Reporting to the Director of Teaching, Learning, and Research Services, the Librarian for History and Humanities provides research and instructional services to students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the Barnard and Columbia communities whose research practices rely on the use of secondary sources as well as primary source materials and archives. They serve as the Personal Librarian for students majoring in History and selected programs within Consortium of Critical Interdisciplinary Studies (specifically American Studies), and additional Humanities subjects including: Classics, Ancient Studies, Germanic Studies, Jewish Studies, Medieval & Renaissance Studies, Philosophy, Religion, Islamic Studies and Slavic Studies as well as Education. The Librarian for History and Humanities works in collaboration with the Archives staff to develop curricular materials for the use of primary source artifacts in research and the use and engagement with archives and special collections at Barnard and elsewhere. They teach library research classes, provide research consultations, and act as the primary point of contact to the library for faculty and staff in the departments listed above. Along with other members of the TLRS team, the Librarian for History and Humanities also delivers instruction for the First Year Writing program.

 

Duties & Responsibilities: 

Instruction

• Teaches introductory, intermediate, and advanced workshop sessions in research methods for designated curriculum areas. Teach introductory research sessions in the First-Year Writing program and co-teach with Archives and Special Collections on primary source research and use of archival collections at Barnard and at local institutions. Partners with other BLAIS and Milstein Centers such as the Empirical Reasoning Center and the Digital Humanities Center when appropriate to co-teach and support faculty in their course development and pedagogical projects.

• Develops relevant online and print-based instructional materials including subject and course guides et al. Continually develops knowledge around and adapts content to better align with accessibility requirements and inclusive pedagogy.

Consultation and Outreach

• Offers research support as the Personal Librarian to assigned first- and second-year students, as well as students majoring/minoring in assigned departments and programs. Conducts outreach proactively with students regularly throughout the semester to introduce and promote library programs and services. Collaborates on services and programming specifically for thesis and capstone students.

• Provides research consultations to Barnard and Columbia students, faculty, staff, and alums in person and/or via online. Uses relevant outreach strategies to support students with disabilities, First-generation Low Income (FLI), Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and other students facing historical barriers to accessing library services. 

• Coordinates and participates in a variety of programming and outreach events throughout the year. Promotes events to students, faculty, and staff in assigned departments and programs. Regularly supports and attends BLAIS events as well as other campus events.  

Collection Development

• Provides data and manages budget allocation and spends BLAIS resources appropriately, in collaboration with other selectors. Helps to develop emerging interdisciplinary collections. Assists archivists in developing collections relevant to subject areas. Contributes to workflow and reporting activities of the Teaching, Learning and Research Services department.

• Collaborates with colleagues in overlapping subject areas at Columbia Libraries as well as other local libraries and related organizations.

Additional 

• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned, including serving on the BLAIS and campus-wide committees and working groups, and related Columbia groups as needed. 

• This position may involve the supervision of graduate assistants and student workers.  

 

Skills, Qualifications & Requirements:

Required Qualifications: 

• A Masters of Library Science or other advanced degree in a related field

• 5-7 years of academic library or related experience 

• Academic degree and/or significant experience in at least two of the following: History, American Studies, Classics, Ancient Studies, Germanic Studies, Jewish Studies, Medieval & Renaissance Studies, Philosophy, Religion or Religious Studies, Islamic Studies, and Slavic Studies, or relevant areas in the Humanities or Education.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively with faculty and students about the library’s collections and services.

• Experience with or an aptitude for teaching and developing instructional content and demonstrates an openness or commitment to inclusive pedagogy.  

• Demonstrated expertise in teaching with primary and secondary source materials, through live in-person instruction as well as online and through asynchronous teaching methods. 

• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to create and thrive in a collaborative work  environment. 

• Fluency in database searching, office applications, and web tools. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of archives research strategies, including the use of finding aids, and willingness to learn emerging modes of scholarship across disciplines (such as digital exhibition platforms, immersive technology, and open publishing platforms.)

 

Additional Information

Must submit resume or c.v. and cover letter.

Applications received by November 30, 2022 will receive priority re

Salary range is $79,000 - $84,000.

 

Please note that expertise in all qualifications for this position is not expected. We encourage applicants who have experience in some areas, and a commitment to learning in others. If this role interests you, we encourage you to apply.

This job description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities of and qualifications for this position. The job description is not intended as inclusive of all duties an individual in this position might be asked to perform or all of the qualifications that may be required either now or in the future.

Apply online here