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Geospatial Information Librarian - Ohio State University

Location: USA - OH - Columbus

The Ohio State Universtiy

The Geospatial Information Librarian is a forward-focused individual who will grow the Libraries’ GIS services program. This librarian will be an expert in applying geospatial concepts and techniques to the research agendas of faculty and students, will enhance curricula, and support research innovation across the University relating to spatial, numerical and visual thinking. The librarian will design and deliver consulting services to faculty and students using spatial data in a wide range of units across the University, and will collaborate with other units providing GIS support.

The Librarian will work closely with Data Management Services Librarian, the Digital Humanities Librarian, the Head of Teaching and Learning, the Collection Strategist, and others throughout University Libraries to increase understanding of geospatial data issues pertaining to research and teaching throughout the Libraries and on campus at large. The librarian will be responsible for developing, curating, teaching and assessing geospatial data collections and associated software for their use in enhancing course development and research innovation. The Librarian will report to the Head of Research Services and be part of the University Libraries’ Research Commons (http://library.osu.edu/researchcommons).

The Librarian will be committed to advancing efforts to foster diversity and inclusion in the library, the university, and in professional contexts. The Librarian will have a capacity to thrive in a changing work environment and fulfill position expectations as outlined below.

Responsibilities:

  • Enhance the robust GIS program based on analysis of constituent needs throughout the University.
  • Market and promote the GIS program in context of other value-added services provided by the Libraries.
  • Build on OSUL’s strength in instruction and classroom engagement across the University to promote curricular enhancements for both in person and online instruction focused on spatial and visual thinking.
  • Support data visualization activities by promoting techniques associated with specialized, evolving data tools for spatial applications.
  • Engage with other campus units with geospatial and statistical services such as OSU’s Enterprise GIS program and the Center for Urban and Regional Analysis (CURA).
  • Collaborate with the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry and the Honors and Scholars program as well as other teaching and learning partners across the University, in order to promote the GIS program for student research projects.
  • Work closely with the Data Management Services Librarian, the Digital Humanities Librarian, subject librarians, the Data Visualization Specialist, and others in University Libraries to increase understanding of geospatial and data issues pertaining to research and teaching.
  • Anticipate and respond to users’ research and information needs throughout the research lifecycle.
  • Represent the Libraries at consortial, specifically Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA), and other meetings concerning geospatial data issues.

Required Qualifications:

  • An ALA-accredited master’s degree or a comparable graduate degree from a non-US university (reviewed on a case-by-case basis) with evidence of a strong background in GIS, or a terminal degree in a relevant geospatial field with evidence of experience in information or knowledge management and services.
  • Demonstrated ability with desktop and web GIS and mapping software (such as ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth, Carto) and experience with its applications in research and teaching.
  • Knowledge of the organization of information and of scholarship in spatial and numerical disciplines.
  • Commitment to librarianship, scholarship, and service, which are required criteria to meet University and University Libraries requirements for promotion and tenure. https://library.osu.edu/document-registry/docs/356/stream.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience with common subscription databases including geospatial data, such as Social Explorer, PolicyMap, and Data-Planet.
  • Experience collecting, analyzing, and incorporating stakeholder feedback for actionable recommendations for program adjustments.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver instruction and support literacy within geospatial courses and curricula.

Appointment:

This is a full-time, permanent, 12-month appointment. For appointment as a tenure-track faculty member, the candidate will be required to meet university and Libraries requirements for promotion and tenure. Salary, position type, and faculty rank are dependent on qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

All of the benefits available to you reflect Ohio State’s commitment to provide high-quality, affordable plans and represent a significant component of your total rewards for working at Ohio State. The University offers competitive benefits in the form of 22 days of vacation, 15 days sick leave, 10 holidays, medical, dental, vision, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance at 2.5 times one’s annual salary. State and alternative retirement choices are also available. For a summary of benefits, see:

https://hr.osu.edu/new-employees/benefits-overview

Join Us!

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to applications received by June 24, 2018. Please send cover letter, CV, references, and salary requirements to Randall McKenzie, [email protected]. Please include Geospatial Information Librarian in the subject field.

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.