Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology Librarian

Job Summary

The Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology Librarian (PSC Librarian) is a year‑round, tenure‑track library faculty position in Library West, the Humanities & Social Sciences branch of the George

A. Smathers Libraries. This position primarily oversees the development, management, and coordination of Library West’s extensive collection of resources encompassing all formats related to psychology, sociology, and criminology. An essential secondary collection management aspect involves a strong understanding of PSC intersections with the humanities and social sciences, and the librarian may also assist with collection management in related areas as needed.

The PSC Librarian also works closely with other library employees, providing support in the broader areas of the social sciences, especially overlapping interdisciplinary areas, managing specialized PSC subject‑area reference, outreach, and instruction services, and participating in branch and Libraries‑wide general reference, library instruction, and outreach programming.

• Cultivate collaborative relationships with appropriate academic faculty and students, specifically within the Department of Psychology, Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law, and interdisciplinary programs supported by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
• Curriculum and Research Alignment. Stay current with the evolution of academic programs and faculty interests to ensure that library collections and services remain aligned with curriculum and research needs. Inform the University community about relevant resources and services offered by the Libraries.
• Active Engagement in Reference Services. Participate in the Humanities and Social Sciences general reference and research assistance program. Contribute to the Libraries’ online chat reference program, Ask‑A‑Librarian. Provide advanced reference and research consultation services supporting areas of psychology, sociology, and criminology. Develop Lib Guides and other online resources to enhance access to related scholarly materials.
• Instruction, Outreach, and Student Engagement. Contribute to Library West’s general instruction initiatives using active learning methodologies in traditional classrooms and online settings. Employ a diverse range of educational technologies to facilitate effective instruction. Take part in Library West and Libraries‑wide outreach and student engagement programs.
• Strategic Collection Management. Define goals and objectives. Plan and manage budgets. Coordinate collection development activities in close collaboration with other subject specialists and librarians. Focus on resources for psychology, sociology, criminology, and related collections. Evaluate the library’s existing collection strengths and determine areas where collection development efforts should be intensified. Analyze the psychology, sociology and criminology collection development program and its activities.
  
  Provide insightful reports, strategies, and assessments, and conduct relevant studies or surveys as needed.
• Professional Development and Scholarship. Pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and grants, and engage in professional service activities. Strive to meet the Libraries’ criteria for tenure and promotion.

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA‑accredited program or other relevant advanced degree in subject specialty with some library experience.
• Work experience or an academic credential relevant to Psychology, Sociology, or a related social science or humanities discipline.
• Capability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues, faculty, students, administrators, and the public, and maintain a solid commitment to user‑focused service.
• Initiative, flexibility, and the ability to adapt and work creatively in a complex, rapidly changing academic work environment.
• Competence with information technologies and effectively integrating technology with traditional library services, resources, and instruction.
• Flexibility, professionalism, and respect for a variety of ideas, personalities, and work…