PLACEMENT
SERVICE
JOB
LIST
NOVEMBER
2004
2004-2005, No. 3
CLAYTON COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY, Morrow, Georgia, is looking for a Catalog
Librarian.
DOVER PUBLICATIONS, Mineola, New York, is looking for a Music Editor.
GETTYSBURG COLLEGE, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is looking for a Cataloging and Metadata
Librarian.
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY, Kent, Ohio, is looking for a Head of the Music Library and Librarian
for the Performing Arts.
The NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY, New York, New York, is looking for a Librarian II (or Librarian
I on a training basis), Performing Arts/Music Research Division.
SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE, Bronxville, New York, is looking for a Head of Technical Services.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, Carbondale, Illinois, is looking for an Assistant Professor or
Associate Professor (Special Formats Cataloger).
The UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, Santa Barbara, California, is looking for candidates for their
Library Fellowship Program.
The UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, College Park, Maryland, is looking for a Head, Michelle Smith
Performing Arts Library (Librarian).
The UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA, Vermillion, South Dakota, is looking for a Curator,
National Music Museum.
POSITIONS PREVIOUSLY POSTED
The BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC, Boston, Massachusetts, is looking for a Catalog Librarian.
The UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA, Norman, Oklahoma, is looking for a Fine and Applied Arts Librarian.
CLAYTON COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY, Morrow, Georgia, is looking for a Catalog Librarian.
Responsibilities: Primary job responsibilities of the Catalog Librarian are to provide accurate on-line
records for the materials acquired by the Library and to maintain and improve the integrity of the Library’s on-line catalog by:
•Analyzing and describing music scores, audio-visual materials, foreign language materials, electronic resources, serials and other
complicated materials to provide access through the Library’s on-line catalog.
•Coordinating authority control and record maintenance assuring that departmental and national quality standards are met.
•Developing and documenting policies and procedures for database management activities that ensure the integrity of the Library’s
on-line catalog.
•Developing, implementing, and supervising database cleanup and enhancement projects.
•Training Library staff members in all areas involving cataloging and materials processing.
•Assisting the Head of Technical Services in formulating departmental policies and procedures. Acts as head of the department in
the absence of the department head.
In addition to primary responsibilities, all librarians serve as liaisons to teaching faculty in assigned areas. Assignments in
other library areas, such as reference and archives, may be possible depending on the qualifications and interests of the
successful candidate.
Qualifications: Required: ALA-accredited or BOR-approved Masters degree in Library Studies. Cataloging coursework including such areas as LC Classification System and Subject Headings, and AACR2rev cataloging rules. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills. Desired: Cataloging experience. Experience cataloging non-book materials and/or serials will be considered an asset. Experience with integrated library automation systems. Experience with Voyager will be considered an asset. Experience with on-line authority control. Knowledge of processing and preservation procedures.
Salary & Benefits: $39,000 per fiscal year contract. Full University System benefits including tuition remission and choice of retirement plans.
Deadline: Applications received by December 1, 2004 will receive full consideration.
Application: Please send an application letter, resume, names and contact information for three professional
references to:
Kara Mullen
Library
Clayton College & State University
5900 North Lee Street
Morrow, GA 30260
Fax: 770-961-3712
Email: karamullen@mail.clayton.edu
DOVER PUBLICATIONS, Mineola, New York, is looking for a Music Editor.
General Information: Dover Publications, a subsidiary of Courier Corporation, has an excellent opportunity and challenging position available for a Music Editor. Dover Publications, located in Mineola, NY (Long Island), is a major classical music reprint publisher of books and scores. The Music Editor will be responsible for researching, recommending, evaluating and acquiring classical music titles for publication; developing music anthologies and series; and editing reprint books and scores.
Duties & Responsibilities: 1. Develop the music book and score list by researching and recommending titles for publication. 2. Work directly with authors and editors on music titles for publication. 3. Work with music libraries, dealers, and others to locate and utilize music books and scores for reprinting. 4. Provide information and insight on music titles to aid the marketing and sales departments. 5. Edit all reprint music books and scores, checking and proofing as necessary. 6. Check and correct all titles through all phases of design and production. 7. Meet all required deadlines as directed. Candidates must report to the Mineola location. No telecommuting opportunities exist and resumes requesting a telecommute will not be considered.
