Social Sciences and Government Information Librarian

University of Missouri Libraries, Columbia, MO

MU Libraries seeks an innovative and collaborative librarian to serve as Social Sciences and Government Information Librarian. Reporting to the Head of Research and Information Services, this librarian will serve as a subject librarian for political science, public administration, public affairs, data services and government information services. The librarian in this position will also serve as the Regional Librarian in Missouri for the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). Entry level and experienced librarians are encouraged to apply. Training and mentorship will be provided.

Description of Duties

1. Engages in library liaison activities with assigned academic disciplines in political science, public administration and public affairs.

* Serves as a proactive ambassador to highlight Libraries' services, resources, and partnerships to meet student and faculty needs.

* Keeps abreast of trends and developments in information resources, scholarly communication, digital scholarship, and open educational resources, especially in assigned disciplines.

* Supports open data and research impact.

2. Provides the entire range of in-person and online reference and research support services (some evening and weekend hours required), providing high quality and timely services.

* Provides research support to students and faculty in assigned disciplines, and general research support as needed.

* Participates in the planning and delivery of team-based virtual research services (i.e., chat, text, email, and telephone).

* Collaborates in the design, implementation, and maintenance of relevant online tools and services in order to integrate library services and resources into the workflow of teaching, learning, and research.

3. Provides instruction/information literacy services.

* Plans, coordinates, and delivers in-person and online library instruction that incorporates active learning and assessment.

* Develops and maintains online guides and digital learning objects to support courses and disciplinary research.

* Contributes, as needed, to teaching general and interdisciplinary instruction.

4. Contributes to building and managing collections that are broad, forward-looking, and that meet the research and curricular needs of assigned departments.

* Communicates regularly with faculty regarding collection priorities, needs, and access.

* Maintains familiarity with publishing and research trends.

* Manages budget allocations and expenditures and monitors usage patterns.

5. Manages all library services and resources related to participation in the Federal Depository Program

* Ensures that the Libraries meet their obligations under Title 44 of the U.S. Code authorizing the Federal Depository Library Program.

* Responsible for the development, organization and management of the libraries' government information collections.

* Provides in-depth reference/research assistance and instruction related to government information.

* Provides instruction in the use of government information and data.

* Fulfills responsibilities as the Regional Librarian in Missouri for the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP)

* Supervise one or more student employees.

* Manage gift fund dedicated to government documents.

6. Supports students/faculty/staff needing machine-readable datasets for new and original research projects.

* Manages the libraries' campus memberships in the Inter-University Consortium for Policial and Social Research (ICPSR) and the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research.

* Assist users with identification and access of public use datasets to address research needs.

* Provide instruction and reference assistance related to data services.

7. Actively engages in networking, professional development, and other scholarly activities.

* Contributes to and learns from the profession through local, state, and national professional organizations, presentations, and publications.

* Identifies and integrates best practices in service, teaching and learning, and scholarly activity.

8. Advances the Libraries' and University's mission through service.

* Participates in committees and task forces within the Libraries, University, and the profession.

* Maintains professional collaborations with other campus constituencies, consortia colleagues, and community organizations.

9. Works with colleagues to create a learning and working environment that is welcoming and supports the entire University's community.

10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) or from a program in a country with a formal accreditation process as identified by ALA.

Candidates will also be evaluated on the following:
* Strong commitment to user-centered library service.
* Education, experience, and/or strong demonstrated interest in providing research support in social sciences.
* Demonstrated interest in growing expertise and abilities to support government information.
* Demonstrated interest in growing expertise and abilities to support data services.
* Interest in providing library instruction and reference in a variety of modalities.
* Interest in and aptitude for exploring new technologies and innovations supporting teaching and research.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a demanding and rapidly changing environment.
* Ability to communicate effectively, including excellent interpersonal skills as well as verbal and written skills.
* Ability to adjust priorities, take initiative, set goals, and complete projects.
* Positive, proactive approach to problem-solving.
* Interest in or familiarity with collection development.
* Desire to seek out new responsibilities, generate new ideas, and pursue self-development.

Salary and librarian rank will be commensurate with experience within an expected range of $58,500-$68,000 per year. This position holds non-tenure track (NTT) faculty status. For information regarding title and rank, please review the MU Libraries' Librarian and Archivist Governance Document found at: https://libraryguides.missouri.edu/ld.php?content_id=79094147.

A cover letter, contact information for three references and CV must be uploaded through the brief application process.

Preference for applications received by December 23, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.