About this Reference and Instruction Librarian role at Penn State University
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Pennsylvania State University Libraries is seeking two term librarians for non-tenure-line faculty positions; one located at the Brandywine Campus Library and one located in the Life Sciences Library on the University Park campus. Entry-level or early career librarians are encouraged to apply.
The Reference and Instruction Librarian at the Brandywine Library will provide reference services, teach instruction, and support student engagement and outreach. In collaboration with the Brandywine library team, this position serves 12 majors, about 1000 students, staff, faculty, and the greater Philadelphia area community.
The Life Sciences Librarian at University Park will join the STEM libraries department team in providing research consultations, contributing to a program of instruction, and collaborating on student outreach. The Life Sciences Librarian will primarily support students and faculty in the College of Agricultural Sciences across several departments.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Collaborate with colleagues to engage students and faculty through outreach and engagement.
Contribute to a program of library instruction, present workshops, and develop online library guides and tutorials that support the curriculum
Provide reference assistance and research consulting at all levels, both face-to-face and online.
Qualifications
Required:
An MLS degree from an ALA-accredited program (or equivalent/advanced degree in relevant academic disciplines);
Demonstrated commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace;
Effective communication and interpersonal skills;
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Preferred:
Experience providing instruction, library outreach, and research support;
For the Life Sciences Librarian only - knowledge of science information sources.
Application process
All candidate materials must be submitted via Workday. Interested candidates are expected to upload a resume or CV and a list of three references. Applicants will be asked to upload a list of three professional references, indicating their professional relationship to each reference.
References will be contacted later in the search process. While furnished references are at the candidate’s discretion, references must include: a current/previous direct supervisor, a colleague, and one at the candidate's discretion. Candidates must clearly identify the relationship for each reference provided. All references must be submitted at the time of application submission.
In addition, candidates are required to provide a response to several prompts in lieu of a cover letter. Responses to the prompts (1500-character limit each) should be submitted with candidate materials.
Application materials should demonstrate the candidate’s professional qualifications, experience, and contributions to librarianship, teaching, research, and/or service. Application materials should reflect a commitment to equal opportunity and respect for all individuals. Candidates are encouraged to highlight how their work promotes inclusive access to information and supports the academic mission of the institution.
Application Prompts (1500-character limit each):
Share why you are interested in serving in the position.
Give an example of a time when you resolved a complex reference question. What was the situation, what action did you take, and what was the outcome?
Describe your experience with library instruction.
How have you supported student learning?
How have you demonstrated your commitment to respect, inclusion, and belonging?
Provide an example of a time when you worked on a collaborative effort across multiple people, departments, or teams. What strategies did you use? What are some of the challenges that you faced?
Onsite expectations
The University expects regular onsite presence to fully participate in their university workspace or on-campus intellectual and educational community. Occasional hybrid work may be permissible upon approval of the supervisor.
Non-tenure line faculty positions
These are term positions; successful candidates are anticipated to be appointed through June 30, 2027. Continuation past the initial term length will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
Candidates for the rank of Assistant Librarian should possess a graduate degree in library or information studies or other appropriate degree; must have demonstrated potential ability as a librarian; and must have shown promise of growth in professional engagement and service.
Compensation
Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including a candidate’s qualifications, education, experience, and rank. In addition to a competitive salary, full-time employees also receive a comprehensive benefits program, generous paid time off, and tuition discount for employees and eligible family members. Total Compensation Calculator provides an estimated summary of the value of compensation and benefits.
Benefits
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and paid time off. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to eligible employees and their dependents.
Hiring Considerations
The anticipated start date would be summer 2026 and continue through June 2027. The effective start date may be adjusted to accommodate the needs of another campus if the selected candidate is from a Penn State campus that is closing.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
