Government Information Librarian
The University of Iowa Libraries is seeking to hire a Government Information Librarian for our Humanities and Social Sciences department. This is a recently redesigned position centered on enhancing engagement with government information and government data, with an emphasis on teaching, research, and outreach.
Reporting to the Director, Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS), this position leads the Libraries’ efforts related to U.S. federal, state of Iowa, and international government information. The Government Information Librarian will focus on building connections, developing programs, and promoting government information to both academic and non-academic partners on campus, in the community, and in the state of Iowa.
The Government Information Librarian also works with other HSS staff to accomplish the department’s initiatives and works to accomplish Libraries’ strategic goals outside of HSS by serving on Libraries’ and campus-wide committees. This person will work collaboratively with colleagues in the Libraries and beyond to meet the research needs of a varied constituency.
Specific duties and responsibilities include:
- Provide instruction, reference, and consultation services across disciplines at the University of Iowa as part of the Humanities and Social Sciences department.
- Provide focused services for international, federal, and state government information sources and government data.
- Provide reference and consultation services to selective depository libraries in the state of Iowa and residents of Iowa, related to easy access and effective use of federal depository library materials.
- Create and maintain online research guides for government information, related topics, and applicable research skills.
- Develop and implement user education programs, outreach activities, and collaborative events for government information, leveraging relationships with campus and community partners.
- Use assessment data to inform information literacy instruction and the development of new services.
- Actively participate in the oversight of operations, collections, and services related to the University Libraries' role as a federal regional depository library. May serve as functional or administrative coordinator or co-coordinator in fulfilling regional depository library operations.
- Responsible for collection development and management of United States federal, state, and international government information sources, including selection of non-depository materials. Facilitates retention decisions for superseded editions and withdrawals in accordance with FDLP guidelines.
- Develop and maintain effective and productive relationships with campus units and depository libraries throughout Iowa.
- Maintain familiarity with legal requirements and regulations of the Federal Depository Library Program and stay current with and follow guidance for depository libraries issued by the Government Publishing Office.
- Contribute to strategic planning in the Humanities and Social Sciences department.
- Actively support the University of Iowa Libraries commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) in the workplace.
Required Education:
- A master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.
Required Qualifications:
- Experience:
- To be appointed at the Expert Librarian (PLB3/5A) classification, four or more years of professional experience are required.
- Less than four years of experience will be considered for the Specialist Librarian (PLB2/4A) classification.
- A minimum of two years professional experience working with U.S. federal government information.
- Experience providing instruction and research assistance academic or research library or equivalent.
- Demonstrated awareness of current trends in government information content, formats, and methods of dissemination.
- Ability to work independently and with others in a demanding and rapidly changing environment where flexibility, collaboration, consultation, and cooperation are essential.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, evidence of strong written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated interest in professional development that will enhance the candidate’s value to the Libraries, the University, and the profession.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity in an academic environment, in a workplace setting, and/or in the community.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated knowledge or interest in the planning and promotion of outreach activities for a variety of audiences.
- Experience developing course and subject guides, such as LibGuides.
- Experience with collection development beyond the scope of Government Publishing Office resources.
- Knowledge of the Federal Depository Library Program and the expectations of a regional federal depository library.
The Libraries intends to hire for one position at either the Specialist Librarian classification (PLB2/4A), requisition #23004871, or the Expert Librarian classification (PLB3/5A), requisition #23004872, based on the qualifications of the successful candidate.
Application Details:
In order to be eligible for interview, applicants must upload the following and mark them as “relevant files” when you upload the documents:
- Cover letter that clearly addresses how you meet each of the required and any desired qualifications of this position. To ensure strongest consideration, applicants are encouraged to review all required qualifications and state directly how they meet each of them.
- Current resume
The University of Iowa Libraries will be hiring at one of two classification levels within this requisition. You must indicate in your cover letter the classification (Specialist or Expert Librarian) you wish to be considered for or indicate both. See qualifications above for additional information about experience required for the different classifications.
This job ad will be posted through November 10, 2023, and may be removed from posting and filled any time after that date. Please contact andrea-rost@uiowa.edu if you have any questions about the position.
The hiring salary range for this position at the Specialist Librarian classification is $52,500 - $72,000 and at the Expert Librarian classification is $65,000 - $82,000.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. References will be requested from candidates at a later point in the interview process.
This position is eligible for a combination of on-campus and remote work. Remote work must be performed at a location within the state of Iowa and comply with the remote work program and related policies.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preference, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to University facilities. Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply for all employment vacancies. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Coordinator of Title IX and Section 504, and the ADA in The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, 319/335-0705 (voice) or 319/335-0697 (text), The University of Iowa, 202 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242-1316.
Persons with disabilities may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu, to inquire or discuss accommodation needs