Qualifications: 1. Full-time music book and score editing experience. 2. Thorough knowledge of classical music repertoire. 3. Contacts within music libraries and schools desirable. 4. Computer skills (Windows environment, MS Word, etc.) 5. Bachelor's Degree or higher in music.
Application: Please send resume WITH salary requirements by email to hr@doverpublications.com.
GETTYSBURG COLLEGE, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is looking for a Cataloging and Metadata Librarian.
General Information: Gettysburg College Library invites applications for an energetic, service-oriented librarian to head its Cataloging team. The Cataloging and Metadata Librarian will have oversight of the integrated library system, cataloging functions, and digital projects. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Technical Services and will supervise three FTE support staff and help coordinate the work of others involved in digital initiatives. Librarians with three or more years experience in cataloging are encouraged to apply. Musselman Library is a dynamic organization where every staff member makes a difference (see our website at http://www.gettysburg.edu/library to learn more about us). We serve a small, liberal arts community of 2,500 students and play a visible role in creating a friendly, supportive academic community. Be sure to view the full job description http://www.gettysburg.edu/library/info/employment/index.html on our website, where you will find a detailed list of job duties as well as links to our first digital projects.
Responsibilities: Working with the ILS vendor and the Library Systems Administrator to manage the integrated library system (Innovative Interfaces) ; Directing the activities of the cataloging unit ; Performing original and complex adaptive cataloging and classification of materials in all formats and subjects ; Taking a leadership role in the planning and implementation of local digitizing projects.
Qualifications: Master's degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited program ; Experience with standard computer applications, integrated library systems, internet resources, and electronic databases ; Minimum of three years cataloging experience in an integrated online environment ; Working knowledge of cataloging rules, standards, and resources ; Knowledge of developing metadata schemas and standards used to manage and describe digital collections in a variety of formats ; Supervisory experience.
Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive. A liberal benefits package http://www.gettysburg.edu/administration/hr/benefits_insur/benefits1.htm is available.
Deadline: Applications received by December 3, 2004 will receive the fullest consideration.
Application: Gettysburg College is committed to creating a more diverse community; as part of that process,
the College encourages candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply. Send letter of application, resume and the
names and address of three references to:
Jennifer Lucas
Assistant Director of Human Resource Services
Gettysburg College
Box 2443
Gettysburg, PA 17325
e-mail address: jlucas@gettysburg.edu
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY, Kent, Ohio, is looking for a Head of the Music Library and Librarian for the Performing Arts.
General Information: Kent State University Libraries and Media Services invites applications for the position of Head of the Hugh A. Glauser Music Library and Librarian for the Performing Arts. The Library serves the School of Music, which offers degrees through the doctoral level. It is one of six branch libraries on campus, and the librarian reports to the Assistant Dean for Library Information Services. The Music Library collection consists of approximately 90,000 volumes of books, printed music, video recordings, and sound recordings in digital and analog formats. More information on the Library is available at http://www.library.kent.edu/music.
Responsibilities: The successful candidate will manage the programs and daily operations of the Music Library and serve as liaison to the Schools of Music and of Theater and Dance. This includes setting a direction for the development of services, instructional outreach, and collection management that support the Libraries' strategic plan. Specific responsibilities include: provision of direct reference service; supervision, training, and evaluation of 1 FTE support staff and student employees; promotion of information literacy through formal and informal instruction; development of the collection in all formats; and creation and maintenance of a robust Web presence for the Library. The successful candidate will have knowledge of or interest in investigating the digital delivery of services such as electronic reserves or audio streaming where applicable. The librarian in this position participates in the governance of the Libraries and serves on the Branch Librarians' Council, in addition to other various library and university committees.
Environment: The Kent State University Libraries are a member of the Association of Research Libraries and the Center for Research Libraries and have a collection of over 2 million volumes. The Libraries are a founding member of OCLC and of OhioLINK (http://www.ohiolink.edu), the statewide information system. Innovative Interfaces is used for the integrated library system.
