Special Collections Librarian (Assistant Professor) - Murphy Library

University of Wisconsin Stout • La Crosse, WI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Library Department at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse is seeking applicants for a 9-month tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor with the start date of 1/7/2027. We encourage applications from candidates with expertise in Special Collections Librarianship. Come join a community of teacher/scholars committed to student success. Applications received prior to the first review date will receive full consideration, and the search will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Under general supervision of the department chair, the successful candidate will co-manage the Special Collections unit. This includes leading the unit’s collection development activities; managing the unit’s archival appraisal and acquisitions efforts; processing new and backlogged archival materials and collections; cultivating and maintaining donor relations to acquire new materials; overseeing materials that fall under the local classification for university institutional documents; serving as the point of contact and manager for the library's participation in the Federal and State government document programs; leading efforts to organize, maintain, and promote the library's extensive collection of topographic maps; contributing to unit and departmental information literacy efforts, including Special Collections reference and instruction activities; collaborating with cataloging Special Collections materials in a variety of schemas; and performing conservation activities as necessary. The successful candidate is expected to maintain an active, on-going program of scholarship appropriate to their discipline. In addition, faculty provide service to the department, college, university, community, and/or professional organizations. Other duties may be assigned by the chair or director. As faculty in a student-centered teaching library, Library Department members strive to ensure that UWL students graduate as information literate citizens with the ability to recognize when information is needed, and with the ability to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically. Department members help provide many services and access to information resources that support and promote excellence in academic study and research, success in teaching and learning, and intellectual and cultural exploration. Murphy Library additionally serves the greater community as a regional information center.

Requirements

• Masters in an ALA accredited Library Science program at time of application.
• Evidence of clear and effective communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Post-MLS experience working within an academic library setting, specifically involving archives and/or special collections.
• Experience with the management of records within the archival lifecycle, including appraisal, accession, arrangement and description, collection management, conservation, and access.
• Experience working with a government documents and/or map collection.
• Experience in a public-facing role working with students, faculty, community members, and prospective donors.
• Experience delivering services related to Information Literacy, including both reference and instruction.

Responsibilities

• Co-manage the Special Collections unit.
• Lead the unit’s collection development activities.
• Manage the unit’s archival appraisal and acquisitions efforts.
• Process new and backlogged archival materials and collections.
• Cultivate and maintain donor relations to acquire new materials.
• Oversee materials that fall under the local classification for university institutional documents.
• Serve as the point of contact and manager for the library's participation in the Federal and State government document programs.
• Lead efforts to organize, maintain, and promote the library's extensive collection of topographic maps.
• Contribute to unit and departmental information literacy efforts, including Special Collections reference and instruction activities.
• Collaborate with cataloging Special Collections materials in a variety of schemas.
• Perform conservation activities as necessary.
• Maintain an active, on-going program of scholarship appropriate to their discipline.
• Provide service to the department, college, university, community, and/or professional organizations.

Benefits

• Paid vacation for 12-month positions.
• Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• Paid holidays and paid sick days.
• Retirement system vesting after 5 years of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level