation, and preservation of knowledge. We develop collections and services that support and encourage the academic endeavors of faculty, students, and staff; value serving
a culturally diverse community; build a community of critical consumers of information; and help develop engaged world citizens. Through these means, we contribute to the continued success of the University of Southern California. The USC Libraries includes
the Doheny Memorial Library and fourteen specialized libraries with an operating budget of approximately $41 million. Through an active outreach program librarians and staff at USC Libraries conduct orientations, workshops, and instruction sessions that reach
thousands of undergraduate and graduate students annually. For more information, visit libraries.usc.edu. For information about the VKC Library, visit libraries.usc.edu/locations/vkc-library.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Reporting to the Head of the VKC Library, the Social Sciences Data Librarian will:
• Build and promote library data collections and services in support of research and curricula in the social sciences
• Provide in-depth research consultations in support of research data management and quantitative and qualitative data collection and analyses
• Provide support to faculty implementing data-driven assignments through consultations on assignment design and through course-integrated library instruction on data sources and data information literacy skills
• Serve as USC’s official representative to the Inter-Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR)
• Contribute to the overall reference, instruction, and collection development for the VKC Library and wider USC Libraries
• Serve as library liaison to social science departments as assigned
• Collaborate with the Center for Advanced Study, bioinformatics services at the Norris Medical Library, and the Sidney Harman Academy for Polymathic Study and the USC Dornsife Spatial Sciences Institute
• Participate in library and other committees as assigned
• Provide evening and weekend service as assigned
• Engage in professional and/or subject discipline organizations, research, or publishing that will have a significant, positive impact on the VKC Library, and advance the USC Libraries’ strategic plan and the University’s strategic vision
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS Minimum qualifications: MLS from an ALA accredited program or non-U.S. equivalent is typically required for a librarian appointment at USC. In addition, candidates must provide examples of:
• Demonstrated knowledge of social science data sources, and proprietary and open-source statistical software
• Demonstrated knowledge of data information literacy competencies
• Demonstrated knowledge of social science data sources (including ICPSR, U.S. Census, and IPUMS), one or more proprietary and open-source statistical software (SPSS, Stata, SAS, and/or R)
• Demonstrated knowledge of scholarly communication trends and practices, social science research methodologies, and research data management principles and best practices
• Experience providing instruction and consultations in a research or library setting • Experience working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
• A strong commitment to user-centered services • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Effective oral and written communication skills Desirable qualifications:
• An advanced academic degree in the social sciences, behavioral sciences, or data sciences
• Experience working with spatial and qualitative data and software
• Understanding of intellectual property, copyright, and ethical issues in social sciences research
• Demonstrated knowledge of government information (federal and international) data sources
• Demonstrated knowledge of digital humanities programs
FACULTY APPOINTMENT RANK/SALARY Rank: Assistant University Librarian Librarians at USC have faculty status. This is a full-time, continuing appointment track position. Appointment to the continuing appointment track requires the potential
to meet the University’s criteria for granting continuing appointment—excellence in librarianship—which librarians achieve by having a significant impact on the development and/or implementation of high quality collections and/or services. Additionally, librarians
must demonstrate the expectation of continued excellence and growth in profession expertise. Rank and salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. For more on criteria and qualifications for the appointment, promotion and continuing appointment
of librarians at USC, visit:
https://libraries.usc.edu/sites/default/files/criteria_document07152008.pdf
BENEFITS Benefits include a choice of retirement programs, 22 paid vacation days per year, university holidays, a choice of medical and dental plans, and tuition assistance (for employees and eligible dependents). For more information about
benefits see: benefits.usc.edu
APPLICATION PROCEDURE Applications must be submitted via USC’s online faculty application website: https://facultypositions.usc.edu/FAS/application/position?postingId=REQ20041685 As part of the application, candidates must upload one document
file (Word or PDF) that contains the following: 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae (including telephone and e-mail address), and 3) a list of at least three references that includes the name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address for each referee.
Position open until filled. Review of applications will begin on April 14, 2017. For more information about this position, contact Robert Labaree, Chair of the Search Committee, at [log in to unmask] USC is an equal-opportunity educator and employer, proudly
pluralistic and firmly committed to providing equal opportunity for outstanding persons of every race, gender, creed and background. The university particularly encourages members of underrepresented groups, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply.
USC will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. Further information is available by contacting [log in to unmask] 3/14/17