English and American Literatures Librarian

The University of Chicago Library empowers users with deep and rich collections, extensive expertise, innovative programs, and diverse spaces. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive community, enhancing access to scholarly resources, advancing digital scholarship, engaging locally and globally, and excelling in a changing environment.

The University of Chicago Library is seeking candidates for The Librarian for English and American Literatures.  This librarian serves as the liaison to the Department of English Language and Literature and the Committee on Creative Writing.

The Librarian will develop and provide reference, consultation, and instructional services for faculty, students and staff in these departments.  In addition, the Librarian will also serve on the team that provides general chat and email references services, library orientations, and other public services. The Librarian will be responsible for managing both print and electronic collections to support the University's research and teaching missions.  Collection development and management at the University of Chicago Library takes place in a highly collegial manner and the Librarian will consult and collaborate with other subject specialists in building and maintaining collections for supporting scholarship and learning across disciplinary borders. 

The Librarian will work together with a dedicated team of librarians who support the College, the Humanities Division, and various interdisciplinary centers and institutes. In addition, the Librarian will work with colleagues across the Library and across campus to provide domain expertise in support of the Library’s digital scholarship services.  The Librarian will report to the Director of Humanities and Area Studies.

The successful candidate is expected to develop expertise in one or more areas of current and emerging importance in academic libraries, for example, digital humanities or open scholarship.

Other responsibilities include service on library and university-wide committees and task forces, and participation in local, regional, and national professional and scholarly organizations.

Essential Functions:

  • Provides collection development services including primary responsibility for identification, evaluation of and selection of electronic and print resources in assigned disciplines
  • Identifies, develops and provides research support and instruction services for faculty, students and staff in assigned disciplines and related areas, as applicable
  • Specific services may include course-integrated library instruction, workshops, individual research consultations, and development of library-based course assignments
  • Collaborates with colleagues in the Center for Digital Scholarship and subject librarian colleagues to provide digital scholarship services
  • Serves as a member of the Library’s Research and Instruction Services Team responding to chat, email, phone and in-person reference queries
  • Participates in library-wide, University-wide and divisional committees, task forces, and work groups

Qualifications

Required:

  • Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited institution or an advanced degree in English/American literature with relevant library experience
  • Two or more years of relevant library experience

Preferred:

  • Undergraduate or advanced degree in English or American literature
  • Experience in a library working with literature and language resources
  • Experience in user service and teaching environments
  • Experience using digital scholarship methodologies and tools

Application Instructions

To Apply: Submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, and reference contact information online through the University of Chicago's Academic Recruiting website: http://apply.interfolio.com/132653. Review of applications will begin after October 18, 2023. Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

Salary and Benefits: Appointment salary based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include a retirement plan, insurance, and paid time off.

Questions: Contact Library Human Resources at libraryhr@uchicago.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.