Qualifications: Required: 1. MLS from an ALA-accredited program. 2. Bachelor's degree in music. 3. Knowledge of the music literature and cataloging protocols. 4. Familiarity with a broad range of electronic resources. 5. Strong public service orientation. 6. Effective interpersonal and communication skills. 7. Flexibility and initiative. 8. Ability and interest in fulfilling requirements of job performance, scholarship, and service to meet tenure and promotion requirements. Preferred: 1. Supervisory experience. 2. Academic research library experience. 3. Advanced degree in music. 4. Working knowledge of German, French, or Italian. 5. Collection development experience. 6. Experience with Web development. 7. Professional association involvement. 8. Interest in and ability to meet tenure and promotion standards.
Salary, Status & Benefits: $42,778. Faculty status, Assistant Professor rank. Tenure track, 12-month faculty position. Generous health benefits. Annual research leave. Support for professional development.
Deadline: Review of applications will begin on November 29.
Application: Send a letter of application addressing the required qualifications, vita, and the names,
addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references to:
Jeanne Somers
Associate Dean, Libraries and Media Services
Kent State University
P.O. Box 5190
Kent OH 44242-0001
Fax: 330/672-4811
Kent State University is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. Applications from members of protected classes are
encouraged. Consult the Libraries and Media Services Web site for more information (
http://www.library.kent.edu).
The NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY, New York, New York, is looking for a Librarian II (or Librarian I on a training basis), Performing Arts/Music Research Division.
General Description: Under the general supervision of the Assistant Chief of the Music Division, provides reference assistance for the Music Research Division in person, by telephone and by mail. Processes archival collections and prepares finding aids using Encoded Archival Description (EAD), and supervises other staff members processing archival collections. Supervises the staff responsible for retrospective barcoding and selection of materials for offsite storage. Troubleshoots cataloging and conservation problems of materials for offsite storage. Maintains the Division’s digital files used for reference, ensures conformity to current standards, and converts such files when necessary. Performs related duties as required.
Eligibility Requirements: ALA-accredited Master’s degree in the Library and Information Studies and an undergraduate degree in music. Graduate work in musicology or music theory preferred. Successfully demonstrated professional experience required to be considered at the Librarian II level. Successfully demonstrated public service experience. Demonstrated knowledge of AACR2 and LCRI and with current trends and practices in digital initiatives. Demonstrated experience in the creation of records in OCLC and RLIN. Demonstrated experience with archival processing. Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Reading knowledge of German and one other modern language. Supervisory experience preferred.
Deadline: Open until filled
Application: Please send resume and cover letter to:
The New York Public Library
HR Dept Job Code: LML-L2MUS
188 Madison Ave, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Fax: 212-592-7327
Email: lsresumes@nypl.org
When emailing, please refer to LML-L2MUS in the subject line.
SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE, Bronxville, New York, is looking for a Head of Technical Services.
Responsibilities: The Sarah Lawrence College Library seeks a senior level manager to supervise the team responsible for the acquisition and cataloging of library materials, including monographs, serials, audio-visual items, and music scores. The Library is in the middle of a major reclassification project, converting holdings from Dewey to Library of Congress classification. The incumbent will also assume responsibility for collection development with respect to replacements and deaccessioning.
Qualifications: Must have an ALA-accredited MLS, proficiency in cataloging with OCLC or other bibliographic utility, supervisory experience, knowledge of standards and current practices, and experience in library automation systems. Must be able to work effectively and flexibly within a team environment.
Deadline: Open until filled
Application: Send resume with salary requirements to:
Human Resources
Sarah Lawrence College
One Mead Way
Bronxville, NY 10708
E-mail: admin@slc.edu
SLC is an EOE committed to achieving a racially and culturally diverse community.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, Carbondale, Illinois, is looking for an Assistant Professor or Associate Professor (Special Formats Cataloger).
