The San Diego State University (SDSU) Library invites applications and nominations for a 12-month, tenure-track position to be appointed at the Senior Assistant Librarian level, with a start date of July 1, 2021. The Social Sciences Librarian will provide research assistance and information literacy instruction initiatives as part of the Research, Instruction, and Outreach team in the areas of Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and social justice related disciplines. The successful candidate will also focus on developing library collections and services for social science disciplines with a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) component and commitment to social justice. We seek a creative, collaborative, and forward-looking colleague who can complement, strengthen, and expand partnerships across library departments and with colleagues across the university and San Diego community. More information about the SDSU Library is available at https://library.sdsu.edu/ and more information about partnership programs and opportunities is available at https://library.sdsu.edu/about-us/partners.

The SDSU Library supports, promotes, and extends the distinctive teaching, learning, scholarship, and community engagement initiatives of the university, especially as those are highlighted in the university strategic plan, “We Rise, We Defy: Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives.” Committed to service and student-centered innovation in librarianship, recent library initiatives include the establishment of the Digital Humanities Center, buildIT makerspace, and partnerships around student success, including the establishment of the Latinx Resource Center. SDSU is the first campus in the California State University system to require race relations coursework for Criminal Justice majors, and candidates for this position should demonstrate expertise in cross-cultural communication, collaboration with campus and community partners, and commitment to integrating an understanding of historically underrepresented populations and communities into teaching, learning and research. More information about the university’s initiative in refocusing Criminal Justice education “to improve equity and justice in all public institutions and services” is available at https://newscenter.sdsu.edu/sdsu_newscenter/news_story.aspx?sid=78044.

SDSU is a large, public, diverse, urban university and Hispanic-Serving Institution located on Kumeyaay land with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The university honors its residence on Kumeyaay land in its land acknowledgement and commitment to building a relationship with indigenous peoples. The university has recently embarked on an ambitious initiative to hire a new cohort of faculty committed to supporting the African-American community. The SDSU Library has adopted a Diversity Plan to guide our efforts to realize an institutional commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice. To meet the goals of this plan, we seek applicants with demonstrated experience in and/or commitment to teaching and working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and members of underrepresented groups. In addition to your application letter, please provide a 300-word Diversity Statement describing how you meet two or more of the following Building on Inclusive Excellence (BIE) criteria. A successful candidate will demonstrate how they:

• Are engaged in service with underrepresented populations in higher education 
• Demonstrate knowledge of barriers for underrepresented students and faculty in higher education 
• Have experience or demonstrated commitment to teaching and mentoring underrepresented students
• Integrate understanding of underrepresented populations and communities into research
• Extend knowledge of opportunities and challenges in achieving artistic/scholarly success to members of an underrepresented group
• Are committed to research that engages underrepresented communities
• Show expertise in cross-cultural communication and collaboration
• Have research interests that contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education

The SDSU Library Diversity Statement is available at https://library.sdsu.edu/sdsu-library-diversity-statement.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Social Sciences Librarian will:

• Provide liaison, outreach, and support to assigned academic departments to ensure collections and services meet faculty and student needs
• Initiate and conduct course-related and general information literacy instruction and develop content, including course guides, subject guides, and other instructional and outreach materials in the assigned areas
• Provide the entire range of in-person and online reference services including research consultations for assigned departments at the undergraduate and graduate level, and participate in the shared reference desk (may include evening hours) Build, assess, and promote collections that meet the social justice and DEI research and curricular needs of students and faculty in the social sciences. Engage and participate in ongoing assessment of student learning, library collections and services
• Commit to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace, and an ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population is essential
• Engage in professional service and scholarly contributions; participate in committees and faculty governance in the Library and on campus

Required Qualifications

• Graduate degree from an ALA-accredited program or foreign equivalent
• Undergraduate or graduate degree in a related area, or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of information sources and research methodologies related to social work, psychology, criminal justice, or the social sciences
• Commitment to excellent public services and improving the library user experience.
• Initiative, flexibility, and ability to work creatively and effectively both independently and as a team member
• Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal communication and public presentation skills
• Potential for meeting the requirements for tenure and promotion based on library service effectiveness, professional growth and research, and service to the University and community

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with information and data literacy instruction
• Experience providing research assistance to a diverse population and users of all levels
• Experience as a liaison to an academic department, a program, or a community organization
• Evidence of professional engagement at local, state, or national level

This is a full-time, twelve-month, tenure track faculty position. Tenure is dependent upon continuing library service effectiveness, professional growth and development, and service to the University and community. Anticipated salary range: $69,000 - $78,000. Excellent benefits, including medical, dental, and vision plans, retirement package, as well as 24 vacation days per year. For more information, see For more information, see https://bfa.sdsu.edu/hr/jobs/benefits.

This position will remain open until filled. Review will begin immediately. Preference will be given to applications received by March 22, 2021.  Applicants must apply via https://apply.interfolio.com/84546. Anticipated start date is July 2021.

Candidates should submit an application, cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement demonstrating commitment to diversity in library, museum, community, or cultural center service, and names and contact information of three (3) references.

Established in 1897, San Diego State University is part of the California State University, one of the largest and most diverse public higher education systems in the United States. With more than 36,000 students and 5,000 staff and faculty, SDSU is designated as a Doctoral / Research-Intensive University by the Carnegie Foundation. SDSU offers bachelor’s degrees in 96 areas, masters in 86, and doctorates in 24. Our campus community is diverse in many ways and we strive to build and sustain a welcoming environment for all. For more information, see https://www.sdsu.edu/.

The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

SDSU is a Title IX, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.