The Robert E. Kennedy Library at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is adopting the highly successful cluster-hire approach used by the Cal Poly colleges for our current recruitments. This is one element of a multifaceted strategy for intentional increase in expertise related to diversity and equity across the university, and part of a comprehensive effort to support inclusion. This approach has been chosen as an intervention because it will both enhance inclusive library service knowledge and practices among new hires and provide a supportive community for those invested in DEI-related work. It will be the library’s organizational responsibility to ensure that the cluster has opportunities to build community with other DEI-related cluster hires across the university and each other. Enhancing our existing processes for onboarding, mentoring, and balance of research and service will contribute substantially to the cluster’s experience and success.
Salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Anticipated hiring range: $78,000 - $85,000 per year.
As part of the library’s 2023 cluster hire, and under the direction of, and reporting to the Executive Director of Collection Strategies, Access and Systems this newly created position leads and develops the strategy, planning and design of the library's digital platforms and public-facing digital interfaces, including the library website. Through the lens of equitable information access, this position gathers feedback and engages stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement of the library’s digital platforms that support teaching, learning, and scholarship. This is a highly collaborative role, working closely with colleagues on the design and delivery of digital interfaces. The successful candidate will collaborate with the Systems Librarian, Digital Archivist and Data & GIS Specialist to develop digital scholarship workshops and tutorials and will partner with college librarian liaisons to develop outreach plans to raise awareness of the library’s digital tools and platforms used to deliver information services and resources. The librarian in this position will proactively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the digital delivery of the library’s programs and services and apply best practices (including universal design) to design for diverse learning styles and ensure compliance with accessibility standards and requirements. And this position will perform active user experience research with end users to develop methodologies which evaluate and assess the library’s digital platforms and interfaces and recommend evidence-based design improvements.
For more information:
Robert E. Kennedy Library DEI Action Plan
Robert E. Kennedy Library Vision and Values
DEI-Focused Cluster Hire Faculty in the Cal Poly SLO College of Liberal Arts
This position will be filled at the Senior Assistant Librarian rank.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- MLS from an ALA accredited program or comparable experience with a relevant advanced degree
- Three or more years of relevant experience
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, including a strong commitment to advancing the library’s role in supporting equitable learning and student success
- Familiarity with approaches and trends used in library reference and instructional services
- Knowledge of digital platforms used to deliver library programs, services, and information resources
- Knowledge of learning management systems (e.g. Canvas)
- Knowledge of online platforms used to preserve and disseminate research (e.g. BePress Digital Commons, Islandora), and online discovery and instructional platforms (e.g. Primo Discovery, LibGuides)
- Familiarity with current approaches and trends in user experience and universal design for learning.
- Familiarity with social media channels (e.g. Instagram)
- Knowledge of, or experience with, HTML and CSS used in online library platforms and tools
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a collegial, team-based environment
- Demonstrated outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities with a high level of initiative and flexibility
- A strong service ethic and ability to collaborate effectively with end users
- Capacity to engage in the research, scholarship, and creative activities required to achieve promotion and tenure
- Capacity to engage in service activities required to achieve promotion and tenure
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working in an academic library
- Experience managing website content
- Experience designing digital platforms and tools to deliver programs and services in higher education or related industries
- Familiarity with information security, and privacy and accessibility in digital library platforms
- Knowledge of or experience with commonly used academic software solutions or databases used in data analysis and visualization (e.g. ESRI-GIS; SPSS; Minitab; Scalar, Tableau, StoryMap, etc.)
- Experience using digital platforms for library instruction
- Experience designing and conducting usability and other user experience studies
- Knowledge of principles of instructional design
- Knowledge of issues and trends in critical librarianship
- Experience with design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)
DIVERSITY & INCLUSIVITY
At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly’s values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly’s commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
This position is part of a university-wide cluster of searches designed to increase curricular coverage of areas related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as to promote inclusive and equitable teaching strategies across the university. Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to the university's goals in these areas. Kennedy Library is concurrently hiring a Digital Initiatives and Engagement Librarian as part of this cluster-of-two.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.
Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.
For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.
In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California. It is also expected that faculty establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities.
About Kennedy Library
Kennedy Library is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing campus-wide information resources and related services. Integrating traditional library resources and services with digital tools, the Robert E. Kennedy Library continuously adapts its services, programs, and spaces to meet the evolving academic programs, research interests, and needs of the university community. From June 2023 to summer 2025, Kennedy Library will further adapt its services while the library building is being fully renovated. During this period, library employees will be providing access to information resources, supporting research, delivering outreach and teaching information literacy from alternative campus and online spaces. Kennedy Library embraces the campus commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity through its programs, collections, and services, and through the library’s DEI Action Plan.
About California Polytechnic State University
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is a nationally ranked comprehensive public university located in San Luis Obispo, California. With more than 18,000 undergraduates and approximately 1000 graduate students, Cal Poly fosters teaching, scholarship, and service in a learn-by-doing environment where students and faculty are partners in discovery. As a polytechnic university, Cal Poly promotes the application of theory to practice. As a comprehensive institution, Cal Poly provides a balanced education in the arts, sciences, and technology, while encouraging cross-disciplinary and co-curricular experiences. As an academic community, Cal Poly values free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. For more information, see Prospective Employee Information.
About San Luis Obispo, California
Cal Poly’s location in San Luis Obispo makes it one of the best places to visit. It is a quintessential, temperate coastal California town with some 43,000 residents. Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles and just minutes from beaches, state parks, landmarks, and premium wine regions, it is also a popular vacation spot.
The city of San Luis Obispo offers a historic, restored downtown full of restaurants, theatres, art galleries and shops centered around San Luis Obispo Creek, Mission San Luis Obispo, and Mission Plaza. San Luis Obispo’s Thursday night Farmer’s Market on Higuera Street has become a model for cities around the state. It’s a mix of fresh produce and flowers, baked goods, restaurant fare, and free music all within strolling distance.
San Luis Obispo is just minutes from some of California’s best beaches and original beach cities: Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Montaña de Oro State Park, Cayucos, the Pismo Dunes, and world-famous Hearst Castle.
HOW TO APPLY
Kennedy Library recognizes that candidates may have acquired relevant experience in a variety of ways. We expect candidates to be stronger in some required qualifications than others. We are committed to helping future colleagues expand their skills as well as learning from their areas of strength.
Interested candidates must attach (1) a cover letter, (2) resume/curriculum vitae (3) diversity statement. The diversity statement should address a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in teaching, scholarship and/or service describing past experience, contributions to diversity and inclusion efforts, the impact on students, faculty, staff and/or your field and a description of how you will demonstrate a commitment in these areas in teaching, research, and/or service at Cal Poly, and (4) a copy of unofficial transcripts of highest degree earned.
Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. For full consideration apply by the REVIEW BEGIN DATE: June 26, 2023
Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered. Sealed official transcripts showing highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment.
For questions, please contact Shelly Kurkeyerian by email at skurkeye@calpoly.edu