Environment: The library services of Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) are centralized in Morris Library. The Library holds more than 2.4 million volumes, 3.1 million microform units, over 12,500 current periodicals and serials, and a wide-range of electronic resources and databases. As the campus center for access to academic information and collaborative academic technology projects, the Library provides assistive services, including reference, instructional and technical support, distance learning, geographic information systems (GIS), and multimedia courseware development. Morris Library is a member of the Association of Research Libraries and the Greater Western Library Alliance. Librarians at SIUC are faculty and are covered by collective bargaining. Additional information about SIUC and Library Affairs is available on the World Wide Web (http://www.lib.siu.edu).
Responsibilities: Under the general direction of the Head of Cataloging, the Special Formats Cataloger is responsible for both original and copy cataloging of serials, music (including sheet music and CDs), and cartographic materials following national standards and departmental guidelines. Specific duties include: resolving cataloging and workflow problems; training and supervising personnel assigned to work with these materials; creating and maintaining authority records; assisting in review, development, and implementation of departmental policies and procedures to ensure high quality bibliographic control; and assisting in the preparation of manuals and other documentation. Provides backup to department head as needed; participates in library committees and planning activities. The Special Formats Cataloger is responsible for maintaining a high-level working knowledge of current national standards, practices and trends in bibliographic control, especially as they relate to these materials, including participation in local and national discussions.
Qualifications: Required: MLS from an ALA-accredited library program completed by date of hire; recent professional cataloging experience or coursework in cataloging; competence with current library automation such as OPACs, electronic indexes, and the Internet; knowledge of AACR2rev, MARC formats, LCRls, LCC and LCSH; experience with an integrated library system and an online bibliographic utility such as OCLC; aptitude for learning multiple formats; strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills; ability to organize and prioritize work to maintain a high level of productivity; flexibility to work with multiple assignments; effective oral and written communication skills; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team; and potential to meet established Library Affairs criteria for tenure and promotion, including professional service and published research. For appointment at Associate Professor: All of the above plus four (4) or more years of relevant cataloging experience in an academic library or comparable environment and a professional record that merits appointment at this rank, including evidence of professional service on a national level and published research that is scholarly and substantial. Preferred: Recent experience cataloging serial, music and/or map formats; reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages; familiarity with Endeavor's Voyager system; successful training experience and/or supervisory experience.
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications ($39,000 minimum). Full-time, 12-month, continuing (tenure track).
Deadline: November 26, 2004, or until filled. Available January 10, 2005, or later.
Application: Please send a resume and a letter of application stating qualifications and background for
this position. Applications must include the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses (if available) of three
professional references. References may be contacted by Morris Library and asked to comment on your experience and qualifications
for this position. All materials should be addressed to:
Sherry Elders, Personnel Coordinator
Library Affairs, Mail Code 6632
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL 62901
Telephone: 618-453-2681
E-mail: apply@lib.siu.edu
The UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, Santa Barbara, California, is looking for candidates for their Library Fellowship Program.
Program Description: The University of California, Santa Barbara invites candidates to apply for it s Library Fellowship Program to serve a two-year post-graduate appointment in the university library. UCSB has a continuing commitment to promote diversity and multicultural awareness in all areas of the library. The Fellowship Program is designed to increase the diversity of professional librarians and to encourage the involvement and participation of underrepresented librarians in academic research libraries. The program provides the recent graduate an opportunity to work in a culturally diverse environment, to gain experience in at least two areas or departments of the library, to learn about academic libraries, to explore the latest developments in information technologies, and to participate in a dynamic and challenging workplace.
Qualifications: The UCSB library encourages enthusiastic, energetic, highly motivated librarians to apply for the program. Applicants must be recent graduates from an ALA-accredited library program, demonstrate an interest and knowledge of academic librarianship and a strong desire for professional growth. Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
The University and the Library: The University of California, Santa Barbara, is one of ten campuses of the University of California system. The campus occupies a picturesque 989-acre palm and eucalyptus lined plateau overlooking the Pacific Ocean. UCSB is ranked as a category 1 research university by the Carnegie Commission, and is an elected member of the Association of American Universities. The total student population is about 19,000 and faculty number 1,200. The library, a member of the Association of Research Libraries, is a major research facility with a collection of over 2 million volumes. The collection supports undergraduate and graduate programs in 33 academic areas and serves the wide-ranging research needs of diverse campus programs and centers. The library is an active participant in the California Digital Library and a recipient of research grants from government and other sources.
