Ethnic Studies Librarian

Description

Position Details

The Research & Instruction Librarian fills a crucial role in the University Library's Research & Instruction Services (RIS) Unit. As a full-time tenure-track library faculty member at the Senior Assistant Librarian rank, the Ethnic Studies Librarian serves as the library’s subject librarian for students, faculty, and staff in the Ethnic and Women’s Studies (EWS) Department and supports interdisciplinary Ethnic Studies courses and initiatives across campus. As the subject librarian, the incumbent provides research consultations on Ethnic Studies topics for the faculty and students and offers both course-integrated instruction sessions for EWS and cross-listed classes as well as general library workshops focused on Ethnic Studies disciplinary resources and research.

The Ethnic Studies Librarian provides general research assistance in-person at the Research Help Desk and virtually via Zoom, chat, email, and phone. The incumbent offers in-depth research consultations to individuals in-person or virtually. The librarian teaches course-integrated instruction sessions in assigned disciplinary areas, designs and delivers library-sponsored workshops on disciplinary-specific and general topics. This librarian also develops online learning resources, such as research guides and tutorials as needed to support student learning and research in Ethnic Studies.

The Ethnic Studies Librarian is responsible for direct outreach to the EWS department and to faculty in related disciplines, participates in library outreach activities, and helps to design and deliver public programming. In addition, the subject librarian facilitates communication between the University Library and EWS department in support of student success and faculty productivity. Working collaboratively with EWS faculty and library faculty, the Ethnic Studies Librarian helps advance the CSU Ethnic Studies requirement as outlined in Assembly Bill 1460 (AB1460) and shape its delivery in the context of Cal Poly Pomona’s distinct inclusive polytechnic approach. Working in alignment with Cal Poly Pomona’s commitment to creating and sustaining an inclusive campus climate in which all are welcomed, respected, and where diversity is valued, the Senior Assistant Librarian assists with supporting and improving programs, services, content, and collections to meet the needs of the institution and library users.

The new hire will be a part of the Interdisciplinary Ethnic Studies Faculty and will have the opportunity to engage with the Office of Interdisciplinary Ethnic Studies and the faculty affiliated with it. This is a space for collaboration across disciplines and methodological vantage points, mentorship, and professional development programming. The faculty hired as a part of the Ethnic Studies Cluster hiring initiative, and the resources to support them, are a key element of CPP’s ongoing efforts to ensure the flourishing of our diverse students and faculty and be the leading inclusive polytechnic university in the nation. 

Responsibilities

The incumbent in this position assists the RIS Unit by supporting the Ethnic and Women’s Studies Department’s undergraduate students, faculty, and staff in addition to all the cross-listed courses throughout the other campus colleges. The Ethnic Studies Librarian will also oversee the University Library’s outreach to the six Centers for Transformation, Retention, Equity and Empowerment, as well as the Office of Interdisciplinary Ethnic Studies.

For the assigned disciplinary areas listed above, the incumbent performs the responsibilities outlined below.

• Provide research consultations for faculty and students.
• Provide general research assistance in-person at the Research Help Desk and virtually via Zoom, chat, email, and phone, and offer in-depth research consultations to individuals in-person or virtually.
• Offer both course-integrated instruction sessions for disciplinary and cross-listed classes as well as general library workshops focused on disciplinary resources and research.
• Develop online learning resources, such as research guides and tutorials as needed to support student learning and research.
• Be responsible for direct outreach to the departments listed above and to faculty in related disciplines, participate in library outreach activities, and help to design and deliver public programming.
• Facilitate communication between the University Library and department faculty in support of student success and faculty productivity.
• Help advance the CSU Ethnic Studies requirement as outlined in Assembly Bill 1460 (AB1460) and shape its delivery in the context of Cal Poly Pomona’s distinct inclusive polytechnic approach.
• Assist with supporting and improving programs, services, content, and collections to meet the needs of the institution and library users.
• Plan professional learning/development and ongoing continuing education appropriate to position scope and professional goals.
• Establish and sustain an ongoing scholarship record, in accordance with Cal Poly Pomona and University Library criteria for reappointment, promotion, and tenure.
• Participate in Library and University faculty governance activities and fulfill service requirements, in accordance with Cal Poly Pomona and University Library criteria for reappointment, promotion, and tenure.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include:

• Master's degree in library or information science or equivalent from a library school program accredited by the American Library Association (degree must be awarded prior to date of hire).
• Demonstrated expertise or experience in Ethnic Studies in one or more of the four major racialized groups (Native American, African American, Asian American and/or Latino/a’s*) in two or more of the following areas – education, instruction, professional experience, scholarly research, creative activities, publication, and/or community engagement and service.
• Demonstrated understanding of the information needs and methods of scholarly inquiry in Ethnic Studies and related interdisciplinary fields.
• Demonstrated experience or potential to apply inclusive pedagogies and teaching practices in delivering information literacy instruction and reference services that support student learning and success.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to working effectively with students, faculty, and staff in a multicultural/multiethnic campus environment with a substantial first-generation student population.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusivity and equity. Evidence should be provided in a Student Success Statement that responds to the prompt above - “Inclusive Excellence and Student Success”.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree OR advanced graduate degree in Ethnic Studies or a related field (primarily in one of the four ethnic and racialized groups: Native American/American Indian/Alaskan Natives, African American, Asian American and/or Latino/a’s*).  Native American includes American Indian and Tribal Nations. African American includes Black Americans. Asian Americans includes Pacic Islanders. Latina and Latino American includes the Chicana/Chicano, Chicanx, and Latinx communities.
• Experience with collection development, including familiarity with information resources relevant to Ethnic Studies.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and support interdisciplinary initiatives and manage projects to successful completion.