Latin American & Caribbean Collection Librarian

POSITION: Latin American & Caribbean Collection Librarian

RANK: Assistant University Librarian or Associate University Librarian

REPORTS TO: Associate Chair of Special and Area Studies Collections

SALARY: Minimum salary $55,982 at the Assistant University Librarian rank

Minimum salary $64,700 at the Associate University Librarian rank

Actual salary will reflect selected professional’s experience and credentials

REQUISITION#: 69326

DEADLINE DATE: March 5, 2021 – applications will be reviewed as received

JOB SUMMARY

The Latin American & Caribbean Collection (LACC) Librarian is a year-round (12-month) tenure-track library faculty position. The  LACC is one of the finest such collections in the world. It contains approximately 500,000 book volumes, 1,100 current serial titles, some 50,000 microforms, and a growing body of digital materials. The LACC Librarian is responsible for the collection development of circulating materials in all formats, establishing collecting priorities for both physical and e-resources, in order to sustain and develop one of the preeminent collections of the University of Florida. The LACC Librarian engages with and provides services to a diverse, international community of patrons and develops strategies to increase collection visibility and usability. The Librarian liaises with faculty and students at the Center for Latin American Studies (http://www.latam.ufl.edu/) and other UF units to support existing and emerging research and teaching needs. The Librarian collaborates closely with the Latin American and Caribbean Special Collections Librarian, with Public Services personnel in the Department of Special & Area Studies Collections, and with others in the Libraries to manage LACC holdings and services. The LACC Librarian represents the Libraries in partnerships, consortia, and professional organizations relating to Latin American and Caribbean collections and projects, including a current initiative to digitize Cuban materials in partnership with the Biblioteca Nacional de Cuba José Martí and other repositories.

The LACC Librarian will serve on various committees and teams. To support all students and faculty, and foster excellence in a diverse, collaborative society, the Libraries actively seek candidates with culturally- rich lived experiences to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and perspectives. The LACC Librarian will pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and professional service activities in order to meet library- wide criteria for tenure and promotion.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops strategic priorities and vision for the collection and its activities that align with the Libraries’ Strategic Directions, including a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and awareness.
• Acquires materials to meet emerging needs and to expand/develop/build upon the strengths of the collection, staying current in best practices of library and academic fields.
• Builds and strengthens relations with the faculty, staff, and students of the Center for Latin American Studies to support their research and education needs and to collaborate on activities that advance the collection, the Center, and the Libraries.
• Engages with the Latinx student population and programs including the Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures (La Casita).
• Manages Latin American & Caribbean Collection holdings and services by evaluating and planning for collection needs, space management, preservation and conservation, cataloging and digitization, personnel, funds, and collection data, collaborating with specialists in these areas and more.
• Establishes and maintains vendor and community relationships.
• Seeks external funding through grants or partnerships, and maintains and cultivates relations with donors, in coordination with Libraries administration, development personnel, and specialists.
• Provides research assistance, orientations, tours, instructional support, and consultative services.
• Engages with faculty, students, and other researchers to understand their needs, to ensure their awareness of holdings and services, and to match them with relevant information resources.
• Furthers digital or other access efforts that reduce barriers to use of materials.
• Creates and maintains relevant research tools such as bibliographies or other descriptive guides.
• Promotes the collection through programs, exhibits, events, tours, social media and other activities.
• Acquires, maintains, and disseminates knowledge related to the broad specialization of Latin America, the Caribbean, the Latinx diaspora, and other assigned areas of responsibility.
• Participates in appropriate professional organizations, ensures a consistent record of service activities, and participates in committees and groups within the Libraries and the profession.
• Performs scholarly research and provides service at the institutional and professional levels as related to assignment and in accordance with tenure and promotion criteria.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited (or foreign equivalent) program, or other advanced degree in a field relevant to position.
• Minimum two (2) years of relevant experience for appointment as Assistant University Librarian.
• Minimum eight (8) years of relevant experience required for appointment as Associate University Librarian.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the history and culture of Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Professional fluency in written and spoken Spanish and English.
• Demonstrated knowledge of collection development and management.
• Record of teaching, research, or service that can be applied to making libraries more diverse, inclusive, and equitable.
• Record of including individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and perspectives in research, teaching, service and other work.
• Initiative, flexibility and the ability to adapt to a complex, rapidly changing academic environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with faculty, students, administrators, and the general public.
• Strong potential for meeting the requirements of tenure and promotion (outlined at http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/pers/cdh).

Preferred:

• Working knowledge of Portuguese, French, and/or Haitian Creole languages.
• Familiarity with information and digital-based technologies for office and library systems.
• Experience creating and maintaining online content.
• Experience relevant to managing budgets.
• Ability to effectively supervise and mentor employees.
• Record of including individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, gender, sexual orientation, and perspectives in research, teaching, service and other work

Research indicates that applicants with marginalized identities are hesitant to apply for positions if they do not meet all of the required and preferred qualifications. We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleague develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about student success and working with marginalized populations to apply. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to communicate the ways in which their work fulfils the required qualifications in ways that may not be obvious.

THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

The University of Florida (UF) is the state of Florida’s preeminent university. The state’s oldest and most comprehensive university, UF is among the nation’s most academically diverse public universities and won the 2018 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization. UF is currently sixth among “Top Public Universities” in the U.S. News and World Report and second among Forbes “Best Value Public Colleges (2016). UF has a long history of established programs in international education, research and service. It is one of only 17 public, land-grant universities that belong to the  Association of American Universities. At UF we have some of the top faculty in the country. In addition to attracting over $900 million in research each year, they foster the uniquely collaborative environment that transforms potential in to actual results. UF traces its beginnings to a small seminary in 1853 and is now one of the largest universities in the nation, with more than 50,000 students. The University of Florida seeks to address key challenges of our time, from COVID-19 to racism. For more information, please consult the  UF homepage.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EEO

The University of Florida is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. We are dedicated to the goal of building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff within a culturally diverse and pluralistic environment; we strongly encourage applications from women, members of underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

If an accommodation due to a hearing or speech disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD).

BENEFITS

University benefits for this position include retirement plan options, insurance benefits, paid family leave (parental and medical), tuition fee waiver program, and employee assistance program, as well as paid time off and holidays. Gainesville, Florida, has no state or local income tax. The UF Screen, Test & Protect Program provides guidelines and resources related to COVID-19.

GAINESVILLE COMMUNITY

Gainesville, Florida and the surrounding community are home to approximately 257,000 people and both the University of Florida and Santa Fe  College. The city is surrounded by more than 40 nature parks, including a large number of spring-fed lakes and rivers, with many paved and unpaved trails for recreation. The city is just over an hour from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Gainesville is an award- winning and innovative city friendly to both professionals and families. The Guide to Greater Gainesville combines award winning photography and compelling articles that capture all of the reasons for calling Gainesville your next home. The City of Gainesville is a progressive municipality that seeks to promote racial equity. The area has numerous cultural institutions and is a haven for sports fans. Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Tallahassee, and St. Augustine are all within a two-hour drive. Gainesville is an affordable city and area to live in – using a cost of living calculator you can compare cities across the United States.

See how affordable Gainesville really is!

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA LIBRARIES

The libraries at the University of Florida form the largest information resource system in the state of Florida with seven libraries and three off-campus facilities. The  George A. Smathers Libraries are comprised of six of the campus libraries, and all of the off-site facilities. The only library outside of this system is Lawton Chiles Legal Information Center at the Levin College of Law. The libraries hold over 6 million print volumes, 8.1 microfilms, 1.5 million e-books, 145,000 full-text electronic journals, over 1000 electronic databases, 1.3 million documents and 1.4 million maps and images. The libraries maintain partnerships and engages in a variety of collaborative, international projects while  engaging with the UF community. We are a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and other regional library consortia. The  library staff consists of more than 300 FTE  librarians, technical/clerical staff and student assistants. The George A. Smathers Libraries are strong advocates for inclusion and intellectual freedom. The Libraries’ commitment to both is articulated in the Inclusion Statement and Intellectual Freedom Statement.

LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN COLLECTION

The LACC is one of the finest collections for Latin American and Caribbean studies in the world. It contains approximately 500,000 volumes, 1,100 current / active serial titles, some 50,000 microforms, and a growing body of computer-based information and digital material. The LACC is a major contributor to the Digital Library of the Caribbean (dLOC), supports the study of Latin American and the Caribbean studies at the University of Florida and internationally, and is closely associated with the UF Center for Latin American Studies. The LACC reading room is located on the 3rd floor of the Smathers Library Building.

The Latin American and Caribbean Collection is part of the Special and Area Studies Collections Department, which embraces international, circulating, and special collections in its holdings, services, programs, and personnel. It is one of four preeminent collections that distinguish Smathers Libraries, along with the Baldwin Library of Historical Children’s Literature; the Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica; and Florida History Collections. The department is committed to further embedding diversity, inclusion, and equitable practices into how it serves the University of Florida and external communities. The LACC Librarian will be part of a department-wide effort to reappraise and redress exclusion, in addition to building new directions for holdings.

GAINESVILLE COMMUNITY

Gainesville, Florida and the surrounding community are home to approximately 257,000 people and both the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. The city is surrounded by over 40 nature parks, including many spring-fed lakes and rivers, with many paved and unpaved trails for recreation and is situated just over an hour from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Gainesville is known as an award-winning and innovative city friendly to both professionals and families. The  Guide to Greater Gainesville combines award winning photography and compelling articles that capture all of the reasons for calling Gainesville your next home. The area has numerous cultural institutions and is a haven for sports fans. Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Tallahassee, and St. Augustine are all within a two-hour drive. Gainesville is an affordable city and area to live in – using a cost of living calculator you can compare cities across the United States.

See how affordable Gainesville really is!

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, submit

• a cover letter detailing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• a written statement briefly outlining your vision for expanding the LACC’s engagement and support of Latinx communities (including those at UF). (approximately 250 words)
• your current resume or CV
• a list of three references including their contact information (telephone number and email address)

Apply by March 5, 2021 (applications will be reviewed as received). Submit all application materials through the Jobs at UF online application system at  Requisition 69326. Failure to submit the required documents may result in the application not being considered. If you have any questions or concerns about this process please contact Tina Marie Litchfield, George A. Smathers Libraries Human Resources Office, at  tlitchfield@uflib.ufl.edu.