Salary & Benefits: Fellows are appointed at the Assistant Librarian level ($37,920-$42,996). Benefits include 24 days' vacation annually, 12 days' sick leave, 12 paid holidays, employer paid medical coverage, dental and life insurance, participation in the UC Retirement system, and social security. Financial support for attendance at conferences, seminars, and workshops.
Deadline: December 30, 2004
Application: Send a letter of application, resume, and the names and addresses of at least three
references to:
Detrice Bankhead
Associate University Librarian
Human Resources
Davidson Library
University of California
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
The UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, College Park, Maryland, is looking for a Head, Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library (Librarian).
Environment: The Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library (PAL) is a branch library of the UM Libraries, housed in the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at Maryland (CSPAC), and is the central location for music, theatre, and dance materials. For specific information, visit the PAL web site: http://www.lib.umd.edu/PAL/music.html.
Responsibilities: Provides administrative leadership, organizational and resource management, strategic planning, and staff supervision and development for the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library. Plans, coordinates, develops, and implements programs and services for students and faculty in the School of Music and Departments of Theatre and Dance. Provides leadership for special collections (International Piano Archives at Maryland and Special Collections in the Performing Arts), exhibits, print and audio collections, electronic initiatives including audio and video delivery and digital library projects. Actively promotes the Performing Arts Library’s national reputation as an international center for piano archives. Serves as part of the leadership team for the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, working collaboratively to support performance and educational programs, and with the Dean of Libraries and CSPAC development officers, on donor relations and other development activities. May also participate directly in the collection management, instruction, and user assistance programs of PAL. Head reports to the Director for Public Services; directly supervises two librarians and two curators out of a total PAL staff of 14.
Qualifications: Required: ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library Science or other post-baccalaureate degree in a performing arts discipline with library experience. Library experience in one or more areas of the performing arts, preferably in a large research academic library; supervisory experience; strong interpersonal/communication skills; demonstrated knowledge and experience with the creative use of current and emerging trends and technologies; strong commitment to customer relations and ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with faculty, students, staff and donors; team-building skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively in a complex, fast-paced, service-oriented environment. Ability to meet promotion and permanent status requirements. Preferred: National reputation in performing arts or related librarianship and experience in fund raising and building donor relationships; knowledge of music, theatre and dance literature; additional graduate degree in a performing arts discipline.
Salary & Rank: Minimum $60,000.00. Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Non-Tenured Faculty, Full Time (12 Month Appointment).
Deadline: December 13, 2004
Application: For full consideration, submit cover letter, resume, and names/addresses of three references by
December 13, 2004. Applications accepted until position is filled. Send to:
Ray Foster
Library Personnel
McKeldin Library
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-7011
Fax: 301-314-9960
E-mail: gfernan1@umd.edu
The University of Maryland is an EEO/AA employer.
The UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA, Vermillion, South Dakota, is looking for a Curator, National Music Museum.
Responsibilities: The National Music Museum and The University of South Dakota are seeking a Curator to perform cataloging, record keeping, and artifact storage activities for its brass instrument collection. This will include conducting original research on the history of brass musicalinstruments. Additionally, you will teach graduate students and guide/evaluate them on their thesis projects.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in Musicology required. Significant related experience in research/teaching preferred. An up-to-date knowledge of recent trends in musicology and specialized research techniques desirable. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications.
Deadline: Position closes November 16, 2004.
Application: Send a cover letter addressing your interest in this position; a copy of your current resume;
and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references to:
Curator Search
USD Human Resources
414 E. Clark St
Vermillion SD 57069
The University of South Dakota is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to increasing the diversity of its
faculty, staff and administration.
POSITIONS RECENTLY FILLED
Terra Mobley, Music Librarian, Duquesne University
John Wagstaff, Music Librarian and Associate Professor of Library Administration, University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign
CAREER RESOURCES
TENURE AND FACULTY STATUS FOR LIBRARIANS
- Association of College & Research Libraries. "Standards
& Guidelines." Available at
http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlstandards/standardsguidelines.htm.
