Latin American & Caribbean Collection Librarian (69326)

Location:
Gainesville, Florida
Open Date:
Jan 22, 2021
Close Date:
Mar 5, 2021
Description:

JOB SUMMARY

The Latin American & Caribbean Collection (LACC) Librarian is a year-round (12-month) tenure-track library faculty position. The LACC is one of the finest such collections in the world. It contains approximately 500,000 book volumes, 1,100 current serial titles, some 50,000 microforms, and a growing body of digital materials. The LACC Librarian is responsible for the collection development of circulating materials in all formats, establishing collecting priorities for both physical and e-resources, in order to sustain and develop one of the preeminent collections of the University of Florida. The LACC Librarian engages with and provides services to a diverse, international community of patrons and develops strategies to increase collection visibility and usability. The Librarian liaises with faculty and students at the Center for Latin American Studies (http://www.latam.ufl.edu/) and other UF units to support existing and emerging research and teaching needs. The Librarian collaborates closely with the Latin American and Caribbean Special Collections Librarian, with Public Services personnel in the Department of Special & Area Studies Collections, and with others in the Libraries to manage LACC holdings and services. The LACC Librarian represents the Libraries in partnerships, consortia, and professional organizations relating to Latin American and Caribbean collections and projects, including a current initiative to digitize Cuban materials in partnership with the Biblioteca Nacional de Cuba José Martí and other repositories.

The LACC Librarian will serve on various committees and teams. To support all students and faculty, and foster excellence in a diverse, collaborative society, the Libraries actively seek candidates with culturally-rich lived experiences to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and perspectives. The LACC Librarian will pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and professional service activities in order to meet library-wide criteria for tenure and promotion.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops strategic priorities and vision for the collection and its activities that align with the Libraries’ Strategic Directions, including a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and awareness.
• Acquires materials to meet emerging needs and to expand/develop/build upon the strengths of the collection, staying current in best practices of library and academic fields.
• Builds and strengthens relations with the faculty, staff, and students of the Center for Latin American Studies to support their research and education needs and to collaborate on activities that advance the collection, the Center, and the Libraries.
• Engages with the Latinx student population and programs including the Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures (La Casita).
• Manages Latin American & Caribbean Collection holdings and services by evaluating and planning for collection needs, space management, preservation and conservation, cataloging and digitization, personnel, funds, and collection data, collaborating with specialists in these areas and more.
• Establishes and maintains vendor and community relationships.
• Seeks external funding through grants or partnerships, and maintains and cultivates relations with donors, in coordination with Libraries administration, development personnel, and specialists.
• Provides research assistance, orientations, tours, instructional support, and consultative services.
• Engages with faculty, students, and other researchers to understand their needs, to ensure their awareness of holdings and services, and to match them with relevant information resources.
• Furthers digital or other access efforts that reduce barriers to use of materials.
• Creates and maintains relevant research tools such as bibliographies or other descriptive guides.
• Promotes the collection through programs, exhibits, events, tours, social media and other activities.
• Acquires, maintains, and disseminates knowledge related to the broad specialization of Latin America, the Caribbean, the Latinx diaspora, and other assigned areas of responsibility.
• Participates in appropriate professional organizations, ensures a consistent record of service activities, and participates in committees and groups within the Libraries and the profession.
• Performs scholarly research and provides service at the institutional and professional levels as related to assignment and in accordance with tenure and promotion criteria.

 

Qualifications:

Required:

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited (or foreign equivalent) program, or other advanced degree in a field relevant to position.
• Minimum two (2) years of relevant experience for appointment as Assistant University Librarian. Minimum eight (8) years of relevant experience required for appointment as Associate University Librarian.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the history and culture of Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Professional fluency in written and spoken Spanish and English.
• Demonstrated knowledge of collection development and management.
• Record of teaching, research, or service that can be applied to making libraries more diverse, inclusive, and equitable.
• Record of including individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and perspectives in research, teaching, service and other work.
• Initiative, flexibility and the ability to adapt to a complex, rapidly changing academic environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with faculty, students, administrators, and the general public.
• Strong potential for meeting the requirements of tenure and promotion (outlined at http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/pers/cdh).

Preferred:

• Working knowledge of Portuguese, French, and/or Haitian Creole languages.
• Familiarity with information and digital-based technologies for office and library systems.
• Experience creating and maintaining online content.
• Experience relevant to managing budgets.
• Ability to effectively supervise and mentor employees.
• Record of including individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, gender, sexual orientation, and perspectives in research, teaching, service and other work

Research indicates that applicants with marginalized identities are hesitant to apply for positions if they do not meet all of the required and preferred qualifications. We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleague develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about student success and working with marginalized populations to apply. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to communicate the ways in which their work fulfils the required qualifications in ways that may not be obvious.

Application Instructions:

Application Process

To apply, submit

• a cover letter detailing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• a written statement briefly outlining your vision for expanding the LACC's engagement and support of Latinx communities (including those at UF). (approximately 250 words)
• your current resume or CV
• a list of three references including their contact information (telephone number and email address)

Apply by March 5, 2021 (applications will be reviewed as received). Submit all application materials through the Jobs at UF online application system. Failure to submit the required documents may result in the application not being considered. If you have any questions or concerns about this process please contact Tina Marie Litchfield, George A. Smathers Libraries Human Resources Office, at tlitchfield@uflib.ufl.edu.

Benefits

University benefits for this position include retirement plan options, insurance benefits, paid family leave (parental and medical), tuition fee waiver program, and employee assistance program, as well as paid time off and holidays. Gainesville, Florida, has no state or local income tax. The UF Screen, Test & Protect Program provides guidelines and resources related to COVID-19.

The final candidate will be required to provide official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered "official" if a designation of "Issued to Student" is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/   

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.