NATURE OF WORK: This is a full-time permanent librarian position in the Research Commons

with responsibilities for GIS and Geospatial data, maps and liaison services to the Department of

Geography. The librarian in this position is a forward-focused individual who will continue to

grow the Libraries’ GIS and Geospatial Data Center and services program, helping to develop

the strategic direction of these services in the Research Commons. Through consultations,

workshops, and other programming, the Geospatial Specialist Librarian will build relationships

in order to support researchers’ geospatial data literacy needs, leveraging emerging technologies

that enhance access to data, and assist researchers with data-intensive forms of research and

scholarly expression. S/he will be an expert in applying geospatial concepts and techniques to the

research agendas of faculty and students, will manage the geography and maps collections,

maintaining strong relationships with faculty and students, and will enhance curricula and

research innovation across the University relating to spatial and visual thinking. The Geospatial

Specialist Librarian will also support internal Libraries needs by providing workshops and

training support to liaison librarians and other library staff. The successful candidate will also

serve as a subject liaison librarian to the Department of Geography

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 Develops a robust GIS and Geospatial Data Program based on analysis of constituent

needs through the University. Continues to grow GIS and Geospatial Data Center.

Supports GIS activities by promoting techniques associated with specialized, evolving

GIS tools.  Actively engages and collaborates with the Department of Geography and other units on

campus to develop a comprehensive plan for GIS services in the Libraries Research

Commons, and on campus.  Supports data visualization activities by promoting techniques associated with

specialized, evolving data visualization tools for spatial applications.

 Designs and delivers consulting services to faculty and students using spatial data in a

wide range of units across the University, and collaborates with units already providing

GIS consulting.  Develops and teaches workshops in GIS tools and methods.  Works closely with the Digital Programs and Initiatives, and others to increase

understanding of geospatial and data issues pertaining to research and teaching

throughout the Libraries and on campus at large.  Responsible for acquiring, developing, and curating geospatial data collections and for

leveraging research software and technology resources to enhance course development

and research innovation.  Serves as library liaison to the Department of Geography, which involves, but is not

limited to, promoting services available through the Libraries, teaching introductory and

upper level GIS workshops, and other related courses in support of the Libraries

information literacy efforts and faculty research, creating web and digital content,

developing and managing print and electronic collections, providing research data

management services, and overseeing the maps collection in all formats and locations.  Provides general and subject-specific information and research service in person, by

phone, through CHAT, IM, and by email, exploring new ways of communication and

challenging existing limitations.  Participates in the activities of Research and Learning Department, in library and campus

committees as appropriate.  Participates in professional development activities.  Performs other duties as assigned.  Contributes to the University’s and Libraries’ goals regarding equity and inclusion

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Extensive use of the computer.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  Hourly student assistants

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, skills, and abilities):

EDUCATION:

Required

 ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library Information Science from an ALA-accredited

institution of higher education, or equivalent professional degree.

Preferred

 Significant coursework, a bachelor’s degree or second advanced degree in a GIS-related

field, and/or experience in working with geospatial data and technology.  Knowledge of the organization of information and of scholarship in the geospatial

science disciplines.

EXPERIENCE (Be specific, indicate the minimum years of experience and skills needed):

Required

 Understanding of current and emerging trends in GIS, cartography and related geospatial

fields, including information resources and applications.  Experience with GIS software such as ArcGIS (Map, Pro, Online, etc.), Story Map,

and/or open source tools like QGIS.  Experience with or aptitude for working effectively and creatively with faculty and

students.

● Experience with or aptitude for providing reference and research assistance in an

academic or special library.

● Experience with or aptitude for information literacy instruction.

● Excellent oral and written communication skills

● Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to function independently and in groups,

build and maintain relationships with partners and library staff

● Ability to provide exceptional service to a diverse clientele.

Preferred

● One year of library or related professional experience.

● Knowledge of the research process and evolving models of scholarly communication,

open access, institutional repositories, and other trends in information science.

● Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to work successfully in a complex, dynamic

environment with competing demands.

● Ability to conduct environmental scans and reviews of faculty and student research

needs.

● Demonstrated strong teaching abilities.

● Experience in or aptitude towards collection development in Geography, including in

specialized formats required by the discipline.

● Experience with software for statistical, quantitative and/or qualitative analysis, such as

SPSS, Stata, SAS, R, Python, NVivo.

● Understanding of and/or willingness to learn math and statistical analysis.

FACULTY REQUIREMENTS: This position is appointed to Library Faculty Ranks as

established by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. Rank at appointment is

based on the successful applicant’s experience and relevant credentials. Library Faculty at the

University of Maryland must demonstrate accomplishments and/or evidence of potential for

future accomplishments in three areas: 1) librarianship, which includes the assigned area(s) of

responsibility and professional development; 2) service, which includes participation in library,

university, local, and national committees and professional organizations beyond the assigned

area(s) of responsibility; and 3) research, scholarship, and/or creative activities, which includes

self-directed inquiry and results dissemination to advance the state of the profession. Library

faculty who are successful in meeting these criteria are awarded continuous employment in the

form of Permanent Status. For additional information on faculty status at the University of

Maryland Libraries, consult: http://www.president.umd.edu/policies/2014-ii-100b.html.