Some of the standards and guidelines listed on this web site include the following:
Academic Status for College and University Librarians, Guidelines for (June 2002)
Criteria and Procedures for Appointment, Promotion in Academic Rank, and Tenure for College and University Librarians, Model Statement of (Jan. 1987)
Faculty Status of College and University Librarians, Joint Statement on (June 2001)
Faculty Status for College and University Librarians, Standards for (Jan. 2001)
- Cary, Shannon. "Faculty Rank, Status, and Tenure for
Librarians: Current Trends." College & Research Libraries News
62, no. 5 (May 2001): 510-11, 520.
The issue of faculty status for academic librarians has been discussed within the profession for many years, and opinions have been expressed in both support of and opposition to the notion. In 1990, ACRL adopted the "Guidelines for Academic Status for College and University Libraries" and the board stated that "ACRL supports faculty rank, status, and tenure for librarians." And in a 1992 article, Bede Mitchell and Bruce Morton argued that librarians should embrace the academic model and strive to become full members of the academic community. However, detractors also have voiced their opinions. Recently, Blaise Cronin wrote that the "obsession with [faculty] status merely detracts from customer service and weakens the profession's public image." Because this issue is of continuing interest to academic librarians, ACRL decided to illuminate this discussion by gathering data on faculty status.
- Chait, Richard, ed. The Questions of Tenure.
Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2002.
In this unique book, Richard Chait and his colleagues offer the results of their research on key empirical questions. Are there circumstances under which faculty might voluntarily relinquish tenure? When might new faculty actually prefer non-tenure track positions? Does the absence of tenure mean the absence of shared governance? Why have some colleges abandoned tenure while others have adopted it? Answers to these and other questions come from careful studies of institutions that mirror the American academy: research universities and liberal arts colleges, including both highly selective and less prestigious schools. Lucid and straightforward, The Questions of Tenure offers vivid pictures of academic subcultures. Chait and his colleagues conclude that context counts so much that no single tenure system exists. Still, since no academic reward carries the cachet of tenure, few institutions will initiate significant changes without either powerful external pressures or persistent demands from new or disgruntled faculty.
- Cronin, Blaise. "The Mother of all Myths." Library
Journal 126, no. 3 (February 15, 2001): 144.
Faculty status for college and university librarians does not make the slightest difference to the library user. Good librarians continue to be good librarians whether or not they have faculty status, and, whatever the feel-good factor, faculty status does not compensate for mediocre professional skills or materially improve the application of already honed skills.
- "Do Librarians with Tenure Get More Respect? An Interview
with Mark Herring and Michael Gorman. American Libraries 34,
no. 6 (June/July 2003): 70-72.
Gorman, dean of library services at California State University in Fresno, and Herring, dean of library services at Winthrop University, discuss how much tenure has closed the salary and prestige gap between librarians and other faculty on U.S. campuses.
- Evans, Karen. "Mentoring Tenure-Track Librarians." Info Career Trends (March 2004). Available at:
http://www.lisjobs.com/newsletter/archives/mar04kevans.htm.
So, you have been asked to mentor a new librarian? Congratulations! Being asked to serve as a mentor is an indication that your administration and/or peers believe you have the skills and ability to assist a new employee settle into his or her position. Don't simply look at mentoring as one more job duty. Mentoring gives you a chance to rejuvenate as a librarian. The majority of new employees arrive with enthusiasm for their new position. Do not destroy their excitement! Instead, use their eagerness to reconnect with the discipline. Remember how excited you were when you were offered your first library position? When your first article or book review was published? If you are feeling jaded about being a librarian, let mentoring draw you back into the excitement of the profession.
- Keyse, Dana, Elizabeth Kraemer, and Julie Voelck.
"Mentoring Untenured Librarians: All it Takes is a Little Un-TLC."
College & Research Libraries News 64, no. 6 (June 2003): 378-80.
As an untenured librarian, it is natural to have some important, career-altering questions above and beyond the endless routine questions that arise when learning a job. Having the "why" and the "how" at the tip of our tongues is easy. The problem is in the knowing what to ask whom when it comes to issues related to the tenure process, and when--if ever--such questions are appropriate. When the untenured librarian is seeking the way to the Holy Grail of tenure, he or she often seeks a mentor. The natural step is to find someone who is in the know, and someone who can be trusted not to note in one's personnel file the depth and breadth of the stupidity of the inquiry.
- Kuyper-Rushing, Lois. "A Formal Mentoring Program
in a University Library: Components of a Successful Experiment." The
Journal of Academic Librarianship 27, no. 6 (November 2001): 440-46.
The Louisiana State University (LSU) Libraries began a formal mentoring program in the fall of 1998 to help tenure-track librarians meet the requirements for tenure and promotion at LSU. At the end of the first year of the program, those responsible for, and involved in, the program were well satisfied. The program had its share of difficulties and problems, but much was learned from the misdirections as well as the successes of the program. . . . Although much has been written on the subject of "mentoring," little has been written on how to develop a mentoring program, and how to develop it to be effective. The literature that discussed mentoring programs did not address several of the issues that the LSU Libraries program found to be key to its success. This article outlines the step-by-step process used in setting up LSU's program, the key components used in developing the program, and the parts of the program that had not been documented in the literature before this article.
- Lener, Edward, Bruce Pencek, and Susan Ariew. "Raising
the Bar: An Approach to Reviewing and Revising Standards for Professional
Achievement for Library Faculty." College & Research Libraries
65, no. 4 (July 2004): 287-300.
The committee revising the retention, promotion, and continued appointment policy in the Virginia Tech libraries took a broad view of its task in articulating its goal, gathering information from internal and external sources, allocating drafting responsibilities, and winning support. The committee's work revealed an unexpected need and led to an explicit affirmation of professional obligations of librarians to one another. Thus, adoption of the new policy and the principles it embodied became a lever for changes in the organizational culture.When a college or university seeks to raise promotion and tenure standards for academic faculty, where do its professional employees fit? How can they affect the standards under which they will be judged? For librarians, the nature and effects of higher retention, promotion, and tenure (RPT) standards will depend not only on whether they have faculty status, but also on the nature of that status: librarians who are entirely integrated into the academic faculty may have different opportunities to affect RPT standards than librarians whose institutions distinguish among classes of faculty. Naturally, librarians who are professional employees without faculty status face yet another set of issues.
- National Education Association. "Hot Issues: Tenure."
Available at http://www.nea.org/he/tenure.html.
Tenure is a topic that has produced much heated discussion in recent years. Some argue that tenure is an outmoded concept, and, if institutions are going to remain competitive, they need to be able to have more flexibility to hire and fire faculty as student needs change. Others argue that tenure is vital to the protection of academic freedom and that without tenure we will return to the days when faculty were dismissed for teaching unpopular opinions. The NEA Higher Education web site has pulled together resources on this important topic. NEA has a strong policy in favor of tenure. Thought and Action, NEA's refereed journal for higher education, has several articles on tenure.
- Weaver-Meyers, Patricia. "Conflict Resolution: A Case
Study about Academic Librarians and Faculty Status." College & Research
Libraries 63, no. 1 (January 2003): 25-34.
Faculty status for academic librarians has a complex history that includes past conflict. Furthermore, this history has never fully resolved the problem of librarians' status in the minds of non-librarian faculty. Even the minds of librarians, as evidenced by a variety of current statuses (professional status, non-tenured faculty status, academic status, faculty status without rank, and faculty status with rank) are unsettled. An academic librarian may move from one institution to another and dramatically affect his or her evaluation criteria. The following is a discussion of how some aspects of faculty status among librarians may contribute to potential conflict and how the resultant damage can be minimized. This discussion analyzes the upheaval of faculty status for the University of Oklahoma librarians that occurred in the last decade with the intent of formulating some strategies for coping with similar conflict. Within this case study are two major conflicts. The first is a conflict between the university administration and the librarians. That conflict creates a situation in which subsequent conflict among the librarians themselves becomes unavoidable.